Guest Commentary

Commentary

California is seeing a historic rise in the number of Black women running for office

At least 24 Black women are running for seats in the California Legislature this year, resulting from years of work cultivating new leaders and growing confidence among voters.

By Lola Smallwood-Cuevas and Tina McKinnor • March 5, 2024

Commentary

Private equity giants worsen California’s housing crisis. Why are we giving them public dollars?

University of California leaders invest billions of dollars in private equity giants that worsen housing affordability, directly impacting workers and students. If elected officials say they really want to confront the housing crisis, they should spend these public dollars on solutions instead.

By Liz Perlman • March 4, 2024

Commentary

Supreme Court homelessness case holds extra significance for Black Californians

The long history of redlining and downzoning helped create the racial disparities in California's homeless population. The barriers impeding housing development and access for Black communities must be addressed – and fast.

By Jackson Huston • February 28, 2024

Commentary

How a proposal to keep opinions off UC websites could dangerously restrict speech

University of California regents are considering a policy to limit personal views on official platforms, but the overly broad proposal could backfire and suppress controversial speech from faculty members.

By Ty Alper • February 27, 2024

Commentary

California students need more support than ever. Scaling back programs would be a mistake

Community roles like "near peer coaches," which give students an outlet for emotional and academic support, are the types of programs on the chopping block this year as California faces a major budget deficit. A first-year teacher who took an unusual route to the job says state leaders need to protect these programs.

By Katie Schneidau • February 26, 2024

Commentary

California foster youth often slip through the cracks. Cutting their rental support won’t help

Gov. Gavin Newsom's proposed budget would cut at least $25.5 million of rental support for young people who have been in foster care. Approving the cut could put their housing security at risk.

By Daniel Heimpel • February 21, 2024

Commentary

California’s chief plan for seniors overlooks the realities rural families face

California's latest Master Plan for Aging commendably underscore the need for policies to address the challenges aging populations face. But it fails to portray the realities for older adults in rural, low-income areas, who are at greater risk of poverty and homelessness.

By Sarah Ramirez • February 20, 2024

Reader Reactions

Why adopting sports gambling in California has to involve tribes

When and if California legalizes sports gambling, the policy should honor the laws established in partnership with tribes decades ago, says Assemblyman James Ramos.

By James Ramos • February 16, 2024

Commentary

Decades of progress are at stake. California voters must reject mental health ballot measure

California voters are deciding the fate of Proposition 1, which appears on the March primary ballot. A mental health advocate says the proposal is a taxpayer giveaway to private facilities and will gut effective programs.

By Clare Cortright • February 12, 2024

Commentary

California’s mental health ballot measure is the best chance in decades to change the system

California voters are deciding the fate of Proposition 1, a mental health funding reform and bond measure, on the March primary ballot. A parent who lost a loved one after she received inadequate care says Prop. 1 can help change a failing system.

By Alison Monroe • February 12, 2024