In summary

A collection of commentaries by Dan Walters over the past week.

What are the limits on a ‘gig economy?’

The state Supreme Court drew a line between employees and contractors, and now the issue is a hot one for the Legislature.

GOP dodges bullet, but faces tough future

Californians dodge a bullet by electing a moderate new party chairperson, but Jessica Patterson faces a daunting task to resuscitate her party.

Political rules can change game’s outcome

Are “gerrymandering” and “ballot harvesting” unethical political practices? It often depends on who’s doing them.

San Joaquin Valley: California’s poor stepchild?

The San Joaquin Valley sees itself as a poor civic stepchild in California, and Gov. Gavin Newsom says he wants to be the region’s champion.

We want to hear from you

Want to submit a guest commentary or reaction to an article we wrote? You can find our submission guidelines here. Please contact CalMatters with any commentary questions: commentary@calmatters.org

Dan Walters has been a journalist for more than 60 years, spending all but a few of those years working for California newspapers. He began his professional career in 1960, at age 16, at the Humboldt Times...