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
Proposition 1 on the March 5 primary election ballot basically would shift current mental health funding to prioritize treatment for homeless people with mental illnesses or drug and alcohol addictions.
Feb. 12, 2024
Democratic candidates attacked Steve Garvey during California’s U.S. Senate debate, which will probably help boost GOP voter support for the former Dodger player.
Jan. 25, 2024
Democrat Toni Atkins has made history as a legislative leader but she’s never run in a statewide race before and is largely unknown north of San Diego.
Jan. 22, 2024
Fifty years ago this month, George Skelton walked into the Los Angeles Times as a newly hired state Capitol reporter. A lot has changed since 1974 — at the Capitol, in California politics. Some have been good, some bad.
Jan. 15, 2024
Spending cuts in California could become more severe later if Gov. Gavin Newsom’s revenue projections are off base.
Jan. 11, 2024
Even a despicable menace like Donald Trump shouldn’t be punished before being convicted.
Jan. 8, 2024
President Biden delivered a Christmas gift for California: Billions of dollars to help build high-speed rail.
Dec. 25, 2023
This just seems startling: California Democrats think overwhelmingly that America should not take sides in the horrific war in Gaza. But Republicans side strongly with Israel.
Dec. 18, 2023
California state government’s bank account has dwindled from a nearly $100-billion surplus 18 months ago to a projected $68-billion deficit.
Dec. 11, 2023
State Senate leader Toni Atkins is thinking seriously about running for governor of California. And hopefully she’ll enter the race.
Dec. 7, 2023