Commentary - CalMatters

A person in a dark suit and light blue tie stands outdoors among a crowd, facing the camera with a serious expression. Behind them, an American flag waves near a construction crane, with trees and a bright blue sky in the background.

Trump endorsing Hilton may help keep California governorship in Democratic hands

If ex-TV commentator Steve Hilton pulls far ahead of Sheriff Chad Bianco, it cuts the chances for a 1-2 GOP outcome — likely the only way California can get a Republican governor.

经过

丹·沃尔特斯

• 4 月 6, 2026

A close-up view of a person's right index finger pointing to writing on a small stack of redacted papers.

California shouldn’t price the public out of public records. Democracy is at stake

A bill letting governments charge for public documents would let them base the cost on the time it takes to review and redact the information. It doesn't limit them.

By David Snyder • 4 月 6, 2026

A doctor uses a dental mouthscope as they examine inside a patient's mouth. The patient wears a jean jacket styled hat and a black and pink floral shirt.

After a four-year wait to see a dentist, her son suffered. With Medi-Cal cuts, the wait will be even longer

People try for months, sometimes years, to find dentists who take Denti-Cal, Medi-Cal for teeth. The state may slash those dentist reimbursements.

By Pat Hornbecker • 4 月 6, 2026

An aerial view of mud, debris and oil falling from a hill into a small body of water near the site of a powerhouse.

Yuba River Disaster: It could be coming to a river near you

Climate change and age are stressing California's water infrastructure, endangering struggling salmon populations and other wildlife.

By Keiko Mertz • 4 月 3, 2026

Several candidates sit in chairs on a stage, facing a crowd. Behind the candidates is a banner that reads “Affordability and Rural California,” with decor of an American flag, a California flag, and potted plants.

This isn’t a race for California governor; it’s more like a game of chicken

Rather than campaigning, eight Democratic hopefuls are waiting for someone to blink, as two Republican candidates take potshots at each other.

经过

丹·沃尔特斯

• 4 月 3, 2026

A person, wearing a black blazer and a green shirt, stands in front of a podium with microphones on it as they speak and gesture with their right hand.

Top-two race in Los Angeles makes strange political bedfellows

Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass may elevate a lesser known Republican opponent in the nonpartisan race to sidestep a higher-polling Democratic foe.

经过

Jim Newton

• 4 月 2, 2026

A close-up of a person wearing sunglasses as they are surrounded by reporters holding microphones and cameras near the person's face.

Allegation that Gavin Newsom presides over an ’empire of fraud’ doesn’t stick

A conservative magazine wrongly labeled as fraud signs of Gov. Newsom's mismanagement. That's not an investigation; it's a campaign ploy.

经过

丹·沃尔特斯

• 4 月 2, 2026

A mountain lion walks into a light source on top of foliage while two other cubs follow close behind as they look towards the frame.

California safeguards pumas as federal rules fail to protect their habitat

The state placed six mountain lion species on the threatened list, so road and land developers must evaluate projects to not isolate pumas.

By Tiffany Yap • 4 月 1, 2026

A detailed look of scaffolding that sits in front of a weather-resistant barrier e of an apartment complex under construction.

Santa Monica project points the way to easing California’s housing shortage

If wealthy Santa Monica can do it, will less well-heeled CA communities begin accommodating modular home and apartment construction?

经过

丹·沃尔特斯

• 3 月 31, 2026

‘Give me another solution.’ Counties resist mental health centers, betraying patients and families

Monterey County recently halted development of a mental health center, leaving struggling patients and families in a lurch.

经过

George B. Sánchez-Tello

• 3 月 31, 2026

加州之声

Viewpoints from across California