Dan Walters

A truck arrives to pick up a shipping container at the Port of Los Angeles, on Nov. 30, 2021. Photo by Damian Dovarganes, AP Photo

Commentary

Shipping needs at odds with California’s climate goals

Southern California made a big economic bet that logistics, becoming a point for receiving and handling the shipments of goods, would be an economic boon, but it now faces big tests of viability.

By

Dan Walters

• September 10, 2023

A chimney stands at a destroyed building as the McKinney Fire burns in Klamath National Forest on July 31, 2022

Commentary

Insurance looms as California Legislature nears end of session

There are just a few days remaining in the 2023 session of the California Legislature and it has nearly 1,000 bills still to process - and perhaps some late-blooming measures not yet drafted.

By

Dan Walters

• September 6, 2023

A row of flags at the Capitol Rotunda before Gov. Gavin Newsom signs into law his oil profit penalty plan in Sacramento on March 28, 2023. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Commentary

High-tech California struggles to use technology managing state government

California is the cradle of the high-tech industry, yet the state's government continues to be chronically unable to effectively use information technology.

By

Dan Walters

• September 5, 2023

Commentary

Will California’s new math curriculum improve state’s woeful rankings?

Studies and tests consistently demonstrate that Californians – both students and adults – are woefully deficient in vital math skills. The state is recommending a new math curriculum, but will it have a beneficial impact?

By

Dan Walters

• September 3, 2023

Police officers stand guard Wednesday, June 15, 2022, near a crime scene where two police officers were shot and killed Tuesday at a motel in El Monte. Photo by Ringo H.W. Chiu, AP Photo

Commentary

California law treats some violent crimes as nonviolent, letting offenders off the hook

California law classifies some violent crimes, such as spousal abuse, as nonviolent for punishment purposes, and the Legislature has so far refused to make changes.

By

Dan Walters

• August 30, 2023

The offices of the Employment Development Department in Sacramento on Jan. 10, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Commentary

GOP attack on Newsom misses mark, but California’s unemployment program remains a hot mess

The harsh reality is that California's Employment Development Department botched the management of unemployment insurance for jobless workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowed massive fraud in the dispersal of federal benefits, and still hasn't fixed its problems.

By

Dan Walters

• August 29, 2023

Marchers hold signs as Ty Kovacs, a teacher for California School of the Deaf, signs to the crowd in front of the Governor's Mansion on Sacramento on June 8, 2023. Photo by Julie A. Hotz for CalMatters

Commentary

California unions make major push with strikes and legislative action

Tens of thousands of California workers have gone on strike this year to seek better wages and working conditions. As the strikes continue, unions are mounting a full-court press in the Legislature to achieve those same goals.

By

Dan Walters

• August 28, 2023

A view of cars crossing the Bay Bridge headed into San Francisco, on August 24, 2022. Photo by Carlos Barria, Reuters

Commentary

Bay Area is beginning to resemble chaotic and politically divided Southern California

The San Francisco Bay Area has enjoyed economic and political dominance over Southern California, but the region's once-united front is cracking as a recent dispute over toll increases revealed.

By

Dan Walters

• August 27, 2023

Students in Nicholas Cordova's 7th grade history class at Sycamore Junior High School in Anaheim on May 22, 2023. Photo by Lauren Justice for CalMatters

Commentary

California walks back decision to muzzle researchers testifying in pandemic education lawsuit

California's Department of Education tried to block academic researchers from testifying in a lawsuit alleging that the state's school closures damaged academic achievement, but finally backed down – partially.

By

Dan Walters

• August 23, 2023

Assemblymember Robert Rivas (center)and other legislators talk on the assembly floor in the state Capitol in Sacramento on Jan. 19, 2023. Photo by Rahul Lal for CalMatters

Commentary

California Democrats emulate Ohio GOP to undermine tax limit ballot measure

A chess move by California Capitol leadership last week could undercut a pending ballot measure seeking to restrict new taxes. A similar strategy was used by Republicans in Ohio attempting to restrict abortion rights.

By

Dan Walters

• August 22, 2023