Guest Commentary

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

Commentary

Ticket resellers have upended live music. California must restore power for artists and fans

Industrialized, third-party resellers have upended the live entertainment ecosystem in California with harmful tactics that hurt fans and artists alike. A proposed reform would rightly ban some of the worst practices.

By Jordan Bromley • December 5, 2023

Commentary

School book bans and anti-trans policies teach California children the wrong lessons about acceptance

In parts of California, school boards are attempting to restrict access to certain books and pass controversial parental notification policies. A queer college student and political consultant says these efforts not only endanger students but teach children the wrong lessons about acceptance.

By June Paniouchkine • December 4, 2023

Commentary

Why questioning certain material in California schools isn’t about banning books or hate

In parts of California, school boards, parents and activists are pushing to restrict access to certain books, most often involving LGBTQ topics. An activist says reasoned debate about possibly obscene material is a worthwhile discussion for school boards.

By Todd Maddison • December 4, 2023

Commentary

Newsom deserves credit for doing what few Democrats will, confronting GOP in DeSantis debate

Democrats need to push back more aggressively against the GOP, argues veteran strategist Garry South. Gavin Newsom has been doing this in so many ways, and the debate with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was part of that.

By Garry South • December 1, 2023

Commentary

Californians want lawmakers to safeguard elections from artificial intelligence

Consensus is rare, but nearly all Californians agree on stopping AI and disinformation’s potentially disastrous impact on upcoming elections. This should be a wakeup call for the California Legislature.

By Jonathan Mehta Stein • November 30, 2023

Commentary

The private sector is failing to address California’s housing crisis. Social housing shows promise

There are many explanations for why California lacks affordable housing. What they add up to: the private market is failing to address the crisis. The state needs solutions like social housing, for example, that reckon with that reality.

By Cynthia Strathmann • November 29, 2023

Commentary

Despite Newsom veto, California should still provide free condoms to public school students

A bill that would've required public schools to give students access to free condoms was vetoed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, but young advocates worried about the rise in sexually transmitted infections are vowing to keep pushing for access.

By Ria Babaria and Martin Orea • November 28, 2023