In summary

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

A crackdown on misuse of taxpayer money?

Using public funds for political campaigns is illegal but it’s a widespread practice in California. New legislation would put teeth in the law by authorizing the Fair Political Practices Commission to enforce it.

California politicians disrespect our rights

California politicians often ignore constitutional rights as they make new laws, and federal judges have to remind them that Californians are also U.S. citizens who are protected by the Bill of Rights.

Election results fuel war on charter schools

The California Teachers Association and other elements of the education establishment want to block charter schools and last year’s elections will make it easier.

Three months in, Newsom has only tepid approval

Three months into his governorship, Gavin Newsom enjoys only tepid support from the voters who elected him.

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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...