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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

Newsom Jabs at Trump and Musk, but Will AI Make California More Efficient?

This commentary was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Gov. Gavin Newsom staged a news conference in Los Ang...

/ 2 days ago

Given Its Failures, Can California Manage a Transition to a Carbon-Free Future?

This commentary was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. It’s become painfully obvious in recent years that Ca...

/ 2 weeks ago

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...

/ 2 weeks 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...

/ 4 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 ...

/ 4 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...

/ 1 month 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...

/ 1 month 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...

/ 1 month 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...

/ 1 month 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...

/ 1 month ago

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48 minutes ago

Trump Orders the Reopening of Alcatraz Prison

1 hour ago

Will CA Law Change to Allow Councilmembers to Govern While on Military Duty?

Former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio attends a news conference outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Feb. 21, 2025. (AP File)

2 hours ago

Former Proud Boys Leader Enrique Tarrio Says He Met With Trump in Florida

2 hours ago

Trump Is About to Steal My Friend’s Christmas … and Yours

Vehicles and uniformed men gather on the beach during a search after a deadly Panga boat capsizing off Torrey Pines State Beach in Del Mar, California, U.S. May 5, 2025. (REUTERS/Hayne Palmour IV)

2 hours ago

At Least Three Drowned After Small Boat Overturns Near San Diego

2 hours ago

LA Fire Survivors Accuse State Farm of Delaying Claims. Should It Get OK for a Rate Hike?

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