Guest Commentary

Commentary

Uber’s ballot measure would protect rideshare companies, not riders, from safety lapses

A proposed California law — if it made it to the ballot — would cap medical payouts in vehicular accidents and shrink lawyers’ payments in lawsuits against rideshare companies.

By Jamie Court and Nick Rowley • February 24, 2026

Commentary

Gavin Newsom’s last budget belies his ‘California for All’  pledge

The 2026-27 proposal fails to respond to President Donald Trump’s cuts. Nor does it help families meet needs for housing, food and health care.

By Chris Hoene • February 23, 2026

Commentary

The problem is clear: Medi-Cal is failing to protect children’s eyesight

Poor children are struggling at school because of undetected and uncorrected vision problems. Medi-Cal has been neglecting vision care.

By Dr. Brian Park and Ted Lempert • February 20, 2026

Commentary

California can learn from European countries that tried wealth taxes

Of 14 European countries that taxed personal wealth, all but three repealed it, citing capital flight, disappointing revenue and high costs.

By Jared Walczak • February 19, 2026

Commentary

California can sidestep scandal and banish bias while counting votes 

Open source voting systems are more transparent and cheaper than the state’s current contract with Smartmatic, which is facing bribery charges.

By Trent Lange • February 18, 2026

Commentary

Who’s running for California Insurance Commissioner? Here’s a look at the field of candidates

There are 15 candidates vying to be the state's top insurance regulator, a hot seat as thousands of LA residents try tapping insurance to help them recover from wildfires.

By Guest Commentary • February 17, 2026

Commentary

Community schools are key ingredient of California’s tumbling crime rates

Community schools are becoming neighborhood hubs by prioritizing academics, youth and family services, mental health and restorative justice.

By Castle Redmond and John H. Jackson • February 17, 2026

Reader Reactions

California schools that ban cellphones make students want them more

Punishing all for the noncompliance of a few breeds resentment. Schools should confiscate phones from students who repeatedly offend.

By Evelyn Thill • February 13, 2026

Commentary

Candidate comment: Insurers’ blockbuster profits enrich shareholders and CEOs, not customers

Guest Commentary written by Jane Kim Jane Kim is a civil rights attorney, consumer advocate and a former San Francisco Supervisor With the first anniversary of the devastating Southern California wildfires approaching, CalMatters asked candidates for the 2026 state Insurance Commissioner race to share thoughts on what the state can do to help victims and […]

By Jane Kim • February 12, 2026

Reader Reactions

Good behavior musn’t determine if a California prison inmate lives in a safe environment

An incarcerated person's constitutional right to a safe and healthy environment in a single occupancy cell cannot be withheld on the condition that she or he be good.

By Arthur Jackson • February 12, 2026