Dan Walters

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

A construction worker operates a large John Deere excavator, digging and moving dirt at an urban construction site. The excavator is positioned in front of a modern white apartment building with balconies. A chain-link fence runs along the left edge of the image, and the sky is overcast.

Commentary

California lawmakers finally achieve ‘holy grail’ reform of state’s key environmental law

The social and economic costs of leaving CEQA intact became too high. With Gavin Newsom nearing the end of his governorship, he decided to confront the issue squarely.

By

Dan Walters

• July 2, 2025

A person in a suit speaks passionately at a microphone, gesturing with a raised hand. The background is blurred, with individuals and an industrial setting partially visible. The lighting creates a focused, dynamic atmosphere.

Commentary

Newsom uses political stunts to garner attention. As Jerry Brown learned, it can backfire

Gavin Newsom has shifted his image-building efforts into higher gear, bolstering assumptions that he will run for president. But as Jerry Brown learned during his tenure as governor, past political stunts can haunt a presidential bid.

By

Dan Walters

• July 1, 2025

A poster explains ways to file for unemployment insurance benefits, as job seekers look for work at the JobTrain employment office in Menlo Park. Photo by Paul Sakuma, AP Photo

Commentary

Five years later, the pandemic still weakens two California employee safety nets

The state still hasn't fixed problems with its unemployment and workers compensation funds, both of which faltered during the COVID pandemic and haven't recovered.

By

Dan Walters

• June 27, 2025

California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at a podium during a press conference, with a monitor beside him displaying the words “TRUMP SLUMP” in bold white letters on a black background. Behind him are the U.S. and California state flags, and the podium bears the seal of the Governor of the State of California.

Commentary

California budget deal cooks the books again to hide big ‘structural’ deficit

State lawmakers and the governor have adopted a hide-the-pea approach to budgeting, relying on reserves, loans and payment delays to conceal a $21 billion deficit.

By

Dan Walters

• June 26, 2025

Sunset behind electrical lines outside of Bay Point along Highway 4 on Sept. 15, 2020. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Commentary

California’s war on carbon emissions faces setbacks in court and Congress

New laws, a future Supreme Court decision and consumer hesitance are some of the obstacles California must overcome if it's going to see a carbon neutral future.

By

Dan Walters

• June 25, 2025

A long row of orange trees in a grove, with crates lined up along the dirt path between the trees. Two people are visible using ladders to harvest oranges, surrounded by lush green foliage and bright orange fruit. Rolling hills are visible in the distant background under a clear sky.

Commentary

California politicians ignore agriculture’s troubles, but boost movie business

California is still No. 1 in agriculture, generating $60 billion a year, but other industries have more clout. The state plans to double subsidies to films, which amount to half that.

By

Dan Walters

• June 24, 2025

A close-up view of a student holding a pencil while working on a worksheet in class.

Commentary

California politicians agree on school money, but poor test scores need attention

The Legislature's and governor's budget proposals agree to spend $80 billion on schools. There've been few discussions about how to boost students' persistently low test scores.

By

Dan Walters

• June 19, 2025