Guest Commentary

Commentary

Cities that ban or criminalize homeless services worsen California’s crisis

A bill on the governor’s desk would stop cities from chasing away supportive services and workers who help unhoused people survive the streets.

By Jed Leano • October 1, 2025

Commentary

California leaders enable gaming monopoly, tribal inequity by legislating for the wealthy few

California's wealthiest tribes, preparing for digital gaming, are pushing a bill to effectively ban less wealthy tribes from offering online sweepstakes games.

By Charlie Wright • September 30, 2025

Commentary

California needs to take a bolder stand for universities targeted by the White House

A federal lawsuit by the UC Regents would help fill gaps created by recent Supreme Court rulings. It would also provide legal and symbolic support to researchers who have been mostly fighting on their own.

By Blake Emerson • September 29, 2025

CalMatters en Español

Por qué los votantes de California deben aprobar la Propuesta 50

Los caprichos inconstitucionales del presidente han pasado prácticamente desapercibidos, lo que ha hecho recaer la carga sobre los estados y la propia ciudadanía. California debe hacer todo lo posible para contrarrestarlos, argumenta un excomisionado de redistribución de distritos.

By Trena Turner • September 26, 2025

CalMatters en Español

Por qué los votantes de California deberían rechazar la Propuesta 50

Mientras los votantes de California deciden si el estado entra en las guerras de redistribución de distritos o se retira, un ex comisionado de redistribución de distritos dice que un gerrymandering demócrata no es el modelo de gobierno que los ciudadanos merecen.

By Juana Raya • September 26, 2025

Commentary

Insurers can make physical therapy hard to access. California can change that

A bill awaiting Gov. Gavin Newsom's signature would allow at least 12 sessions of physical therapy before insurers could deny care.

By Mark González • September 26, 2025

Commentary

After 35 years in prison, a San Francisco former inmate found dignity working at Alcatraz

Stanford Chatfield worked for decades as a prisoner, making 28 cents an hour. Now he's out and supports himself with tours at Alcatraz. He says people value his lived experience.

By Stanford Chatfield • September 24, 2025

Commentary

Imagining California 25 years from now: What will Golden State life look like in 2050?

What California will be in its bicentennial year of 2050 is subject to unpredictable conditions.

By D.J. Waldie • September 22, 2025

Commentary

As checks and balances fade, Prop. 50 gives Californians a chance to hold the line

The president's unconstitutional whims have gone largely unchecked, placing the burden on states and the people themselves. California must do everything within its power to counter, a former redistricting commissioner argues.

By Trena Turner • September 19, 2025

Commentary

Why California voters should reject Prop. 50 and stay out of the redistricting wars

As California voters decide whether the state enters the redistricting wars or stands down, a former redistricting commissioner says a Democratic gerrymander is not the model of government citizens deserve.

By Jeanne Raya • September 19, 2025