Guest Commentary

Commentary

How California can rewrite the extraction business model and boost Salton Sea communities

The Salton Sea region has long been a vital part of California's farm industry. In the coming years, it will also be critical for the state's water supply and global lithium production. A proposed climate bond offers key investments to solidify that future.

By Silvia Paz • June 12, 2024

Commentary

California wasn’t a slave state, but its legacy shaped our laws. An apology is a crucial step for healing

Even though California was accepted into the union as a free state, it had a significant role in perpetuating racial discrimination and inequality. An official apology from the state of California would be a crucial step toward reconciliation and healing.

By Reggie Jones-Sawyer • June 11, 2024

Commentary

Where can Californians turn when their water is brown? LA County saga shows the way

A Los Angeles County resident argues that clean tap water should be a right, no matter what neighborhood you live in. After years living with brown water, her community helped force a takeover of the local district.

By Oralia Avila • June 10, 2024

Commentary

The ‘rainy day’ is here for California schools. It could be much worse if it wasn’t for Jerry Brown

Former Gov. Jerry Brown's commitment to shoring up the state's rainy day reserves, particularly for K-12 education, is helping schools avoid more significant cuts as California addresses a massive deficit.

By Louis Freedberg • May 29, 2024

Commentary

California needs bold new strategies to save what’s left of its freshwater species

Despite many laudable programs and well-intentioned efforts, California lacks a full-fledged statewide strategy for conserving native freshwater species in the face of climate change. California needs a new approach.

By Ted Sommer • May 28, 2024

Commentary

California cities keeps spending to crack down on crime. What about wage theft?

California workers victimized by wage theft continue to wait years before they recover what employers stole. A former Oakland hotel worker wonders who will enforce the law after companies are ordered to pay.

By Francisco Antonio Callejas Bonilla • May 24, 2024

Commentary

Fuel breaks saved lives during the Camp Fire. They can spare California from future devastation

In 2018, fuel breaks protected Butte County from greater devastation as the Camp Fire threatened Magalia. With strategic placement and maintenance, they can play a critical role in managing California's wildfires.

By John Hawkins • May 21, 2024

Commentary

California has helped fund diaper banks for years. Families need that support to continue

For years, California has supported diaper banks. But with the funding set to expire and the state facing a massive budget deficit, an Orange County service provider is calling on California leaders to honor their commitment to families.

By Hiram Rodriguez-Franco • May 20, 2024

Commentary

An obscure California commission wants to rein in Big Tech. Small businesses could get hurt instead

The influential California Law Revision Commission is taking aim at tech companies. The potential proposal could also hurt small businesses who rely on digital platforms.

By Angela Harris • May 17, 2024

Commentary

How California is building career pathways to its next big economic sector: the ocean

The so-called "blue" economy is one of the fastest growing economic sectors in California. The state's community colleges have aligned with businesses to prepare the next generation of workers.

By Sonya Christian and Terry Tamminen • May 10, 2024