Dan Walters

A panel of nine speakers seated onstage at a “Unionize California” event hold up green cards in unison during a discussion. A red, white, and blue projection of the words "UNIONIZE CALIFORNIA" appears on the curtain behind them as audience members watch from round tables in the foreground.

Commentary

Democrats seeking California governor strut their stuff for powerful union leaders

Seven Democrats running for California governor largely toed the line at a "beauty contest" with powerful labor leaders. But two people not in the room loomed large.

By

Dan Walters

• May 13, 2025

A close up of a digital gasoline sign, with various prices. The words, "CASH," "Gasoline," "Credit/Debit" are visible at the top. "Regular," "Plus," and "V-Power" are visible in the middle. Prices range from $5.79 to $6.09.

Commentary

If lawmakers or lawsuits get oil companies to pay for climate change, consumers will pay, too.

Other efforts to reduce Californians' carbon footprint have cost consumers. A new auditor report notes a greenhouse gas reduction program has raised gasoline prices.

By

Dan Walters

• May 9, 2025

An individual stands outside a building, closely examining notices taped to a glass door. The signs include information in Spanish about unemployment benefits and COVID-19-related service changes. The person carries a white plastic bag and wears a shoulder bag while leaning forward, resting their hands near their chin.

Commentary

California’s fourth-ranked economy is also tops in unemployment, poverty and deficits

Since Gavin Newsom became governor, state spending has increased an average 9% a year while revenues grew 6%. That's called a “structural deficit.”

By

Dan Walters

• May 8, 2025

The exterior white building wall with the words “The State Bar Of California” underneath an agency’s seal. Under the seal and sign is the top of a bush poking into the frame.

Commentary

State Bar’s botched exam for new lawyers is California’s latest entry to the hall of shame

Many of the state government's wrongheaded actions involve mishaps using advanced technology or systems. What happened this year with the State Bar is the latest entrant to a list of managerial failures.

By

Dan Walters

• May 7, 2025

A person with long blonde hair and wearing a black blazer with a white shirt looks to their right as they sit in front of a wooden desk surrounded by other people.

Commentary

Clash over teen sex solicitation reveals the rift within the California Democratic Party

The image that emerges after a recent dustup over a bill seeking to increase penalties for sex solicitation is one of a Democratic Party at war with itself as the governor tries to distance himself from his party’s leftish tendencies.

By

Dan Walters

• May 6, 2025

Traffic moves along the 110 Freeway in Los Angeles on Nov. 22, 2022. Photo by Jae C. Hong, AP Photo

Commentary

Newsom jabs at Trump and Musk, but will AI make California more efficient?

Gov. Gavin Newsom contrasted federal efficiency cuts with his use of AI to improve state government. But California's record of using technology has been poor.

By

Dan Walters

• May 2, 2025

Commentary

Lawmakers might undermine California’s landmark public pension reform

A bill that would usher in a major change in pension law could cost local governments billions. Yet it is sailing through the Legislature without any opposition.

By

Dan Walters

• May 1, 2025

People gather and prepare for session inside the California State Assembly chamber, with a screen at the front displaying the date and time: "Friday, March 28, 2025, 9:00 A.M." Some individuals are seated while others walk or converse near desks and the dais.

Commentary

When California politicians ignore policy risks, failure and scandal often result

California lawmakers have a knack for instituting major programs without scrutinizing the potential downsides. A new proposal to create a state infrastructure financing board could become another example.

By

Dan Walters

• April 30, 2025

Commentary

One faction scores win in Capitol’s perpetual ‘tort wars’ while another battleground looms

In the latest installment of the Capitol's "tort wars," a new proposal that would've enabled higher payouts for tax disputes was killed. Meanwhile, larger lawsuit payouts are affecting Los Angeles coffers, creating politically unusual positions.

By

Dan Walters

• April 29, 2025

Vice President Kamala Harris, wearing a tan blazer and black shirt, stands behind a podium with a view of a crowded arena behind her at a campaign rally.

Commentary

As Harris ponders run for California governor, is she prepared for the daunting job?

California's future governor will have to deal with its housing shortage, homelessness, poverty, uncertain water supply, educational deficiencies and budget deficits.

By

Dan Walters

• April 25, 2025