California Voices

Viewpoints from across California

Two people in suits stand face-to-face on a stage in front of a crowd holding signs supporting voting rights and democracy. A podium sign in the foreground reads “Election Rigging Response Act.”

Newsom handpicked a generation of California politicians. Can they help him run for president?

An entire generation of California elected officials owe their current jobs and their political prospects to Gavin Newsom.

By Robert Greene

A person stands at a podium smiling while speaking to a crowd, with large teal campaign signage in the background reading “Becerra for Governor.” Four other people stand on the left side of stage as they look towards the speaker.

If California’s race for governor is a stress test for democracy, it’s failing

The top-two primary system can produce chaos and disengaged voters. This year’s picks for governor are coming from a small share of voters.

By Daniel Wolf

A person smiles and applauds while standing in front of a large blue-and-yellow campaign sign. They wear a floral-patterned outer layer over dark clothing and are photographed outdoors in daylight.

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

Nancy Wiles holds her eviction notice on Dec. 4, 2023. Photo by Manuel Orbegozo for CalMatters

California treats homelessness spending as action. That’s not a measure of success

California understands the pathway into homelessness. What the state still lacks is a coordinated system designed to interrupt it before families lose housing.

By Tangela Babbitt

California Wildfires

States’ insurer of last resort should not become the primary insurance market

California’s Insurance Commissioner wants to expand the state’s FAIR Plan by offering comprehensive homeowners coverage; this is a bad idea.

By Guest Commentary • May 9, 2020

Commentary

Older Californians are finding ways to make their mark during COVID-19 pandemic

Millions of older Californians are making their mark every day during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to the state’s vitality and sense of community.

By Guest Commentary • May 8, 2020

Lee Williams, who traveled up from San Diego, leads chants with his megaphone in front of the California Capitol. Thousands gathered to protest the state-wide lockdown now in its seventh week. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Commentary

Anti-vaccine protests hold lessons for journalists covering rallies against shelter-in-place orders

Media coverage of rallies against stay-at-home orders is important and should provide context; a study of anti-vaccine activism offers lessons.

By Guest Commentary • May 8, 2020

Healthcare workers at a Kaiser hospital in San Francisco on April 9, 2020. Today, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that the state would make hotel rooms available to care providers in regions with high rates of COVID-19 infections who need to self-isolate. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Commentary

COVID-19 has gutted hospitals’ resources and they are considering layoffs, furloughs

In California, we shouldn’t be talking about hospital layoffs, furloughs or service cutbacks, but that this is what hospital leaders are confronting.

By Guest Commentary • May 7, 2020

Commentary

‘Wartime’ presidents have one thing in common – and it comes in many forms

Our wartime presidents have had the courage to take personal responsibility for their actions – and, equally courageous, for their inaction.

By Guest Commentary • May 7, 2020

Commentary

Agencies that help survivors of domestic violence need funding; the Legislature can make that happen faster

California should provide grant money from the Domestic Violence Assistance Program as an up-front payment available for immediate use.

By Guest Commentary • May 7, 2020

California Capitol, home of the Assembly and Senate. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Dan Walters

High court weighs timely pension case

As recession hammers state and local government budgets, the state Supreme Court is weighing a case that could reveal how much, if any, their pension obligations could be reduced.

By Dan Walters • May 7, 2020

Capitol

Pool of finalists for California redistricting commission lacks adequate representation for Latinos

Even though Latinos are California’s largest ethnic group at 40%, they represent only 17% of the candidate pool for the redistricting commission.

By Guest Commentary • May 6, 2020

Capitol

California needs to make critical investments now in emergency preparedness for the next time

The California Legislature should reintroduce legislation to reinvest in the mobile field hospital program and emergency preparedness.

By Guest Commentary • May 6, 2020

Dan Walters

GOP lawmaker fights for accountability

Republican Assemblyman Jay Obernlte is a dogged champion for accountability and transparency in local tax and bond measures and is trying for win No. 2.

By Dan Walters • May 6, 2020