Dan Walters

A person in a dark suit and light blue tie stands outdoors among a crowd, facing the camera with a serious expression. Behind them, an American flag waves near a construction crane, with trees and a bright blue sky in the background.

Commentary

Trump endorsing Hilton may help keep California governorship in Democratic hands

If ex-TV commentator Steve Hilton pulls far ahead of Sheriff Chad Bianco, it cuts the chances for a 1-2 GOP outcome — likely the only way California can get a Republican governor.

By

Dan Walters

• April 6, 2026

Several candidates sit in chairs on a stage, facing a crowd. Behind the candidates is a banner that reads “Affordability and Rural California,” with decor of an American flag, a California flag, and potted plants.

Commentary

This isn’t a race for California governor; it’s more like a game of chicken

Rather than campaigning, eight Democratic hopefuls are waiting for someone to blink, as two Republican candidates take potshots at each other.

By

Dan Walters

• April 3, 2026

A close-up of a person wearing sunglasses as they are surrounded by reporters holding microphones and cameras near the person's face.

Commentary

Allegation that Gavin Newsom presides over an ’empire of fraud’ doesn’t stick

A conservative magazine wrongly labeled as fraud signs of Gov. Newsom's mismanagement. That's not an investigation; it's a campaign ploy.

By

Dan Walters

• April 2, 2026

A detailed look of scaffolding that sits in front of a weather-resistant barrier e of an apartment complex under construction.

Commentary

Santa Monica project points the way to easing California’s housing shortage

If wealthy Santa Monica can do it, will less well-heeled CA communities begin accommodating modular home and apartment construction?

By

Dan Walters

• March 31, 2026

A person wearing a navy suit points to a monitor with a line chart on it during a press conference. The California state seal, state flag and the American flag can be seen behind them.

Commentary

Newsom may spend $19 million to sugarcoat California’s stalled economy

Strength in the technology sector is masking California's weakness. Outside of government and health care, the state has added no jobs in a year and a half.

By

Dan Walters

• March 27, 2026

Hands hold a printed booklet clipped at the top titled “Governor’s Budget Summary 2026–27, Gavin Newsom, Governor, State of California,” featuring a photo of the state capitol building on the cover.

Commentary

California’s budget bleeds red ink with added pressure to cover Trump’s cuts

State officials are expecting higher than predicted revenues to close California's persistent budget deficit. The question is for how long.

By

Dan Walters

• March 26, 2026

Four speakers sit onstage in armchairs for a moderated panel discussion, with an audience watching from the foreground. Behind them are purple backdrops reading “Health Matters” and “La Salud Importa,” lit by spotlights.

Commentary

California governor’s race gets weirder with debate cancellation, new poll

USC cancelled its debate amid allegations of bias because all the invited candidates are white while candidates of color were not invited.

By

Dan Walters

• March 25, 2026

A person dressed in medical scrubs places a stethoscope on a patient's back during a blood pressure and blood sugar test. The patient wears a beige fedora and sits near a medical bed inside a clinic.

Commentary

Medi-Cal faces funding emergency from state miscalculations, federal budget cuts

Gov. Gavin Newsom is retracting Medi-Cal for immigrants, years after he wrongly figured a state surplus. And President Trump is cutting health funds to states.

By

Dan Walters

• March 24, 2026