California Voices

Viewpoints from across California

A group of five people, dressed in professional attire, sit on chairs on a stage in front of a crowd, with a banner behind them reading “Governor Candidate Forum.” Four of the five people sitting on stage have their hands up to answer the question while a crowd of people watches in the dark.

No clear frontrunner for governor, but new poll names five with the best shot

A poll shows three Democrats and two Republicans have voter support percentages in the teens. The top two vote-getters in June will face off in November.

By Dan Walters

A person in medical protective clothing, wearing a face mask and a hair net, pushes a hospital gurney through a hallway inside a hospital, viewed from an open door.

She spent six of her last years in arbitration with her HMO. Her husband’s still fighting the system

Arbitrators in medical disputes are supposed to be unbiased, but this couple suspected there is an incentive to favor HMO’s in arbitration.

By Stephen Martinez

Two people face each other as they speak: the person on the left has a happy expression and her arm to her chest, while the person on the right wears a grey suit jacket and glasses. Both people are standing in a park area on a sunny day. In the background is a fence to a baseball field.

A former political ally tests LA liberals’ allegiance to Mayor Karen Bass

Mayor Karen Bass isn't vulnerable on her right, but she may be on her left, as City Councilmember Nithya Raman, a Democratic Socialist and ex-supporter, runs against her.

By Jim Newton

A close-up view of a person's hand holding a sign that reads "We wants answers! No more deaths!" and they stand at the front steps of a building surrounded by other people holding signs.

California promised accountability for inmate deaths in jails. A year later, no results.

Lawmakers passed a law creating a state department to review inmate deaths, but it hasn’t completed a single death review in its first year.

By David Myers

Traffic on Highway 50 in Sacramento on June 30, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Commentary

As tax deadlines loom, Californians should note how little they get for paying high taxes

Several comparisons show Californians don't get enough return on investment — in government services — to justify such high taxes and fees.

By Dan Walters • April 9, 2026

A printed document titled “Governor’s Budget Summary 2026–27” is clipped together, showing a black-and-white image of the California State Capitol with the state flag flying in front.

Commentary

California should halt its boom-and-bust budgeting and boost reserves instead

A new governor would find their hands tied if the state doesn’t shrink its budget deficits and smooth out its tax revenue rollercoaster ride.

By Peter Weber and Chris Thornberg • April 9, 2026

Several candidates raise their hands as they sit in chairs on a stage in front of a crowd. Behind the candidates is a banner that reads “Affordability and Rural California,” with decor of an American flag, a California flag, and potted plants.

Commentary

Candidates for governor are playing it safe. Gen Z voters can’t afford that.

Gen Z voters, especially Latino students, felt the effects of budget cuts and now question if candidates care about their economic mobility.

By Andrea Escobar and Joselen Contreras • April 8, 2026

Petroleum pump jacks are pictured in the Kern River oil field in Bakersfield. Photo by Jonathan Alcorn, Reuters

Commentary

Battles over business regulation resume in California’s Capitol with new legislation

Lawmakers discussed bills that allow lawsuits against business monopolies and businesses that affect climate change.

By Dan Walters • April 8, 2026

People wearing white jumpsuits and yellow safety vests gather up debris from a home destroyed during a wildfire.

Commentary

Candidate comment: He lost his home in the Palisades fire. Now he’s running to ‘fix the broken system’

After the fires, homeowners were traumatized by insurers. Farren's philosophy: “The best response to hardship is to create change that protects others.”

By Merritt Farren • April 8, 2026

A man in a grey suit sits on a chair on a stage in front of a banner that reads “Affordability and Rural California” with an American flag next to it.

Commentary

Sheriff Chad Bianco’s ballot grab is a campaign stunt, not an investigation

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a Republican running for governor, seized 650,000 ballots cast in 2025, though his deputies aren’t trained vote fraud investigators.

By Bryon Gustafson • April 7, 2026

A person in a dark suit and light blue tie stands outdoors among a crowd, facing the camera with a serious expression. Behind them, an American flag waves near a construction crane, with trees and a bright blue sky in the background.

Commentary

Trump endorsing Hilton may help keep California governorship in Democratic hands

If ex-TV commentator Steve Hilton pulls far ahead of Sheriff Chad Bianco, it cuts the chances for a 1-2 GOP outcome — likely the only way California can get a Republican governor.

By Dan Walters • April 6, 2026

A close-up view of a person's right index finger pointing to writing on a small stack of redacted papers.

Commentary

California shouldn’t price the public out of public records. Democracy is at stake

A bill letting governments charge for public documents would let them base the cost on the time it takes to review and redact the information. It doesn't limit them.

By David Snyder • April 6, 2026

A doctor uses a dental mouthscope as they examine inside a patient's mouth. The patient wears a jean jacket styled hat and a black and pink floral shirt.

Commentary

After a four-year wait to see a dentist, her son suffered. With Medi-Cal cuts, the wait will be even longer

People try for months, sometimes years, to find dentists who take Denti-Cal, Medi-Cal for teeth. The state may slash those dentist reimbursements.

By Pat Hornbecker • April 6, 2026

An aerial view of mud, debris and oil falling from a hill into a small body of water near the site of a powerhouse.

Commentary

Yuba River Disaster: It could be coming to a river near you

Climate change and age are stressing California's water infrastructure, endangering struggling salmon populations and other wildlife.

By Keiko Mertz • April 3, 2026