Political columnist George Skelton has covered government and politics for 60 years and for The Times since 1974. He has been a Times political writer and editor in Los Angeles, Sacramento bureau chief and White House correspondent. He has written a column on California politics, “Capitol Journal,” since 1993. Skelton is a Santa Barbara native, grew up in Ojai and received a journalism degree at San Jose State.
Latest From This Author
Don’t be surprised if these annoying protests on college campuses, including at UCLA and USC, turn out bad for Democrats this November. They usually do
May 9, 2024
In the Legislature, a $10-billion ‘climate bond’ is being talked about for the November ballot. It would include $100-million for dam removal.
April 29, 2024
Based on the 2021 tax year, the top 1% of California earners paid virtually half – 49.9% -- of the state personal income tax. But the top 1% paid 38.7% of the income tax in 2023.
April 22, 2024
California has resumed adding people after three years of shedding them. Fewer people are now able to work remotely in other states, old people have quit dying at the extraordinary rate they were during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Biden administration has relaxed restrictions on legal immigration.
April 15, 2024
That Gavin Newsom has been governor while constituents flee is mostly coincidental. California just got too big for its carrying capacity — at least in the sprawling, ranch-house lifestyle.
April 8, 2024
They’ve almost finished counting votes from the California primary and the news is not good for President Biden.
April 1, 2024
Former Assembly Speaker and San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, who just turned 90, has cemented himself as one of the most influential politicians in California history.
March 21, 2024
Gov. Gavin Newsom should have learned this four years ago: You don’t try to sell voters on more government spending in a primary election.
March 13, 2024
Joe Biden’s forceful State of the Union speech should quell doubts about his fitness to run for reelection. No one is more happy than California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
March 11, 2024
Rep. Adam B. Schiff’s clever and cynical ploy in California’s Senate primary enabled him to avoid risk in the November runoff. But he subjected himself to another risk.
March 6, 2024