Commentary

Commentary

We must end bias in the justice system. Here’s one answer

We all have biases. We need to stop pretending that we don’t act on our perceptions. Most of us prejudge, even if those prejudices are unintentional. The good news is that studies also reveal that as people become aware of their unconscious biases, and are reminded of them regularly, they can correct themselves.

By Guest Commentary • March 26, 2019

Commentary

New path on California water must include Delta communities

Any new path on California water must bring Delta community and fishing interests to the table. We have solutions to offer. We live with the impacts of state water management decisions from loss of recreation to degradation of water quality to collapsing fisheries.

By Guest Commentary • March 25, 2019

Commentary

California can’t wait for Washington’s approval to control health care spending

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s call in his State of the State speech to restrain health care costs in California is rooted in some eye popping numbers.  The cost of healthcare for a family of four reached $28,000 in 2018. If nothing is done, it will soon be $30,000 and more. This is clearly unsustainable. The governor can take the lead on two issues right now.

By Guest Commentary • March 25, 2019

Commentary

Can California close its ‘achievement gap’?

A persistent "achievement gap" plagues California schools, but it's uncertain how it can be closed.

By Dan Walters • March 25, 2019

Commentary

Fewer California youths are getting arrested. Consequences have gotten more serious for those who are arrested

Violent offenses such as murder, robbery, rape, and assault are declining. Lower-level offenses, especially petty theft, minor vandalism, and minor status offenses like truancy, show the biggest increases in court dispositions per arrest. Yet lesser offenders are exactly the ones most successfully diverted to community-based and restitution programs.

By Guest Commentary • March 24, 2019

Commentary

Are big tax increases coming to California?

Big tax increases would be needed to pay for the expansionist goals of Capitol Democrats, but they would be a heavy political lift.

By Dan Walters • March 24, 2019

Commentary

An execution at Parchman Farm

Anyone who has witnessed an execution never forgets it. The memory of August (Boogie Woogie) LaFontaine's death by lethal gas, pushed far back into the darkest shadows of my mind, came to light again with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s announcement of his moratorium on the state’s death penalty, an action taken in four states in recent years.

By Guest Commentary • March 23, 2019

Commentary

Weekly Walters 03/22/2019

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

By Dan Walters • March 22, 2019

Commentary

Charter schools’ have a destructive impact on public education

Some charter parents assert their children’s charter school experience is positive. I can believe it. But sincere charter parents need to understand that while for some students charters can be beneficial, their overall impact on public education is destructive.

By Guest Commentary • March 22, 2019

Housing

Homeless solution

David Swerdlin, San Juan Capistrano The best incentive to find solutions to the homeless situation is as follows: That each politician’s family residence house no fewer than three families; the governor house five; politicians in Sacramento, San Francisco and Los Angeles, and federal elected officials, house four. When viable solutions are implemented, we will move onto finding […]

By Guest Commentary • March 21, 2019