California Voices

Viewpoints from across California

Two people in suits sit on a studio set, one speaking with hands raised mid-gesture while the other turns toward them, listening.

Spencer Pratt wants to be LA’s next mayor. His tell-all book won’t help him

In his memoir, Pratt describes himself as selfish, undisciplined and unprincipled. He deflects blame, squanders fortunes and complains a lot.

By Jim Newton

A side view of a row of voters sitting in front of voting machines separated by blue dividers. The photo focus on a voter who rest their right hand on their chin as they contemplate their voting selections.

How the Supreme Court’s Voting Rights Act ruling could affect California’s gerrymandered districts

The High Court's decision guts the Voting Rights Act’s impetus to draw districts so non-white ethnic groups get congressional representation.

By Dan Walters

A visitor center sits at the base of steep granite cliffs, surrounded by tall trees. People walk up and down the steps, gather near the entrance, and rest on benches outside. A sign reading “Welcome Center” is mounted on the building, while an American flag stands nearby. The dramatic rock face rises behind the scene under a clear blue sky.

We can’t ‘restore’ American history by flagging Native American books

Pres. Donald Trump is pressuring Redwood National and State Parks to tag tribally-centered books and material critical of American history.

By Kerri Malloy

A person wearing a white polo shirt and a headset microphone holds up a folded U.S. dollar bill while speaking on a stage, with a large pink-lit screen blurred in the background.

Billionaires aren’t going to flee California. Others will without a budget fix

The idea that billionaires will flee California over a proposed wealth tax is bunk. Still, the ballot initiative is only a Band-Aid, and impedes a more serious conversation about the state's deeper fiscal problems.

By Yousef Baig

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.

Commentary

Newsom’s unbalanced budget faces strong pushback for spending cuts. Will lawmakers back him?

Advocates and unions are objecting to Newsom's proposed cuts to state spending on education, preschool, health and welfare programs.

By Dan Walters • May 27, 2026

An aerial view of a burned-down neighborhood on a hillside with debris from burned homes and burnt trees can be seen. A white truck can be seen parked in the neighborhood among the destruction. In the background, a skyline view of the city can be seen with the ocean in the horizon.

Commentary

Our house burned down but our mortgage didn’t. California fire survivors need time

Palisades and Eaton fire survivors had 12 months' relief before resuming mortgage payments. Lawmakers are voting on a bill that would give them three years’ forbearance.

By Rachel Jonas and Robert Fagnani • May 27, 2026

Two workers in white full-body protective suits walk around, spraying rows of crops on a hillside with a sprayer strapped to their backs. The two people are surrounded by rows of crops across hillsides, with a tractor and a truck pulling trailers in the background.

Commentary

Peaches, pears and PFAS: California lawmakers may limit ‘forever’ pesticides in foods

PFAS chemicals were found in nearly 40% of samples of nonorganic fruits and vegetables California regulators tested in 2023. A bill would ban their use.

By Nathan Donley • May 26, 2026

Nancy Wiles holds her eviction notice on Dec. 4, 2023. Photo by Manuel Orbegozo for CalMatters

Commentary

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 • May 26, 2026

he CalPERS headquarters in Sacramento, with a large stone sign in the foreground reading “CalPERS California Public Employees’ Retirement System, 400 Q Street.” The modern glass and steel building rises behind the sign.

Commentary

The CalPERS gamble: Why the push to invest in private equity alarms public employees

CalPERS shifted from stable, traditional assets to private equity and a private credit portfolio. Details about their investment risk and fees are secret.

By Devara Berger • May 22, 2026

An aerial view of a gray transportation ramp under construction. Building materials can be seen laying on the ground nearby.

Commentary

18 years after California voters approved the bullet train, progress and finances are still stalled

The bullet train project launched in 2008 with promises of completion by 2020. Now it's mostly concrete supports. No tracks or train.

By Dan Walters • May 22, 2026

Students walk along the concrete hallways of a school campus on a gray, cloudy day.

Commentary

Education is vital and costs California billions, so why aren’t candidates for governor talking about it?

The next governor will be directly responsible for statewide education leadership. Yet governor candidates haven't broached the subject.

By Dan Walters • May 21, 2026

A person waits in line inside a room filled with white voting booths. The side of one voting booth, that has an image of the American flag and the word "Vote" on it, can be seen in the foreground.

Commentary

With so many candidates and options in California, when’s the right time to vote?

Some in the Democratic Party urged voters to wait to see if any Democratic candidates bow out of the race. But how long is too long to wait?

By Kim Alexander • May 21, 2026

A close-up image shows the cover of an “Official Voter Information Guide” booklet resting on a surface. The shallow depth of field keeps the blue title graphic in focus while the rest of the booklet fades softly out of focus.

Commentary

How California’s Voter Guide published a candidate’s antisemitic conspiracy theories

One of the 61 gubernatorial candidates ranted about Israel and Jewish people instead of describing himself. Did the state have to publish it?

By Reuven Taff • May 20, 2026

Several people sit onstage during a policy forum in front of signs for the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Business Policy Summit. One speaker holds a microphone while speaking as the others listen from nearby chairs.

Commentary

Hilton and Becerra lead in new California governor poll. Steyer trails but isn’t out

In a Democratic poll during the last weeks of campaigning, most trending candidates for governor show support in the single digits.

By Dan Walters • May 19, 2026