Dan Walters

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.

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.

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

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.

California political campaigns often try to fool voters into supporting candidates and causes they might otherwise not favor. This year's campaigns include misleading attacks with hidden motives and "slate mailers" that candidates pay for recommendations.

California's June 5 primary election could be more than decisive than usual. Voters could effectively make Democrat Gavin Newsom the next governor by giving Republican John Cox a second-place finish and could spoil Democratic hopes of making big congressional gains in the state.

Under pressure from federal courts, California has sharply reduced numbers of inmates in state prisons. However, "corrections" costs are still rising and California is now spending $75,000 per year per inmate.

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

With dozens of candidates for the U.S. Senate and governor this year, handicapping the June 5 primary election is difficult. The biggest unknown is whether Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom will have the luxury of a Republican opponent in November, or will face fellow Democrat Antonio Villaraigosa.

Gov. Jerry Brown once again is warning about the heavy impact of recession on the state budget. However, he continues to shun reforming the state's tax system to reduce revenue volatility and therefore lessen the impact.