Commentary
Forty-two years later, another property tax battle
Forty-two years after California voters overwhemingly passed Proposition 13, the state's iconic property tax limit, Proposition 15 proposes to alter it.
Dan Walters
Commentary
High housing costs keep Californians poor
California still has the nation's highest poverty rate, thanks to our high housing costs, which restrict much-needed construction.
Commentary
Most ‘job killer’ bills bite the dust again
Despite the influence of COVID-19 and recession, the California Chamber of Commerce maintained its record of defeating "job killer" bills.
Commentary
Newsom war on climate change vs. reality
Gov. Gavin Newsom says he wants to "step up our game" on fighting climate change, but must contend with a stark reality.
Commentary
Supreme Court makes local tax hikes easier
The California Supreme Court is making it easier to enact specialized local taxes, which could erode budgetary authority of elected officials.
Commentary
Environmental exemptions yes, but reform no
The California Legislature continues to exempt favored projects from the California Environmental Quality Act while ducking comprehensive CEQA reform.
Commentary
Legislature fails on police reform promises
Many high-profile bills died on the last day of the California Legislature's 2020 session, including major police reform measures.
Commentary
Legislature ignores fire insurance crisis
As wildfires raged, the California Legislature's 2020 session ended with no action on the crisis of insurance coverage in fire-prone areas.
Dan Walters
Capitol’s dominant Democrats still bickering
Democrats may dominate the California Legislature but there's plenty of political conflict, including a rivalry between its two houses.
Dan Walters
Newsom’s third try on COVID-19
California Gov. Gavin Newsom' is making his third major attempt to strike a balance between fighting COVID-19 and protecting the economy.