The Latest Articles by George Skelton

George Skelton: Proposition 29 would stiffen requirements for California dialysis clinics. It's also political extortion

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Political extortion was not what reformers intended when they created California's system of direct democracy 111 years ago.

Los Angeles Times · Oct 11, 2022

George Skelton: Newsom wants to tax oil companies for soaring gas prices. It'll be a bumpy road for motorists no matter what

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — When gas prices rise, it instantly fuels political rhetoric about price gouging and the need to help motorists pay at the pump. It's as automatic as pushing the starter button and hearing the engine crank up.

Los Angeles Times · Oct 7, 2022

George Skelton: Republican Dahle is likable, level-headed and highly respected. But he won't win California governor

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The first thing to know about the Republican candidate for California governor is that he's a good guy, not a jerk or a crackpot.

Los Angeles Times · Oct 4, 2022

George Skelton: When Reagan hosted Queen Elizabeth and Jerry Brown met with 'cool' Prince Charles in California

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Americans reject monarchism. It's in our DNA. But Queen Elizabeth II was one monarch most Americans respected and admired. She had grace and grit — lifelong characteristics that were brightly displayed on a venturous trip to California in 1983.

Los Angeles Times · Sep 13, 2022

George Skelton: Newsom enjoys his most successful legislative session yet with wins on climate, Diablo Canyon

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Despite lots of private grousing about him, Gov. Gavin Newsom emerged a big winner at the end of the California Legislature's two-year session.

Los Angeles Times · Sep 6, 2022

George Skelton: Newsom skipped meeting with UFW leaders. Now he should sign California's farmworker union bill

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In 1966, Gov. Pat Brown made a politically tone-deaf mistake with Cesar Chavez's farmworkers union. This year, Gov. Gavin Newsom repeated the goof. Brown redeemed himself. Newsom probably won't.

Los Angeles Times · Sep 2, 2022

George Skelton: California legislators push politics aside to get a big housing deal done

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — When a legislature operates the way it should, big things can happen.

Los Angeles Times · Aug 30, 2022

George Skelton: Pour more money and planning into renewable energy — and keep Diablo Canyon running if needed

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The dust-up at the state Capitol over nuclear power is the direct result of politicians either setting unrealistic goals or failing to plan — or both.

Los Angeles Times · Aug 26, 2022

George Skelton: Newsom tries to have it both ways on fighting climate change and California's housing shortage

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Top priorities often conflict. Enjoy a vacation or advance at work? Save money for retirement or your kids' college education?

Los Angeles Times · Aug 23, 2022

George Skelton: California had a nearly $100 billion surplus this year. We don't need to raise taxes with Prop. 30

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — If Proposition 30 passes in November, we should hang a sign at the border reading: "Welcome to California, the state with the nation's most outrageously high income tax."

Los Angeles Times · Aug 19, 2022