Guest Commentary

California has spent billions of dollars in recent years to reduce homelessness, but the problem is only getting worse. Lawmakers should rethink their approach and consider solutions that involve the private sector and repeal laws that make it too expensive to build housing.

Gov. Gavin Newsom and the legislature need to put aside any lingering animosity over a package of contentious infrastructure bills and take the next steps to make California's clean energy goals possible. There's no time to waste.

California psychiatric hospitals began closing their doors in the 1960s, starting a nationwide movement known as "deinstitutionalization." Today, most inpatient treatment for severe mental illness occurs behind bars. Two changes could help rectify this tragic reality.

Five food additives found in popular candies such as Skittles and Sour Patch Kids have been deemed unsafe by a growing body of research. The food industry is mobilizing to stop a bill that would ban the chemicals in California.

The U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Biden's plan to forgive student debt, but a UC Berkeley student isn't disappointed by the decision. Instead, she argues, leaders should make community college free so more students can enter higher education and develop the necessary skills for economic mobility.

Many Californians in need of urgent health care services often face delays because of an insurance protocol known as prior authorization. A bill in the legislature could reform prior authorization rules so it no longer acts as a barrier to essential treatment.

The U.S. Supreme Court this week rejected affirmative action in university admissions, ruling that race-conscious decisions are unconstitutional. The decision will have a limited impact on the UC system, but private schools like Stanford will be heavily affected.

Assemblyman Anthony Rendon is stepping aside after one of the longest runs as speaker in California history. Supporters say his leadership style, empowering committees and legislators to craft policy instead of himself, made the lower statehouse more democratic.

Californians pay more than $1 billion in recycling deposits annually but few people bother to redeem the empties. The state's sparse redemption system is largely to blame. A new law could help grow and modernize bottle recycling and give consumers significant returns.

The California Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments this week in Pico Neighborhood Association v. City of Santa Monica, a case that challenges whether at-large local elections are discriminatory. U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, California's former election chief, says the case could weaken civil rights protections if Santa Monica prevails.