Guest Commentary

Commentary

State must act now to head off future floods

California needs to make Stockton and San Joaquin Valley flood investments a priority — especially during a drought. Building flood management projects takes years. If we don’t start now, we may not be ready when the next big flood arrives.

By Guest Commentary • June 21, 2022

Commentary

It’s high time to put a lid on plastics

Plastics recycling has largely failed us, and the consequences for our environment and health are significant. California leaders are considering ways to curb the use of polluting plastics.

By Guest Commentary • June 21, 2022

Commentary

Solving poverty in California takes more than talk

Women living in poverty are tired of sharing their stories. They share, and then some legislators water down legislation introduced to end poverty. So, no more listening for listening’s sake. We must build power and take meaningful action together.

By Guest Commentary • June 17, 2022

Commentary

California can lead the nation by funding changes to school food program

With rising food prices, ongoing supply chain disruptions, and federal waivers that provide schools with increased meal reimbursements and flexibility set to expire on June 30, multiyear investments in California’s school food system are essential.

By Guest Commentary • June 15, 2022

Commentary

Move to limit pesticide use would be a mistake

Californians should be aware of the unintended consequences of eliminating pest control tools when state regulators and lawmakers consider a pesticide ban.

By Guest Commentary • June 15, 2022

Commentary

State should step in to protect Joshua trees

The state Fish and Game Commission should list western Joshua trees under the California Endangered Species Act, safeguarding the trees and offering proof of California’s commitment to fighting climate change.

By Guest Commentary • June 14, 2022

Commentary

Joshua tree protection could slow state’s progress on climate goals

Listing the iconic Joshua tree as a threatened species could make clean energy projects infeasible in California, at precisely the time when we need as much renewable power as possible.

By Guest Commentary • June 14, 2022

Commentary

After the surplus, buckle up for the deficit

The debate over how much of the state’s budget surplus to spend is a dangerous red herring. California should not be spending the surplus at all.

By Guest Commentary • June 13, 2022

Commentary

Legislature’s child care proposal overlooks the most vulnerable

Despite an unprecedented budget surplus, funding to meet the state's goal of expanding Head Start programs has remained elusive. Instead, hundreds of Head Start classrooms statewide are closed because of the inability to hire staff to serve children.

By Guest Commentary • June 13, 2022

Commentary

California needs to step up funding for voter education and outreach

Research shows significant racial and age participation disparities in elections. Why? Because many eligible voters don’t know how to vote or where to vote, and, most significantly, don’t feel voting makes a difference to their lives.

By Guest Commentary • June 10, 2022