Guest Commentary

Commentary

How technology can lower barriers to employment for Californians with disabilities

Californians with disabilities face barriers that can seem insurmountable when they enter the workforce. New technology can break down barriers, but businesses need better planning and training.

By Matt Cherry • March 14, 2025

Commentary

Gavin Newsom made it clear to California’s LGBTQ community where he actually stands

Instead of leading with a vision of California many people actually want, Gov. Gavin Newsom has decided to scapegoat trans people for an imagined Midwest voter in a future presidential run, says a queer Sacramento parent.

By Tori Truscheit • March 13, 2025

Commentary

California doesn’t need DOGE, but there’s plenty of wasteful spending and bureaucracy to cut

DOGE’s aim to save taxpayers money resonates in California, where taxes soar and deficits loom. The idea of a top-to-bottom audit of every department isn’t radical — it’s overdue.

By Zac Townsend • March 12, 2025

Commentary

Politicians that assail judges and lawful court rulings are not making California any safer

It may be common for an arresting law enforcement officer or local prosecutor to express their disappointment in a particular ruling or verdict, but it is irresponsible, dangerous and the last refuge of the perpetually aggrieved to publicly attack the legitimate rulings of a particular judge, much less disparage an entire body of them.

By Brett R. Alldredge • March 7, 2025

Commentary

Instead of policing student use of AI, California teachers need to reinvent homework

A striking gulf exists between how teachers, professors and administrators think students use generative AI in written work and how we actually use it, says a Bay Area high schooler.

By William Liang • March 5, 2025

Commentary

For California kids with disabilities, playgrounds reinforce exclusion. We can change that

Californians must demand designs that welcome all children. A playground designed for everyone isn’t just nice to have — it’s essential.

By Tilly Griffiths • March 3, 2025

Commentary

When I lived in a California homeless shelter, my hope turned into despair

An unhoused man who lives in Orange explains why he and many other Californians who lack a permanent home are so reluctant to stay in shelters.

By Patrick Hogan • February 25, 2025

Commentary

Oil and gas companies should be held financially responsible for California climate disasters

Fossil fuel companies got California into this crisis, and now it's time lawmakers hold them accountable by passing crucial legislation this year.

By Nico Gardner • February 24, 2025

Commentary

Elders and caregivers in California deserve better than funding hurdles and shuttered programs

Programs helping Californians care for dementia or Alzheimer’s patients already struggle. Recent proposals to cut Medicaid money makes this bad situation worse.

By Courtney E. Martin • February 19, 2025

Commentary

Investing in Black communities will have ripple effects throughout California

In the UC Davis Black History Month Student Essay Contest, a graduate student argues that investing in education and economic programs that aid Black communities can help dismantle inequality more broadly.

By Ya Yang • February 18, 2025