Guest Commentary

Commentary

California should be treating gun violence as a public health crisis

State and local officials are still asking law enforcement to prevent gun violence. Community leaders believe gun violence should be treated as a public health crisis, and incorporate prevention strategies that address the social factors in areas most at risk.

By Guest Commentary • January 24, 2023

Reader Reactions

Deadline for seismic upgrades at California hospitals fails to recognize rural realities

California hospitals face a 2030 deadline to complete retrofit upgrades required under state law. Facilities in rural areas say the nearly 30-year-old legislation was enacted with a top-down approach, and failed to recognize the distinct challenges they face.

By Guest Commentary • January 23, 2023

Commentary

For many California children, Medi-Cal mental health services lack urgency they need

Despite recent policy changes, many California families seeking behavioral health treatment through Medi-Cal struggle to get the services they need in a timely manner. Given the scale of the emergency, state leaders must ensure these systems are sustainably resourced.

By Guest Commentary • January 19, 2023

Commentary

To reel in oil industry, California should examine its maintenance practices – not tax profits

To reduce gas prices, Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed a tax on the oil industry's excess profits, but that won't necessarily help. California lawmakers should instead take a closer look at how refiners use maintenance shutdowns for their benefit.

By Guest Commentary • January 18, 2023

Commentary

How California can prepare for future floods before a megastorm hits

Californians have largely forgotten the disastrous toll of deadly floods in the state's past, and even larger floods are likely to occur. They will affect all Californians, and require greater investment in flood preparation, insurance and evacuation planning.

By Guest Commentary • January 17, 2023

Commentary

There’s nothing clean about offshore wind development unless California tribes are involved

Officials from California's largest tribe are concerned about the lack of engagement so far by offshore wind companies, reviving worries over the historic extraction of resources without their involvement.

By Guest Commentary • January 13, 2023

Commentary

What Kern County and California can expect from House Speaker Kevin McCarthy

With Bakersfield Republican Kevin McCarthy as House Speaker, voters in Kern County and across California can expect more theatrics and little relief for our most pressing issues.

By Guest Commentary • January 9, 2023

Commentary

No more excuses. California must prioritize children in foster care

Roughly 60,000 children are in California's foster care system. For years, state leaders have failed to make progress or increase support for them. In 2023, it must be a priority.

By Guest Commentary • January 5, 2023

Commentary

The next phase of California housing reforms? Climate-safe homeownership

With one-quarter of Californians living in areas considered high-risk for wildfire, state leaders need to emphasize policies that generate more middle-income housing inside cities and create pathways to homeownership.

By Guest Commentary • January 4, 2023

Commentary

10 years later, California’s promise of a human right to water remains unfulfilled

California has improved its water policies around safety, access and affordability in response to a 2012 law establishing a human right to water. There is much to be done in order to keep this promise to disadvantaged and water-strapped communities.

By Jenny Rempel and Kristin Dobbin • December 28, 2022