Dan Walters

A teacher sits at a table with a small group of students in a classroom, leading a discussion. A whiteboard behind them displays vocabulary words like “enough” and “jewelry.” The walls are covered with educational posters and a word wall. Empty desks and bins of supplies are visible in the foreground.

Commentary

California is finally adopting phonics, fulfilling a grandmother’s dream

Four decades after education reformer Marian Joseph pushed phonics in schools to change the way young readers learn, California lawmakers are embracing it.

By

Dan Walters

• July 18, 2025

A person wearing a navy suit stands behind a lectern with the state seal of California during a press event. A monitor with the words, "-$16B Our State Revenues" can be seen to the person's left side.

Commentary

New California budget papers over $20 billion deficit, ignores day of reckoning

Gov. Gavin Newsom is counting $7 billion drawn from a reserve account as revenue, making California's $20 billion budget deficit seem smaller.

By

Dan Walters

• July 17, 2025

Sheep grazing near solar panels at the Kettleman City Power solar farm on July 27, 2022 Sheep are let into the facility to eat bugs and graze on dry grass that could be a fire hazard. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Commentary

Why California’s agricultural industry is at odds over converting land to solar farms

A conflict in the Imperial Valley offers a window into an increasingly sharp debate within California's $60 billion agricultural sector over what should happen as acreage devoted to crops and livestock shrinks.

By

Dan Walters

• July 16, 2025

A person walks past a row of tents and makeshift shelters set up on a sidewalk against a brick wall in an urban area. A small memorial with artificial flowers is attached to a nearby pole.

Commentary

LA Times valiantly explains how Los Angeles became the epicenter of homelessness

The Los Angeles Times recently made a valiant attempt to explain how homelessness became a seemingly intractable crisis in L.A. County.

By

Dan Walters

• July 15, 2025

Students wearing red and beige uniforms sit on the floor of a classroom as they look up at a teacher pointing to a projected lesson on a whiteboard.

Commentary

Charter schools need reform. This proposal could kneecap them

Lawmakers are considering creating an inspector general role just to oversee charter schools. It might slow the charter school movement.

By

Dan Walters

• July 11, 2025

A side-view of a wooden lodge building in the corner of a street surrounded by trees and other greenery. A person wearing a purple sweater and holding a cup of coffee can be seen on the far right walking along the street.

Commentary

Holdouts in Marin County resist California rules speeding up multifamily housing

State pressure to allow more housing in Marin County is relentless, but some in Fairfax aren't giving up without a fight.

By

Dan Walters

• July 10, 2025

California Governor Gavin Newsom shakes hands and smiles while he meets a group of people sitting inside a crowded coffee shop. In the background, a group of people is lined up along the wall of the shop, and some are seated around a table.

Commentary

Newsom’s South Carolina visit should remove any doubts about his political goals

South Carolina could host the first presidential primary again in 2028. Democratic politicians who see themselves as potential candidates are finding reasons to visit. Gavin Newsom went there this week.

By

Dan Walters

• July 9, 2025

Representative David Valadao speaks during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol, in Washington, D.C., on March 17, 2021. Photo by Graeme Sloan, Sipa USA via Reuters

Commentary

Valadao and other California GOP members of Congress might regret backing Trump’s megabill

Congressional Republicans in California are facing attacks over their support for Trump's controversial megabill. What happens in three targeted districts next year could easily determine which party controls the House, with potentially major consequences for the remainder of Trump’s presidency.

By

Dan Walters

• July 8, 2025

A huge crowd of people gather around a small group of lawmakers standing near a pole with a sign that reads "California" during a national convention event inside a stadium venue. People in the crowd hold up their phones to take photos or hold blue and red signs that read "freedom."

Commentary

California’s politics drifts rightward while New York’s leans left

In contrast to New York voters favoring a "democratic socialist," Californians chose moderate politicians like Gov. Gavin Newsom and San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie.

By

Dan Walters

• July 4, 2025

A person wearing a dark suit and red tie stands in front of a background filled with American flags. The individual is pointing forward with a determined expression, emphasizing a stance of confidence and focus amidst the patriotic setting.

Commentary

Presidential election reveals big shift in California voting patterns. Will it last?

Kamala Harris' poorer than expected performance with key demographic groups and increases in young voters registering Republican are signs of political change in California.

By

Dan Walters

• July 3, 2025