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.

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.

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

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

Several candidates sit in chairs on a stage, facing 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

This isn’t a race for California governor; it’s more like a game of chicken

Rather than campaigning, eight Democratic hopefuls are waiting for someone to blink, as two Republican candidates take potshots at each other.

Dan Walters

• April 3, 2026

A person, wearing a black blazer and a green shirt, stands in front of a podium with microphones on it as they speak and gesture with their right hand.

Commentary

Top-two race in Los Angeles makes strange political bedfellows

Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass may elevate a lesser known Republican opponent in the nonpartisan race to sidestep a higher-polling Democratic foe.

Jim Newton

• April 2, 2026

A close-up of a person wearing sunglasses as they are surrounded by reporters holding microphones and cameras near the person's face.

Commentary

Allegation that Gavin Newsom presides over an ’empire of fraud’ doesn’t stick

A conservative magazine wrongly labeled as fraud signs of Gov. Newsom's mismanagement. That's not an investigation; it's a campaign ploy.

Dan Walters

• April 2, 2026

A mountain lion walks into a light source on top of foliage while two other cubs follow close behind as they look towards the frame.

Commentary

California safeguards pumas as federal rules fail to protect their habitat

The state placed six mountain lion species on the threatened list, so road and land developers must evaluate projects to not isolate pumas.

By Tiffany Yap • April 1, 2026

A detailed look of scaffolding that sits in front of a weather-resistant barrier e of an apartment complex under construction.

Commentary

Santa Monica project points the way to easing California’s housing shortage

If wealthy Santa Monica can do it, will less well-heeled CA communities begin accommodating modular home and apartment construction?

Dan Walters

• March 31, 2026

Commentary

‘Give me another solution.’ Counties resist mental health centers, betraying patients and families

Monterey County recently halted development of a mental health center, leaving struggling patients and families in a lurch.

George B. Sánchez-Tello

• March 31, 2026

A wide view of a refinery location on a clear day with various structures, including distillation columns, as smoke is released into the air.

Commentary

With Californians paying sky-high gas prices, now’s not the time for new oil regulations

Proposed changes to state climate law may boost gas-pump prices by up to $1 a gallon by 2030. Also more refineries and jobs may leave California.

By Tony Strickland • March 31, 2026

Rear view of a teenage boy sitting on bed as they look out a window.

Commentary

California shouldn’t bail out beleaguered foster family agencies

Agencies that put kids in foster homes sought $30 million for insurance, because abuse victims have won multimillion-dollar lawsuits against them.

By Richard Wexler • March 30, 2026

Commentary

How California immigrants and 19th century racism shaped U.S. views on birthright citizenship

The 14th Amendment and some Congressmen's racist views on immigrants shaped prior Supreme Court reasoning that people born here are citizens.

By Brian J. Johnson • March 30, 2026