Jim Newton

Commentary

Safer, cleaner MacArthur Park still struggles. Will closing a major Los Angeles boulevard make a difference?

MacArthur Park, once a symbol of Los Angeles, is plagued by drugs. The city is reviving it, but Wilshire Boulevard slashes the park in half.

By Jim Newton • July 23, 2026

Commentary

California ponders a fundamental question: Should voting be easier or harder?

This year offers a series of opportunities for Californians to consider their voting principles and whether they should enlarge or constrain participation.

By Jim Newton • July 9, 2026

Commentary

LA’s political coalitions have been shifting. Nithya Raman will shuffle them even more

As Karen Bass and Nithya Raman look to attract new supporters, a fault line between older and newer Angelenos could emerge.

By Jim Newton • June 25, 2026

Commentary

Pratt out, Raman in: What Los Angeles voters can now expect in the mayoral race

Nithya Raman's success at making the runoff in the L.A. mayor's race means Karen Bass will need to answer difficult questions about high living costs and public safety.

By Jim Newton • June 9, 2026

Commentary

The mayoral showdown that benefits Karen Bass doesn’t really benefit Los Angeles voters

Karen Bass would have coasted back into office if Spencer Pratt had advanced to the general election. But it would've been a wasted opportunity for voters to have a substantive debate about her record.

By Jim Newton • June 4, 2026

Commentary

Will California voters embrace outsiders or candidates with governing experience?

The races for governor and Los Angeles mayor offer candidates in contrast: some with years of experience running bureaucracies and others proud to have none.

By Jim Newton • May 28, 2026