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Dan Walters,
CalMatters Commentary

Dan Walters has been a journalist for nearly 60 years, spending all but a few of those years working for California newspapers. He has written more than 9,000 columns about the state and its politics and is the founding editor of the “California Political Almanac.” Dan has also been a frequent guest on national television news shows, commenting on California issues and policies.

Stories by Dan Walters

California’s Economy Was Already Sluggish Before Trump’s Global Tariffs

This commentary was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob...

/ 8 hours ago

Other States Do Housing Better Than California; a New Study Shows How They Do It

This commentary was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters.Overwhelmingly Californians rate the intertwined issue...

/ 2 weeks ago

LA Feud Is Prime Example of Constant Clashes Between CA Cities and Counties

This commentary was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. When California became a state in 1850, it had fewer ...

/ 2 weeks ago

In California’s Capitol, Some Political Fights Span Decades

This commentary was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Were we able to transport ourselves back in time 50 y...

/ 3 weeks ago

As Dem Candidates for Governor Increase, They Wait for Harris to Decide

This commentary was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Irish playwright Samuel Beckett’s tragicomedy “Waitin...

/ 3 weeks ago

If California Bails Out LA’s $1 Billion Budget Deficit, Beware the Slippery Slope

This commentary was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. As fate would have it, the very destructive and deadl...

/ 4 weeks ago

The Real Crisis in California Schools Is Low Achievement, Not Cultural Conflicts

This commentary was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. When Gov. Gavin Newsom unexpectedly voiced opposition...

/ 4 weeks ago

A Hyundai Ioniq 6 at an Electrify America charging station in Oakland on Feb. 27, 2024. (CalMatters/Camille Cohen)

If Zero-Emission Cars Cut Gasoline Sales and Tax Revenue, How Will California Replace Them?

By Dan Walters CalMattersThis commentary was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. When California motorists fi...

/ 4 weeks ago

Under Pressure From Trump, UC Abandons ‘Diversity Statement’ Requirement for Faculty

This commentary was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. It’s likely that most Californians have never h...

/ 1 month ago

Lobbyists Are a Growth Industry in Politically Complex California

This commentary was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. In the late 1990s, the late Jay Michael and I coautho...

/ 1 month ago

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20 minutes ago

Trump Says Immigrants Shouldn’t Get Trials Before Deportation

25 minutes ago

Chipotle Tempers Annual Sales Forecast as Dining-out Takes a Hit

25 minutes ago

Orders to Leave the Country — Some for US Citizens — Sow Confusion Among Immigrants

California Governor Gavin Newsom looks on as he visits the United States and Mexico border, in San Diego, California, U.S. December 5, 2024. (REUTERS/Mike Blake)

30 minutes ago

Newsom Seeks Help for Struggling Oil Refiners

The new GM logo is seen on the facade of the General Motors headquarters in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., March 16, 2021. Picture taken March 16, 2021. (REUTERS/Rebecca Cook/File Photo)

36 minutes ago

General Motors to Increase Production at Ohio Transmission Facility

Signage is seen at the United States Department of Justice headquarters in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 29, 2020. (REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo)

39 minutes ago

US Justice Department Directs Investigations Over Gender-Affirming Care

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