Dan Walters

Commentary

Bay Area transit systems want more money. But their payrolls soared as ridership declined

As Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislators negotiate a final version of the budget, their differences on transit financing will be a key issue.

By

Dan Walters

• June 18, 2025

Gov. Gavin Newsom, wearing a navy blue suit, reaches out his hand to an individual out of frame, with photographers and security guards behind him.

Commentary

Gavin Newsom finally admits he’s contemplating a run for president

President Donald Trump’s anti-immigrant drive is a political gift to Newsom, a springboard for him to fill a vacuum and claim leadership of the opposition to Trump.

By

Dan Walters

• June 17, 2025

A homeless encampment along the riverbed in San Diego on March 23, 2024. Photo by Kristian Carreon for CalMatters

Commentary

California’s battle against homelessness needs a ‘combined arms’ approach

California is losing its war on homelessness because state and local governments are operating in political silos rather than combining their resources effectively.

By

Dan Walters

• June 13, 2025

An aerial view of a wetland landscape features winding waterways, marshy islands, and patches of green vegetation floating on the water's surface. Dirt pathways and levees divide the water, creating geometric patterns. In the distance, a bridge spans a wide river, with industrial structures and wind turbines visible along the horizon. The scene showcases a mix of natural and human-altered environments under a clear sky.

Commentary

Newsom wanted to fast-track the Delta tunnel project. The Legislature slowed the flow

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s fellow Democrats in the Legislature usually let him use the budget process to push his priority bills and minimize debate. Not this time.

By

Dan Walters

• June 12, 2025

Rows wooden desk in legislative room at the state Capitol. Lawmakers and staff can be seen in the distance background.

Commentary

Why the legislature’s budget proposal would put California in an even deeper hole

The budget proposal that legislative leaders countered with this week would increase spending even more than the governor's revised plan, which was unveiled last month.

By

Dan Walters

• June 11, 2025

Heavily armed officers in tactical gear and face coverings stand in a line with clear riot shields as protesters confront them in the street. Several protesters gesture and record the interaction with their phones. The scene unfolds in front of a building marked "ambiance" on a bright day.

Commentary

Trump, Newsom clash over LA protests and federal funding feeds their political interests

As President Donald Trump and California Gov. Gavin Newsom exchange unpleasantries over immigration and funding, they give each other opportunities to make overtures to their political bases.

By

Dan Walters

• June 10, 2025

An aerial view of construction workers working on the wooden framing of two homes.

Commentary

California’s stubborn problems keep thwarting its ballooning budget

California's spending has tripled in 25 years under Democratic leadership, while such problems as homelessness, water shortages and poverty grew.

By

Dan Walters

• June 6, 2025

Two people wearing face masks sit across from each other at a desk in an office. One person, holding a highlighter, appears to be explaining something, while the other listens. Papers with highlighted text lie on the desk between them, and a computer monitor, desk organizer, and cardboard box are visible in the background.

Commentary

California’s deficit dilemma: Cut spending, borrow money or raise taxes?

Gov. Gavin Newsom estimated there's a nearly $20 billion hole in the budget, but if lawmakers restore his Medi-Cal cuts the hole could grow $10 billion larger.

By

Dan Walters

• June 5, 2025

Commentary

California’s economy is just limping along. Why is Newsom always boasting?

California's unemployment rate remains among the nation's highest, while the state struggles to build homes and grow its labor force.

By

Dan Walters

• June 4, 2025

The exterior of the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration in downtown Los Angeles.

Commentary

Los Angeles County’s chief executive will be one of California’s most powerful political gigs

A minor miracle occurred when Los Angeles County voters last year approved several governance reforms, including creating an elected county executive, a position that would be second in California's real-world power only to governor.

By

Dan Walters

• June 3, 2025