Dan Walters

The California Legislature will be playing charades this week, passing a budget bill to meet the June 15 constitutional deadline even though it's not the real budget. It will, however, protect lawmakers' paychecks.

California governors and legislators routinely misuse so-called budget "trailer bills" to enact sweeping policy changes without the transparent processes that they deserve.

The conflict over water rights has been brewing in California for decades. The Legislature is now involved as lawmakers weigh three bills to curb those rights, some dating back to the 19th century.

California received another reminder this week that, despite its world-class economy, the state has millions of families mired in poverty.

A new study analyzed California's economic competitiveness compared to other states and found that its edge is now narrowing.

The state Assembly has passed legislation to require large cities, counties and school districts to use independent commissions to redraw districts for their governing boards, but the measure exempts five major counties.

Five years ago, Gavin Newsom pledged support for a single-payer health care system but has since backed away. Even the universal coverage he now advocates for has become elusive goal.

California's public transit systems say they are facing a "fiscal cliff" and are pleading for state aid, but so far haven't gained much traction in the Capitol.

California faces a large budget deficit for the forthcoming fiscal year and chronic shortfalls for years thereafter. How to deal with them is going to be a major problem for the state's politicians.

Despite how Gov. Gavin Newsom portrays it, Florida and California both use their education systems to promote ideological agendas.