Commentary
California can learn from European countries that tried wealth taxes
Of 14 European countries that taxed personal wealth, all but three repealed it, citing capital flight, disappointing revenue and high costs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yousef Baig
California Voices Editor
Denise Amos
California Voices Deputy Editor
Dan Walters
Columnist
Jim Newton
Contributor
Pedro Rios
Contributor
Robert Greene
Contributor
Commentary
Jesse Jackson had a complicated relationship with fellow political personage Jerry Brown
When Rev. Jesse Jackson shared a stage with CA Gov. Jerry Brown, the two didn't always support each other's aspirations behind the scenes.
Commentary
California can sidestep scandal and banish bias while counting votes
Open source voting systems are more transparent and cheaper than the state’s current contract with Smartmatic, which is facing bribery charges.
Commentary
California school systems face red ink despite boosts in education spending
While the state borrows $5.6 billion from education, districts throughout the state are struggling to balance their own budgets this year.
Commentary
Who’s running for California Insurance Commissioner? Here’s a look at the field of candidates
There are 15 candidates vying to be the state's top insurance regulator, a hot seat as thousands of LA residents try tapping insurance to help them recover from wildfires.
Commentary
Community schools are key ingredient of California’s tumbling crime rates
Community schools are becoming neighborhood hubs by prioritizing academics, youth and family services, mental health and restorative justice.
Reader Reactions
California schools that ban cellphones make students want them more
Punishing all for the noncompliance of a few breeds resentment. Schools should confiscate phones from students who repeatedly offend.
Commentary
Here’s how Newsom’s spending binge outstripped revenues, creating California’s chronic deficit
Obscure charts show how California's spending exploded under Newsom, far outstripping its stagnant population growth, inflation and a hefty increase in revenues.
Commentary
Candidate comment: Insurers’ blockbuster profits enrich shareholders and CEOs, not customers
Guest Commentary written by Jane Kim Jane Kim is a civil rights attorney, consumer advocate and a former San Francisco Supervisor With the first anniversary of the devastating Southern California wildfires approaching, CalMatters asked candidates for the 2026 state Insurance Commissioner race to share thoughts on what the state can do to help victims and […]
Reader Reactions
Good behavior musn’t determine if a California prison inmate lives in a safe environment
An incarcerated person's constitutional right to a safe and healthy environment in a single occupancy cell cannot be withheld on the condition that she or he be good.