California Voices

Viewpoints from across California

California Attorney General Rob Bonta speaks at a podium with the Hollywood sign and communications towers visible on the hillside behind him.

If the Paramount-Warner Bros. deal survives, California’s antitrust fix: The company’s board

If the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery deal happens, California should restructure the merged company's board to create a check on decisions that hurt workers and consumers.

By David Apgar

An aerial view of an office complex surrounded by trees and homes. In the background are hills under a partly cloudy sky.

How California can do data centers differently and win back community trust

Californians might be more accepting of data centers if Big Tech planned transparently, shared benefits with host communities and used more clean energy.

By Allison Agsten

A side-view of elementary school-age students sitting on a rug inside a classroom as they look towards a teacher sitting on a chair nearby. The classroom is decorated with colorful artwork and educational material.

Newsom and legislators withhold school funds while state blows money on pork and luxury travel

While the state withheld $3.9 billion from schools, it spent $1.3 billion on pork projects and $600,000 on train consultants' questionable luxury travel bills, reports say.

By Dan Walters

Six people sit on a rounded marble dais inside a large room with various monitors displaying the meeting agenda. The U.S., California and San Diego County flags can be seen in the background.

San Diego County’s pursuit of ethics reforms may also help consolidate Democratic control

A closer look at San Diego County's ballot measure to establish an ethics commission includes notable governance changes that could benefit slim political majorities on the Board of Supervisors.

By Robert Greene

Cleanup workers in protective gear and life vests deploy a long yellow containment boom on a beach following an oil spill. The boom stretches from the rocky shore into the water, with a boat visible in the distance.

Commentary

California must defend the ocean and beaches from Trump’s new plans for offshore drilling

Gov. Gavin Newsom is weighing a bill to make it harder for companies to use existing equipment in state waters for offshore drilling in federal waters.

By Ted Danson • September 18, 2026

A large stage backdrop reads "Billionaire Tax Now" and "Vote Yes 11/3/26" as attendees gather in silhouette before an event, with musical equipment set up onstage.

Commentary

Taxing California’s rich just got more complicated. Prop 40’s fate is still uncertain

A new poll shows 52% of California's likely voters favor Prop 40. But if either of two other measures gets more votes, that can still nullify it.

By Dan Walters • September 18, 2026

A group of heavily armed federal agents in tactical gear, some wearing patches reading “POLICE U.S. BORDER PATROL,” stand on a city street. In the background, a Black woman in a light blue pantsuit—Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass—steps out of a black SUV. Palm trees line the boulevard, hinting at a Southern California location. The agents' body armor, helmets, and equipment suggest a high-security federal operation.

Commentary

LA mayoral rivals clash over public safety and the police chief but miss key issues

Mayor Karen Bass’ challenger, Councilmember Nithya Raman, says LA has lost confidence in Chief Jim McDonnell. That prompted Bass to back him, even as police protect ICE agents and draw the public's anger.

By Jim Newton • September 17, 2026

A concrete mural with information about Biddy Mason, a former slave and Los Angeles real estate entrepreneur, is displayed near a wall at a park. The mural contains a photo of Biddy Mason and facts about her life. Trees can be seen nearby.

Commentary

From slavery to riches: A founding mother of Black Los Angeles finally gets her due

Biddy Mason, while enslaved in California, sued and won her freedom. Then she bought and developed CA land and launched a church and a school. Now LA is renaming a park for her.

By Kevin Waite • September 17, 2026

An encampment with scattered belongings, shopping carts, a tent covered in plastic, and a frosted artificial Christmas tree. A person stands near a chain-link fence while another sits by the tent. A worn trailer is in the background, and a dog is partially visible in the foreground.

Commentary

California’s high cost of living places state near — but not at — the top in poverty rates

California no longer leads the nation in cost-adjusted poverty; it's No. 2. Rivals will likely weaponize that status anyway should Gov. Gavin Newsom run for president.

By Dan Walters • September 16, 2026

Smoke clouds cover an orange sky as a firefighter stands at the end of a ladder using a fire hose to put out flames on the roof of a house as while stepping on a ladder.

Commentary

Did Altadena’s unincorporated status play a role in safety lapses during the Eaton fire?

Unincorporated Altadena relied on county agencies during the 2025 fire. Most residents polled said they weren’t warned and never saw a firefighter.

By Aimery Thomas • September 16, 2026

A volunteers laughs while sorting through boxes of golden potatoes from a nearby conveyor belt while standing next to other volunteers.

Commentary

California’s community work isn’t a Band-Aid in times of crisis. It’s a resource deserving long-term funding

State government treats community organizations like temporary vendors, not long-term partners needing steady funding and a place at the table, a nonprofit consultant says.

By Kaci Patterson • September 15, 2026

A news rack with a display of that day's front page of the Sacramento Bee can be seen in the foreground as a person walks by in the distance.

Commentary

Sacramento Bee slashes staff as Gov. Gavin Newsom weighs state aid for news outlets

After a 144-year-old newspaper war, a bankruptcy and the internet gobbling its ad revenue, the Sacramento Bee is deeply cutting its staff, its owners announced.

By Dan Walters • September 15, 2026

A person's hands reaches out from car window as they insert pink envelopes into a voting dropbox. In the background, the sun shines through a thin layer of clouds.

Commentary

California’s vote by mail system works. It’s worth fighting for.

Ballots mailed to homes and the option to vote by mail are linked to high turnouts. There have been few attempts to commit voter fraud, a state official says.

By Shirley Weber • September 14, 2026