Commentary: California Voices

A bill that would extend unemployment benefits to workers on a strike exceeding two weeks is awaiting a signature from Gov. Gavin Newsom. A Hollywood writer argues workers deserve benefits from a fund they already pay for.

California's beleaguered Employment Development Department could be asked to dole out benefits to striking workers if Gov. Gavin Newsom signs a bill providing them the right. Critics say the EDD has enough problems to address before the next economic downturn.

The California Legislature adjourned this month without resolving the issue facing homeowners and their declining ability to acquire fire insurance. A move by the insurance commissioner to try and intervene seemed to double down on a major tradeoff.

As California's homelessness crisis continues, its politicians are carping over who should be held responsible for resolving it.

A string of decisions by cities in the Inland Empire signal that local officials are beginning to take a more critical eye to warehouse expansions in a region that's seen explosive growth over the last three decades. But without broader changes or action by state leaders, residents and activists remain skeptical.

A bill that would add caste to California’s fair employment and housing law and the education code is sitting on the governor's desk. Supporters are on a hunger strike, urging Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign the bill into law.

Emulating previous California politicians, Gov. Gavin Newsom is singling out the oil industry as he tries to build his national political image.

A Sacramento woman with bipolar disorder reflects on her own experience with involuntary hospitalization and the potentially fatal alternative she faced.

With a new leader at the helm, California's labor unions achieved major gains in this year's legislative session, even though only 17% of the state's workers belong to unions.

An 11th hour compromise in the Legislature settled a conflict over whether a new state agency would set wages and working conditions in the fast food industry and implicitly undermine the franchise business system.