California Voices

Viewpoints from across California

Two women sit at microphones during a public discussion. The woman in the foreground, wearing a bright blue blazer, gestures while speaking, as the woman beside her in a gray blazer smiles and looks toward her.

Neither LA mayoral candidate has a compelling answer to the affordability crisis

Beyond their ideas on how to curb housing prices, Mayor Karen Bass and challenger Nithya Raman have little to offer that would lower living costs in L.A.

By Jim Newton

Two men stand at podiums during a CNN California governor debate. The man on the right speaks and gestures toward the other candidate with an outstretched hand, while the man on the left looks toward him.

Hilton blames Democrats. Becerra blames Trump. Little was learned in governor’s race debate

"All you say is Trump, Trump, Trump," Hilton said on a question about immigration. "Trump, Trump, Trump," Becerra responded. So it went for an hour and a dozen issues.

By Dan Walters

A "for sale" sign is posted in front of a home in Sacramento on March 3, 2022. Photo by Rich Pedroncelli, AP Photo

How immigrants get locked out of buying a California home — even when they can afford it

The U.S. systems of home sales and financing often ignore immigrants’ pre-U.S. financial resources and credit histories, even for people buying with cash.

By Anastasiia Chystiukhina

A powerful waterfall cascades down a steep granite cliff in Yosemite National Park, with Half Dome visible in the distance under a clear blue sky.

Yosemite land giveaway shows no place is safe from Trump’s assault on public lands

The Trump administration is finding ways to sell, lease or give away millions of acres of protected public lands and national parkland to developers.

By Mark Butler

A man in a suit speaks into a mic while three other men in suits sit next to him, listening.

Commentary

Public financing of California’s electoral campaigns could curb power of money in politics

California's political system makes it difficult to get elected without personal wealth or wealthy donors. A psychology professor says a public financing system could empower better candidates.

By Mary Gomes • October 9, 2026

A voter fills out their ballot at a voting site at the Hamilton School gymnasium in central Fresno on June 7, 2022. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters

Commentary

Unsure about the bond measures on California’s ballot? These 2 questions can help

There are two main questions to consider when evaluating bond measures on the November ballot. And the answers vary depending on the proposition.

By Chris Hoene • October 8, 2026

A wide view of two people standing behind a desk as they look straight into a video camera while they host a political streaming show at a conference. A red and blue colored background in the distance shows two microphones being spotlighted.

Commentary

MAGA media’s election denial in LA mayoral race is a warning for the midterms

A media analyst warns that right-wing pundits are creating a dangerous environment where the reflexive rejection of negative election results is the new normal.

By John Knefel • October 7, 2026

A person stands on a sidewalk beside a storefront with a metal shutter and near a utility pole with a traffic signal. In the background is parked cars and street signs are visible in the background

Commentary

He’s trying to break generational ties to gangs. Los Angeles police keep targeting him

LAPD launched an internal investigation after a swarm of officers allegedly profiled and detained young men the day they were set to graduate from a second-chance program.

By George B. Sánchez-Tello • October 6, 2026

A man stands beside a cart piled with belongings outside a public restroom, beneath signs listing rules and hours. Cleaning supplies lean against the restroom entrance.

Commentary

California banned pay toilets to address inequality. Some would revive it on the same grounds

California was the first state to ban pay toilets. A pitched return of the policy in San Diego shows how privatization is the best government can think to do today.

By Bryant Simon • October 5, 2026

Facebook employees take a photo in front of the new Meta sign at the company headquarters in Menlo Park on Oct. 28, 2021. Photo by Tony Avelar, AP Photo

Commentary

Tech billionaires are spending millions to reshape California’s Legislature

Tech billionaires funding PACs have enjoyed recent growth in personal and corporate wealth and are spending it to handpick the California Legislature.

By Crystal Zermeño • October 5, 2026

A technology conference booth features a large digital screen displaying the words "AI is everywhere" alongside a cartoon character resembling Albert Einstein. The booth is illuminated in blue lighting, with signage encouraging attendees to assess their AI readiness. A person wearing a staff shirt stands in the shadows on the left, while another attendee in a suit walks past, holding a cup and a smartphone. The scene is partially obscured by foreground elements, adding depth to the composition.

Commentary

California will need more than a ‘kill switch’ to keep AI under control

After hundreds of AI “agents” participated in a cyber attack, industry leaders began seeking guardrails. California is beginning to set some.

By Gleb Tsipursky • October 2, 2026

Dozens of people stand in line outside a building during Election Night. Two U.S. flags hang outside the building.

Commentary

Californians are in a sour mood but don’t want to change the political status quo

Californians are dissatisfied with the present and sour on the future, but the Democratic Party can comfortably expect to maintain its hegemony.

By Dan Walters • October 2, 2026

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