Guest Commentary

Commentary

Whatever the Supreme Court decides, California can’t keep criminalizing homelessness

A lot is at stake with the U.S. Supreme Court agreeing to hear a case that determines how and when cities can clear homeless camps. The Eighth Amendment has been largely settled for decades, but the conservative court seems determined to set the clock back.

By Jeffrey Selbin • January 17, 2024

Reader Reactions

Banning fire rebuilds is the nuclear option. Give California’s rural communities a chance

Some California residents are frustrated with rising insurance and utility costs, reviving questions about barring fire rebuilds altogether. A Magalia resident says that would be the nuclear option, especially given all the other forms of risk management available.

By Tace Higuchi • January 12, 2024

Commentary

Why visa reforms benefit not just California’s tech sector but the economy overall

The H-1B visa program is well-intended but flawed in its current form, largely favoring tech giants such as Meta. Without reforms, the intense demand for math, science and technology workers is hindering smaller companies and limiting competition.

By Vivek Vaidya • January 11, 2024

Commentary

Why should all Californians pay for the fire insurance risk only a few face?

Insurers are seeking rate increases as California leaders try to prevent companies from fleeing over disaster risk, particularly wildfires and floods. As costs surge for utilities and other goods, a Sacramento homeowner asks if the needs of the many outweigh the needs of a few.

By Jacquelyn Johnson • January 8, 2024

Commentary

Offshore wind success in California requires developers, policymakers embrace ‘ocean justice’

As offshore wind faces setbacks on the East Coast, California has a chance to establish long-term success. Developers and policymakers at all levels can get there by embracing "ocean justice" principles.

By Daniela Schulman • January 2, 2024

Commentary

How a San Diego group uses wildfire reduction work to treat homelessness

After discovering an elaborate encampment in a fire-prone canyon, a group in San Diego was inspired to develop a skills training program for unhoused people that helps reduce fire risk and connect them with jobs.

By Keith Wilson • December 27, 2023

Commentary

For California to achieve universal broadband access, every technology should be considered

California's utility regulators are considering a fiber-only strategy to close the state's digital divide, but fiber can be prohibitively expensive and time consuming to deploy. Newer generations of fixed wireless offer a promising alternative.

By Carl Guardino • December 26, 2023

Commentary

California will keep struggling with homelessness until federal leaders step up

Californians ask why homelessness keeps rising despite enormous local and state investments. Much of it is one-time funding. Ongoing support for housing has traditionally come from the federal government.

By Margot Kushel • December 20, 2023

Reader Reactions

Why California should make personal finance a high school graduation requirement

A proponent of a ballot initiative that would make personal finance a graduation requirement for California high schools says the courses would enhance, not detract from, core subjects.

By Yanely Espinal • December 15, 2023

Commentary

Despite what political campaigns say, one election won’t determine the fate of US democracy

The stakes for the next election are high, but the narrative that 2024 will determine the future of American democracy is wrong. Democracy is about more than campaigns. It is about shared political community, which we are at risk of losing.

By Ali Noorani • December 13, 2023