Guest Commentary

Commentary

California’s multibillion-dollar bet on hydrogen energy comes with major downsides

The billions of dollars being spent on hydrogen technologies in California must be used in a way that reduces emissions and doesn't harm vulnerable communities. Unfortunately, that's not happening.

By Ben Jealous • August 2, 2024

Commentary

Newsom’s push to enforce anti-camping laws repeats California’s past mistakes on homelessness

Newsom's executive order to enforce sweeps of homeless encampments only harms unhoused people further. Clearing encampments cause people to lose their belongings, connections to family and friends, and dignity — it is not the answer to the homelessness crisis.

By Reba Stevens • July 31, 2024

Commentary

As California cracks down on ‘junk fees’ it’s overlooking a major culprit: credit card companies

Americans pay more than $25 billion annually in hidden fees when they use credit cards, but the new junk fee rules don't cover these lenders.

By Rodney Williams • July 26, 2024

Commentary

Fighting wildfire with ‘good fire’: California must return to prescribed burns

Wildfires — and their suppression — tear through California at a tremendous cost. One rancher recommends returning to the practice of prescribed burns.

By Dave Daley • July 22, 2024

Commentary

Housing is the key to activating the power of California’s young voters

High rents and home prices are affecting young adults’ futures. That’s why young voters, especially Blacks and Latinos, say housing and homelessness are the key issues this election cycle.

By Saa’un Bell • July 19, 2024

Commentary

A terminally ill California man chose a medically assisted death. His experience offers lessons for others

After fighting hard to live, a California man fought to die with dignity. Though medically assisted death is legal, there are still barriers.

By Trudy Pachon • July 17, 2024

Commentary

California finally approved indoor heat rules. Why were prison workers excluded?

California prison workers were wrongly excluded from indoor heat regulations passed earlier this year, despite facing brutal conditions that will only get worse in the coming decades.

By Anastasia Christman • July 15, 2024

Commentary

California faces a variety of workforce shortages. It can’t afford to cut training programs

Most job training initiatives in California are government-funded, but many are grappling with cuts as the state and local governments face budget deficits. A Latino immigrant who entered the dental industry after completing job training programs shares what's at stake.

By Edgar Alas • July 9, 2024

Commentary

How the Grants Pass ruling gives California a shot at a better law to address homelessness

By deciding that unsheltered people have no constitutional protection to camp on public property, the divided Supreme Court reflects the political polarization around homelessness — where everyone is correct depending on which side of the glass they choose to look through. What if the legal, moral and policy choice was different?

By Darrell Steinberg • June 28, 2024

Commentary

How California’s bureaucracy can prevent working-class transplants from resuming their career

A cosmetologist who relocated to Davis after a family tragedy spent six months trapped in state bureaucracy before she could legally resume her trade in California. A legislative fix could make it easier for others who relocate to California, she says, especially those without loved ones to provide cover.

By Norma Ponce • June 27, 2024