Dan Walters

California Governor Gavin Newsom stands on a stage, speaking into a microphone at a podium that reads “Take It Back,” with his arm extended in front of a giant American flag.

Commentary

California’s urgent issues loom over Newsom campaign and his would-be successors

Gov. Gavin Newsom's State of the State address may hint at how he'll balance his last year as governor with his presidential campaign image.

By

Dan Walters

• January 6, 2026

A person wearing a navy suit points to a monitor with a line chart on it during a press conference. The California state seal, state flag and the American flag can be seen behind them.

Commentary

New year may entertain political junkies, but California’s sluggish economy deserves the spotlight

Political intrigue grabs attention during election years, but California voters are also moved by high costs, joblessness and homelessness.

By

Dan Walters

• January 1, 2026

A side view of a panel with nine speakers, including politicians and labor leaders, sit on stage during a “Unionize California” event, with one person standing and speaking into a microphone. A red, white, and blue light projection spells out "UNIONIZE CALIFORNIA" on the curtain behind them. The audience is seated at round tables in the foreground.

Commentary

California’s very odd election year starts with Republicans possibly leading the governor’s race

So many Democratic candidates are running — none with high poll numbers — that two Republicans could end up winning the primary.

By

Dan Walters

• December 19, 2025

Commentary

Newsom’s $18 billion budget gap has roots in pandemic aid ending

During the pandemic, federal money flooded into state and local coffers. Once that funding ended, government spending didn't adjust downward.

By

Dan Walters

• December 18, 2025

The entrance to a large office building with a sign reading “University of California” above glass doors, as a person walks along the sidewalk in front of the building casting a long shadow.

Commentary

University of California’s $28 million system for pension payouts produced chaos and complaints

Like other California state officials, UC's managers failed to adopt its new information tech program, resulting in a lawsuit against the vendors.

By

Dan Walters

• December 16, 2025

A person wearing a blue suit stands in front of two American flags while as they look straight off into the distance during a press conference.

Commentary

Some Newsom detractors make up stuff, though there’s fodder for legitimate criticism

As California's governor prepares for an expected run for the presidency, a chorus of right-wing criticism is growing. Some of it isn't true.

By

Dan Walters

• December 12, 2025

An aerial view of a river surrounded by farmland.

Commentary

Trump sides with agriculture again in California’s neverending water wars

Trump pushed changes at the Central Valley Project — a set of reservoirs and canals supplying water to Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys — pleasing farm groups.

By

Dan Walters

• December 11, 2025

An aerial view of a gray transportation ramp under construction. Building materials can be seen laying on the ground nearby.

Commentary

Cap and trade gets a new name and a new mission beyond cutting carbon pollution

Revenues from the state's carbon emissions auction will be used for high speed rail, wildfire suppression and legislators' discretionary spending.

By

Dan Walters

• December 10, 2025

Firefighters use a hose to put out the flames of a burning house. Flames and fire sparks illuminate the night sky and atmosphere.

Commentary

Who’s seeking fire aid for Los Angeles, candidate Newsom or Gov. Newsom?

President Trump and Republicans in Congress last week ignored Gov. Gavin Newsom's requests for fire aid. Newsom has been critical of them recently.

By

Dan Walters

• December 9, 2025

A suited speaker stands at a podium in front of the California state seal, with U.S. and California flags on either side, speaking into microphones while another person listens behind them.

Dan Walters

Assembly Speaker Rivas promises to scrutinize how California’s new laws work

Speaker Robert Rivas says real legislative oversight of the effects of new laws will become regular practice starting next year.

By

Dan Walters

• December 5, 2025