Guest Commentary

The California Legislature is considering a bill that would extend pandemic-era rules allowing governing bodies to hold half their meetings online. Opponents worry the legislation will diminish the public's voice and limits how the press can cover important decisions.

Government boards and committees throughout California were allowed to hold meetings virtually during the pandemic. A state agency board member argues that a legislative proposal to extend those rules needs to be reverted back to its original form to ensure maximum public participation.

California continues to rely on Aliso Canyon's natural gas to stabilize the power grid. Utility regulators should instead be looking to transmission line projects that link Southern California to planned solar and wind farms, helping reduce the state's dependence on gas.

Sites Reservoir is the latest in a long line of proposed dams promising to address California's cycle of water insecurity. Some conservation groups say it will fail to make much of a difference, and will only damage a vulnerable water ecosystem.

The California Assembly is considering a bill that would decriminalize naturally occurring psychedelic substances, which research has increasingly shown has a variety of therapeutic benefits. A retired New York firefighter, who uses psilocybin, says first responders in particular have a lot to gain from this legislation.

Many victims of medical negligence are excluded from investigations after they file a complaint with the Medical Board of California, omitting crucial evidence from those cases. A proposed reform would require it, and address other transparency, oversight and solvency issues facing the board.

California's lack of hydrogen fuel infrastructure is restricting its ability to become a legitimate alternative, and the state needs every transportation option to meet its climate goals, argues a hydrogen vehicle owner

Hydrogen is touted as a solution for helping address California's energy and climate crises. However, a hydrogen economy would involve serious risks, and may not actually help the climate.

The increase of property crimes in California hurts not just businesses but workers and customers alike. A manager from Southern California says state policymakers need to step up and enact solutions that bolster security and ensure public safety.

As California proceeds with large-scale offshore wind projects, state leaders need to establish policies that ensure both economic and environmental success for the next wave of clean energy development.