Commentary

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

Commentary

On Juneteenth, Californians should ask: What will it take for Black communities to thrive?

Amid a national backlash, is California willing to move from celebrations of freedom to building the structural conditions for Black people to permanently thrive?

By Kaci Patterson • June 19, 2026

A fast food employee stands and talks to customers behind the restaurant counter with the menu displayed behind them. In the foreground is the over-the-shoulder view of two customers as they talk to the employee.

Commentary

California turns to minimum wage hikes to offset high living costs. There’s a downside

California frequently turns to minimum wage hikes to offset the state's high living costs, but that creates economic pressures that can also squeeze households stuck in the middle.

By Dan Walters • June 19, 2026

A graduate in cap and gown holds a bouquet of flowers while posing with an older man wearing a light-colored hat and sunglasses. The two stand together smiling in a crowded outdoor graduation venue, with other attendees visible in the background.

Commentary

Immigration raids have made skin color top of mind for a new generation of California Latinos

As immigration agents conduct roving patrols, a Cal State Fullerton student reflects on the racial profiling her father experienced and how it inspires her to correct the narrative.

By Priscilla Preciado • June 18, 2026

A woman wearing a mask sits in a small medical exam room next to a desk with a computer, facing a healthcare worker who is partially obscured behind the monitor. The photo is taken from the hallway, looking into the room, where a wall-mounted hand sanitizer dispenser and document holders are also visible.

Commentary

Single-payer healthcare in California is possible. An economic and political thicket stands in the way

A pathway to single-payer healthcare may be possible, but hacking it through the thicket of healthcare economics and politics would require dozens — or even hundreds — of difficult choices.

By Dan Walters • June 18, 2026

Students wearing black cap and gowns with red stoles, wait in a line to receive their diploma during a commencement ceremony. The photo focuses on a person in the center of the line, who's red stole includes green and brown camouflage details to symbolize the U.S. military.

Commentary

Higher ed funding for California veterans is under threat. How a $12 billion bond could help

A program that lets veterans trade fatigues for a lab coat took a hit when federal officials tried freezing millions in grant dollars. It sparked support for a legislative fix.

By Jason Williams and Angel Fulgencio • June 17, 2026

A large white, blue and red sign is displayed at an event. The sign reads " Billionaire Tax Now" and "Vote Yes 11/3/26" next to an image of a check box. A person can be seen walking by in the blurred foreground.

Commentary

As ballot deadline nears, will California’s billionaire tax actually go to voters?

The November election will have an array of money-driven ballot measures clustered around one question: Who should be taxed to finance California’s public services, and how much should they pay?

By Dan Walters • June 17, 2026

People gather outside an evacuation shelter, many wearing hoodies, jackets or wrapped in blankets. An older person stands with a walker in the center of the scene, while signs for the American Red Cross and shelter services are visible in the background.

Commentary

During Garden Grove evacuations, did seniors and people with disabilities get out safely?

The emergency at GKN Aerospace forced evacuations, but it was unclear how bedridden residents, hospice patients and homebound seniors could get to safety.

By Kelley Barrett • June 16, 2026

A person wearing a navy suit stands behind a lectern during a press event. The California state seal, state flag and the American flag can be seen behind them. A monitor with the words, "California A Global Economic Powerhouse" can be seen to the person's left side.

Commentary

Capitol’s perpetual rivalry on display as Newsom and legislators clash over budget

As Gavin Newsom tries to wrap up his governorship, his differences with legislative leaders are on display as they clash over the budget.

By Dan Walters • June 16, 2026

A close-up view an unidentifiable teenager holding cell phones in their hand as they hold a Starbucks drink and a shopping with the other hand. Another unidentifiable teenager also holding a cell phone is seen in the background.

Commentary

Why California must keep children 16 and under off addictive social media platforms

California lawmakers are considering making social media platforms with addictive features end — and not pursue — accounts of anyone younger than 16.

By Samuel Chapman • June 15, 2026

Journalists and television camera crews gather around a podium crowded with microphones during a news conference on a city sidewalk. A person at the podium reviews papers while reporters, photographers and members of the public look on.

Commentary

California lawmakers want to cut funds for local news at exactly the wrong time

California lawmakers are finalizing a budget that would cut aid for local newsrooms, walking away from a nascent effort to restore local reporting and build a more sustainable industry.

By Martin Reynolds • June 15, 2026

California Voices

Viewpoints from across California