Commentary

A silouhette of a person as they stand in front of a podium surrounded wby supporters. The silouhette are illuminated by a red tarp covering a construction zone.

As Gavin Newsom’s reign nears end, his ability to sway legislators has also waned

California Gov. Gavin Newsom just doesn’t have the clout he once wielded so aggressively as the end of his reign approaches.

By Dan Walters

A student registers to vote at Sacramento State University in Sacramento on Oct. 20, 2022. Photo by Rahul Lal, CalMatters

California lets teens preregister to vote before they’re 18. It doesn’t teach them how

California lets 16- and 17-year-olds preregister to vote by their 18th birthday, but only 11% do. High schools should be required to teach them how, a graduate says.

By Conner Huey

A homeless man wearing a white button up shirt and plaid shorts pushes a wheelchair next to a homeless encampment in Skid Row with the Los Angeles skyline in the background.

LA’s homelessness uptick lets Raman target Bass. If only accountability was that simple

L.A. City Councilmember Nithya Raman criticized Mayor Karen Bass over the increase in homelessness, but disentangling the records of the two candidates on this issue is difficult.

By Jim Newton

Six people sit on a rounded marble dais inside a large room with various monitors displaying the meeting agenda. The U.S., California and San Diego County flags can be seen in the background.

San Diego County’s pursuit of ethics reforms may also help consolidate Democratic control

A closer look at San Diego County's ballot measure to establish an ethics commission includes notable governance changes that could benefit slim political majorities on the Board of Supervisors.

By Robert Greene

An encampment with scattered belongings, shopping carts, a tent covered in plastic, and a frosted artificial Christmas tree. A person stands near a chain-link fence while another sits by the tent. A worn trailer is in the background, and a dog is partially visible in the foreground.

Commentary

California’s high cost of living places state near — but not at — the top in poverty rates

California no longer leads the nation in cost-adjusted poverty; it's No. 2. Rivals will likely weaponize that status anyway should Gov. Gavin Newsom run for president.

By Dan Walters • September 16, 2026

Smoke clouds cover an orange sky as a firefighter stands at the end of a ladder using a fire hose to put out flames on the roof of a house as while stepping on a ladder.

Commentary

Did Altadena’s unincorporated status play a role in safety lapses during the Eaton fire?

Unincorporated Altadena relied on county agencies during the 2025 fire. Most residents polled said they weren’t warned and never saw a firefighter.

By Aimery Thomas • September 16, 2026

A volunteers laughs while sorting through boxes of golden potatoes from a nearby conveyor belt while standing next to other volunteers.

Commentary

California’s community work isn’t a Band-Aid in times of crisis. It’s a resource deserving long-term funding

State government treats community organizations like temporary vendors, not long-term partners needing steady funding and a place at the table, a nonprofit consultant says.

By Kaci Patterson • September 15, 2026

A news rack with a display of that day's front page of the Sacramento Bee can be seen in the foreground as a person walks by in the distance.

Commentary

Sacramento Bee slashes staff as Gov. Gavin Newsom weighs state aid for news outlets

After a 144-year-old newspaper war, a bankruptcy and the internet gobbling its ad revenue, the Sacramento Bee is deeply cutting its staff, its owners announced.

By Dan Walters • September 15, 2026

A person's hands reaches out from car window as they insert pink envelopes into a voting dropbox. In the background, the sun shines through a thin layer of clouds.

Commentary

California’s vote by mail system works. It’s worth fighting for.

Ballots mailed to homes and the option to vote by mail are linked to high turnouts. There have been few attempts to commit voter fraud, a state official says.

By Shirley Weber • September 14, 2026

A close-up look of a row of sprinklers watering a dirt field on farmland overlooking a clear sky.

Commentary

California’s future water supplies depend on the outcomes of four intertwined battles

State conflicts are brewing over Colorado River water, the Sites reservoir project, the proposed Delta tunnel and San Joaquin River diversions.

By Dan Walters • September 11, 2026

California Attorney General Rob Bonta speaks at a podium with the Hollywood sign and communications towers visible on the hillside behind him.

Commentary

If the Paramount-Warner Bros. deal survives, California’s antitrust fix: The company’s board

If the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery deal happens, California should restructure the merged company's board to create a check on decisions that hurt workers and consumers.

By David Apgar • September 11, 2026

Students arrive at Nevada Union High School in Grass Valley on Tuesday March 1, 2022. Photo by Salgu Wissmath for CalMatters

Commentary

California law that helped students sleep more before school is getting high marks

California's middle and high school students are getting more sleep, have fewer mental health issues and are doing better in math and English, a new study found.

By Dan Walters • September 10, 2026

A person raises their right arm in the air and they lay on a medical bed in an examination room at a clinic. The person wears a black cardigan and yellow shirt.

Reader Reactions

Medicaid expanded beyond the population it was meant to serve. Its cost needs scrutiny, too

The fallout of Medicaid cuts deserve scrutiny, but the program's impact on federal debt should be part of the discussion, argues a longtime political strategist.

By Jon Fleischman • September 9, 2026

Firefighters work as Park Fire burns near Chico on July 25, 2024. Photo by Fred Greaves, REUTERS

Commentary

Will Gavin Newsom raise public safety pensions? It may hinge on his presidential hopes

A bill to boost pension benefits for police, firefighters and other public safety workers could cost state and local governments — and taxpayers — more than $8 billion.

By Dan Walters • September 9, 2026

California Voices

Viewpoints from across California