Commentary

A group of five people, dressed in professional attire, sit on chairs on a stage in front of a crowd, with a banner behind them reading “Governor Candidate Forum.” Four of the five people sitting on stage have their hands up to answer the question while a crowd of people watches in the dark.

No clear frontrunner for governor, but new poll names five with the best shot

A poll shows three Democrats and two Republicans have voter support percentages in the teens. The top two vote-getters in June will face off in November.

By Dan Walters

A person in medical protective clothing, wearing a face mask and a hair net, pushes a hospital gurney through a hallway inside a hospital, viewed from an open door.

She spent six of her last years in arbitration with her HMO. Her husband’s still fighting the system

Arbitrators in medical disputes are supposed to be unbiased, but this couple suspected there is an incentive to favor HMO’s in arbitration.

By Stephen Martinez

Two people face each other as they speak: the person on the left has a happy expression and her arm to her chest, while the person on the right wears a grey suit jacket and glasses. Both people are standing in a park area on a sunny day. In the background is a fence to a baseball field.

A former political ally tests LA liberals’ allegiance to Mayor Karen Bass

Mayor Karen Bass isn't vulnerable on her right, but she may be on her left, as City Councilmember Nithya Raman, a Democratic Socialist and ex-supporter, runs against her.

By Jim Newton

A close-up view of a person's hand holding a sign that reads "We wants answers! No more deaths!" and they stand at the front steps of a building surrounded by other people holding signs.

California promised accountability for inmate deaths in jails. A year later, no results.

Lawmakers passed a law creating a state department to review inmate deaths, but it hasn’t completed a single death review in its first year.

By David Myers

A person, with a determined facial expression, looks to their right as they stand in front of a small tree with red flowers near an apartment building.

Commentary

San Diego journalist fighting prostate cancer warns: ‘This could happen to you, too’

Jerry McCormick’s path to recover from prostate cancer has been anything but linear. Documenting progress and setbacks helps him find purpose.

By Anissa Durham • January 30, 2026

The image shows a person in a suit and tie, standing behind a microphone. They have have short, dark hair with some gray and a beard. The background features a metallic surface with a window above their head, which appears to be partially open. The person is speaking.

Commentary

Matt Mahan’s campaign for California governor will be a voter litmus test

With San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, a moderate Democrat, entering the governor's race, the outcome will help reveal just how liberal California truly is.

By Dan Walters • January 30, 2026

A newborn’s small hand gently curls around an adult’s finger, with a soft hospital blanket and the infant’s arm blurred in the background.

Commentary

California neglects its private duty nurses and fails its sick children

Hundreds of California children are stuck in hospitals because their families wait months or years for private nursing care they’re legally entitled to.

By Jarrod DePriest • January 30, 2026

A wide-view of lawmakers standing and talking to each other in the middle of a legislative floor filled with desks. A white chandeliers hangs above the room and the room is decorated with beige and green fixtures.

Commentary

California lawmakers can’t resist writing performative legislation

Many bills represent serious efforts to address real issues, but many are offered to please political constituencies, align with popular trends or repay political debts.

By Dan Walters • January 29, 2026

A close-up view of a student holding a pencil while working on a worksheet in class.

Commentary

California colleges must partner with K-12 schools — not blame them — for students facing barriers to college

A UCSD faculty study says 1 in 8 students arrive at college behind in math or another skill. But they shouldn’t be ‘sorted out’ of their chance at college.

By Michal Kurlaender • January 29, 2026

An older lawmaker sits at a wooden desk inside a legislative chamber, wearing a suit and patterned tie, looking to the side as other lawmakers work in the background.

Commentary

California budget volatility continues to complicate efforts to close its deficits

California's budgets have been susceptible to the ways wealthy taxpayers derive their income, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty.

By Dan Walters • January 28, 2026

A person scrolls through their phone as they stand behind a counter at a store. Religious items such as crosses and candles can be seen in the background.

Commentary

Latino GDP skyrocketed, boosting California’s economy to 4th largest in the world

Latinos’ share of California’s economic productivity grew twice as fast — and the workforce grew 15 times faster — than non-Latinos’.

By David Hayes-Bautista • January 28, 2026

A person wearing a red blazer stands while facing a room full of people sitting at their desks. The room is decorated with beige columns and red curtains.

Commentary

Cracks between Newsom and frustrated lawmakers show in first budget hearings

Newsom has steadily opposed major tax increases, but an ongoing, multiyear deficit and growing frustration among legislators has created a gulf between the governor and his allies on how to fix the problem.

By Dan Walters • January 27, 2026

Semi-trucks line up near Pier J to retrieve shipping containers at the Port of Long Beach on April 4, 2018. Photo by Bob Riha Jr., REUTERS

Commentary

Huge trucks would decimate California’s roads and bridges, endanger drivers

Congress is considering bills allowing trucks to exceed 80,000 pounds. That would further damage California’s aging bridges and congested roads.

By Jorgel Chavez • January 27, 2026

People stand in front of a row of tents along the sidewalk of a street. The tents are decorated with various words and graffiti.

Commentary

It ‘took a village’ to heal her trauma and homelessness. Will California keep funding this help?

California’s Prop 36 has put at risk the funding stream for the state’s 24 Trauma Recovery Centers, which provide a variety of services to crime victims.

By Kathy Brown-Lowe • January 26, 2026

California Voices

Viewpoints from across California