California Voices

Viewpoints from across California

A person stands on a sidewalk beside a storefront with a metal shutter and near a utility pole with a traffic signal. In the background is parked cars and street signs are visible in the background

He’s trying to break generational ties to gangs. Los Angeles police keep targeting him

LAPD launched an internal investigation after a swarm of officers allegedly profiled and detained young men the day they were set to graduate from a second-chance program.

By George B. Sánchez-Tello

Facebook employees take a photo in front of the new Meta sign at the company headquarters in Menlo Park on Oct. 28, 2021. Photo by Tony Avelar, AP Photo

Tech billionaires are spending millions to reshape California’s Legislature

Tech billionaires funding PACs have enjoyed recent growth in personal and corporate wealth and are spending it to handpick the California Legislature.

By Crystal Zermeño

A voter fills out their ballot at a voting site at the Hamilton School gymnasium in central Fresno on June 7, 2022. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters

Unsure about the bond measures on California’s ballot? These 2 questions can help

There are two main questions to consider when evaluating bond measures on the November ballot. And the answers vary depending on the proposition.

By Chris Hoene

Two women sit at microphones during a public discussion. The woman in the foreground, wearing a bright blue blazer, gestures while speaking, as the woman beside her in a gray blazer smiles and looks toward her.

Neither LA mayoral candidate has a compelling answer to the affordability crisis

Beyond their ideas on how to curb housing prices, Mayor Karen Bass and challenger Nithya Raman have little to offer that would lower living costs in L.A.

By Jim Newton

A person watches as an election worker with a pink button up blouse inserts a white envelope into the slot of a gray ballot box.

Commentary

California’s ballot propositions fuel its longstanding tax-and-spending war

Until Proposition 13, California voters let elected officials decide taxes and spending options. Now, 48 years later, money matters dominate the ballot box.

By Dan Walters • October 15, 2026

A group of five people dressed in business attire sits around a round table conducting a debate inside a news studio, with studio lights hanging above them from the ceiling

Commentary

Friends who’ve fallen out feud during gritty, final LA mayoral debate

Mayor Karen Bass, who’s fallen behind in recent polls, went on the offensive against City Councilmember Nithya Raman, a supporter-turned-challenger.

By Jim Newton • October 15, 2026

Commentary

Democrats’ identity crisis takes center stage in California insurance commissioner race

Much of the debate within the Democratic Party boils down to the degree to which a candidate rejects or embraces large corporate interests — like the insurance industry.

By Robert Greene • October 14, 2026

Certified Lab Specialist Maria Sussettee looks at a blood sample through a microscope in the medical lab of Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital in Hollister on March 30, 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Commentary

Prop 38 asks: Should California take on more debt to fund a single field of medical research?

If voters approve Proposition 38, the $8.4 billion bond would fund immunology and immunotherapy research. Half would go to an institute linked to a billionaire who supported the ballot measure.

By Dan Walters • October 14, 2026

Illustration by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters; iStock

Commentary

One area Democrats, GOP agree: California needs a larger rainy day fund

The state’s boom-and-bust economy leads to budget volatility. Prop. 2 would double the state’s rainy day fund, lessening the need to chop costs.

By Jesse Gabriel and Josh Hoover • October 13, 2026

A man in a suit speaks into a mic while three other men in suits sit next to him, listening.

Commentary

Public financing of California’s electoral campaigns could curb power of money in politics

California's political system makes it difficult to get elected without personal wealth or wealthy donors. A psychology professor says a public financing system could empower better candidates.

By Mary Gomes • October 9, 2026

A wide view of two people standing behind a desk as they look straight into a video camera while they host a political streaming show at a conference. A red and blue colored background in the distance shows two microphones being spotlighted.

Commentary

MAGA media’s election denial in LA mayoral race is a warning for the midterms

A media analyst warns that right-wing pundits are creating a dangerous environment where the reflexive rejection of negative election results is the new normal.

By John Knefel • October 7, 2026

A man stands beside a cart piled with belongings outside a public restroom, beneath signs listing rules and hours. Cleaning supplies lean against the restroom entrance.

Commentary

California banned pay toilets to address inequality. Some would revive it on the same grounds

California was the first state to ban pay toilets. A pitched return of the policy in San Diego shows how privatization is the best government can think to do today.

By Bryant Simon • October 5, 2026

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