Dan Walters

Commentary

Bay Area transit measure will test voters’ taste for higher sales taxes

Backers of a Bay Area transit tax increase are preparing an initiative to put on the ballot to potentially boost some area sales taxes to 11%.

By

Dan Walters

• October 22, 2025

Walter Forster, a Los Angeles resident, holds a sign that advocates for financial compensation during the California Reparations Task Force meeting that was held at the California Science Center in Los Angeles on Sept. 23, 2022. Photo by Pablo Unzueta for CalMatters

Commentary

Gavin Newsom embraced reparations at first. Now he’s slow rolling them

Since creating California's reparations task force five years ago, Newsom has signed few of its bills while slowing most that would have directed money or benefits to Black Californians.

By

Dan Walters

• October 21, 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, "$363M our state surplus Janaury 2025 Forecast" can be seen to the person's left side.

Commentary

California’s chronic deficit looms again as Newsom prepares his last state budget

Gov. Gavin Newsom may run out of reserves and other ways to paper over his last state budget deficit before he eventually runs for president.

By

Dan Walters

• October 17, 2025

A multi-story apartment complex under construction, wrapped in yellow weather-resistant sheathing and surrounded by scaffolding, with dry grass and shrubs in the foreground and green hills rising in the background under a hazy sky.

Commentary

Newsom did what he pledged to do to jump-start housing production. Still no progress

Gov. Gavin Newsom took the steps he vowed to take to stimulate housing production. But housing start numbers have barely budged in eight years.

By

Dan Walters

• October 16, 2025

A speaker stands at a podium labeled "CADEM California Democratic Party," delivering a speech with a hand gesture. The background features dark blue curtains and a California state flag. In the foreground, an audience member holds up a phone to capture the moment. The lighting highlights the speaker against the dimly lit backdrop.

Commentary

Videos could tank Katie Porter’s bid to become California’s next governor

As damage to some candidates' personal images harmed their presidential hopes, so too can two viral incidents torpedo Katie Porter's chances.

By

Dan Walters

• October 15, 2025

Four white voting booths with American flags and the word "VOTE" emblazoned on the side are visible. A person wearing a baseball cap casts a ballot in one of the booths. They're located in a room, reminiscent of a community center.

Commentary

California’s long-running saga over local tax measures might return to the ballot

A recent appellate court ruling over a 2020 ballot measure in San Diego marks the latest front in California's ongoing saga over local tax initiatives. Tax gadflies vow to put a measure on the 2026 ballot.

By

Dan Walters

• October 10, 2025

A person carries a large plastic bucket filled with produce on their shoulder while working in a field of green crops during harvest. Surrounded by others bending over the plants, the individual wears a long-sleeve shirt, hat, and face covering for sun protection. A tractor and trailer are visible in the background under the warm early morning or late afternoon light.

Commentary

California’s two-tier economy mirrors Great Britain’s ‘Upstairs, Downstairs’ past

The state's upper class espouses equality politics and social justice, while pushing policies that keep low wage workers living in poverty.

By

Dan Walters

• October 9, 2025

This photo zeroes in on the speaker at the podium, giving a more solemn and resolved tone compared to the more animated shots. The expression is serious, with the gaze slightly lifted, suggesting determination and gravity. The podium sign “Election Rigging Response Act” remains front and center, with blurred supporters and signs in the background, emphasizing focus on leadership while still anchoring the event in its collective setting.

Commentary

Gerrymander duelists, Newsom and Trump, deserve scorn for partisan power plays

Redrawn maps will likely increase the number of Democrats in Congress while also boosting Gov. Gavin Newsom's chances in a presidential race.

By

Dan Walters

• October 8, 2025

Flames and smoke rise from an industrial fire at night as firefighters spray water from an elevated ladder truck onto the blaze, illuminating the scene in bright orange light.

Commentary

Refinery fire spotlights California’s gas supply crunch and high prices at the pump

Damage from the Chevron El Segundo refinery fire hasn't been tallied yet. But gas prices are likely to soar anyway because two other refineries are closing.

By

Dan Walters

• October 7, 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 businesses bear brunt of growing unemployment benefit debt

California employers and taxpayers are paying off the state's growing debt from a $20 billion federal loan used to cover unemployment claims.

By

Dan Walters

• October 3, 2025