Dan Walters

Commentary

Are recall system changes reforms or power grab?

With the recall election on Gov. Gavin Newsom nearing an end, critics say the recall system needs changes. But would they be reforms or a power grab?

By

Dan Walters

• September 14, 2021

Commentary

California finally cracks down on bad cops

The California Legislature has finally closed a loophole that protected bad cops from losing their licenses.

By

Dan Walters

• September 13, 2021

Commentary

California wildfires ignite an insurance crisis

California's never-ending wildfires have ignited an insurance crisis that demands bold new thinking.

By

Dan Walters

• September 12, 2021

Commentary

California’s ‘corridor of corruption’ yields new case

Southern California's "corridor of corruption" has yielded a new case of insider dealing - not the first and not the last.

By

Dan Walters

• September 8, 2021

Gov. Gavin Newsom, facing a recall, prepares to speak at a press conference to announce a new requirement for all school teachers and employees to show proof of vaccination or to undergo weekly COVID-19 testing, at Carl B. Munck Elementary School in Oakland on Aug. 11, 2021. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

Commentary

Newsom put himself in recall danger

California Gov. Gavin Newsom now seems likely to survive the effort to recall him, but he should reflect on what got him into trouble.

By

Dan Walters

• September 7, 2021

A worker welds. As California attracts higher-educated workers, it is running out of blue-collar labor. Photo via iStock

Commentary

California’s Labor Day lament: A shortage of workers

A shortage of blue-collar workers — many driven out by the state's high housing costs — could wreak havoc on the state's economy.

By

Dan Walters

• September 6, 2021

Commentary

California housing plans need an overhaul

A new UCLA study concludes that California's system of local housing quotas has a "fundamental flaw" that needs correction.

By

Dan Walters

• September 5, 2021

Journeyman Hector Cortez Mesa practices in the welding shop for his recertification on June 10, 2021 at Iron Workers in Benicia. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

Commentary

‘Grand bargain’ of workers’ compensation under siege

Legislation and a pending lawsuit could make big changes in California's 108-year-old system of compensating workers for job-related illnesses and injuries.

By

Dan Walters

• September 1, 2021

Commentary

Will Gavin Newsom release Robert Kennedy’s killer?

As he battles to avoid being recalled, California Gov. Gavin Newsom faces another issue: whether Sirhan Sirhan, who assassinated Robert Kennedy, should be paroled.

By

Dan Walters

• August 31, 2021

Gov. Gavin Newsom presents the 2021 budget revise in Sacramento on May 14, 2021. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

Commentary

If recalled, what’s next for Gavin Newsom?

How would California Gov. Gavin Newsom continue to pursue a political career if he's recalled from office this year?

By

Dan Walters

• August 30, 2021