Commentary

Commentary

For the privilege of helping others, I will be paying off student loans for 20 years

The college admissions scam, much of which involves parents of USC students, serves as a blaring signal that college is not about education. It is about status. The majority of us do not have anyone to help buy our admission, let alone our education. I am one of the millions of Americans who will graduate with massive debt. By the time I earn my master’s degree in a year and a half, my student loans will amount to about $80,000.

By Guest Commentary • March 28, 2019

Commentary

Poll underscores California’s housing crisis

A new statewide poll indicates that Californians are very worried about housing affordability — so much so that many are contemplating leaving the state.

By Dan Walters • March 28, 2019

Commentary

Solving California’s housing crisis demands action. These steps will help

California’s 4.2 percent unemployment rate is at a 10-year low. Wages are accelerating at their fastest pace in nearly a decade. But prospective home buyers continue to see sticker shock, with median prices still hovering in the $530,000 range. The affordability problem must be addressed and fast if California is to remain a place where middle class people can live.

By Guest Commentary • March 27, 2019

Commentary

Banning paper receipts just more pettifoggery

Banning paper cash register receipts doesn't rise to the level of a legislative solution. It's pettifoggery.

By Dan Walters • March 27, 2019

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