Guest Commentary

When the legal battle over employees vs. contractors wrapped up in California, no one thought it could harm the independence of the scientific body charged with protecting Delta water. But it did. The governor needs to sign legislation to clarify that "independent" really means "independent."

Comprehensive social policies are essential for the women and children most affected by inequity but least represented in government relief and recovery efforts.

California should invest in affordable housing near existing communities, not back unsustainable new development that has already been denied by the private insurance market.

Legislators promoting high-density housing need to meet up with state and local water agencies to hammer out realistic approaches to our changing reality.

California has a history of treating public water as a commodity and entrusting it to corporate interests that fail to manage it responsibly. Its congressional delegation should co-sponsor the federal Water Act that would change this.

AB 559 seeks to expand the San Joaquin River Conservancy Board to ensure equitable access to the decision-making process in Madera and Fresno counties.

Senate Bill 132 would stop the university system from moving ahead with badly needed capital improvement projects unless it submits to a costly and cumbersome annual certification process sought by one public employee union.

Proposed state legislation would make it clear that sexual harassment is punishable within California’s military ranks. Until federal reform of the military justice system takes place, California should seize this opportunity to lead by taking action.

Our state contributes to gun violence by allowing the sale of guns and ammunition on taxpayer-owned property, a practice SB 264 would halt.

Conventional fiscal wisdom says the state’s progressive income tax structure is too volatile, but our experience since the pandemic suggests that it is both efficient and moral.