Dan Walters

GOP gubernatorial candidate John Cox speaks to reporters on Election Night. Photo by Samantha Young for CALmatters

Commentary

Newsom and Trump wanted Cox—and got their wishes

Gavin Newsom, the Democrats' candidate for governor, and Republican President Donald Trump both wanted Republican businessman John Cox to finish second in this weeks's gubernatorial primary and thus gain a spot on the November ballot Both got their wishes. Newsom can now coast to the governorship, and Republicans hope having Cox on the ballot will spur a higher turnout of GOP voters and save several embattled congressional districts.

By

Dan Walters

• June 7, 2018

Commentary

Local officials avoid ‘p-word’ as they push new taxes

California voters faced a slew of local tax and bond measures in this week's election and more will be coming in November, but in proposing them, local officials avoid mentioning escalating pension costs as the major reason they need more revenue.

By

Dan Walters

• June 6, 2018

Commentary

Wildfires and lead paint reignite Capitol’s ‘tort wars’

The "tort wars" that raged in the Capitol for decades over who and can sue whom are being reignited by conflicts over legal responsibility for wildfires and the sale of lead-based house paint.

By

Dan Walters

• June 4, 2018

Commentary

Brown may leave with two big projects on the bubble

Gov. Jerry Brown is heavily invested in two massive public works projects, twin water tunnels beneath the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and a north-south bullet train. But as he prepares to leave the governorship for a second time, both are far from certain to be completed.

By

Dan Walters

• June 3, 2018

Commentary

Brown wants to save, but legislators want to spend

Gov. Jerry Brown is finalizing his last budget and wants to sock away more billions to cushion a future economic downturn. But legislative leaders have spending wish lists totaling several billions of dollars.

By

Dan Walters

• May 31, 2018

The nine justices of the United States Supreme Court are shown.

Commentary

Commentary: Conservative Supreme Court helps blue California

The U.S. Supreme Court, in overturning a federal law prohibiting sports wagering, bolstered the states' rights doctrine and in doing so, may help California in its battles with the Trump administration over tailpipe emissions and other issues.

By

Dan Walters

• May 30, 2018

Commentary

Battle over gas-tax hike intensifies

The California Republican Party is sponsoring a ballot measure to repeal a $5 billion package of taxes and fees on motorists to improve transportation systems. Gov. Jerry Brown is leading the campaign to preserve an important part of his legacy.

By

Dan Walters

• May 28, 2018

Commentary

Commentary: Hasty rooftop solar decree could backfire

The California Energy Commission has decreed that new homes must have rooftop solar power installations beginning in 2020. However, energy experts warn that the new rules were hastily drafted and could have adverse effects.

By

Dan Walters

• May 27, 2018

Dan Walters

Dan Walters Commentary Roundup 05/25/2018

A collection of commentaries by Dan Walters over the past week.

By

Dan Walters

• May 25, 2018

Commentary

CalPERS’ new investment plan – wise or risky?

The huge pension fund that covers pensions for California's state and local government employees is unveiling a new investment strategy. However, the California Public Employees Retirement System has a spotty track record, so there's reason to be skeptical.

By

Dan Walters

• May 24, 2018