California Voices

A bill that would've required public schools to give students access to free condoms was vetoed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, but young advocates worried about the rise in sexually transmitted infections are vowing to keep pushing for access.

While advocates of regulating prices for consumer services and commodities say the practice protects the public, there's a flip side of also protecting the the finances of those who provide the services.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ handling of the Interstate 10 fire and shutdown helped telegraph some of her strengths. As authorities search for a potential arson suspect, the speculation about nearby encampments served as a reminder of the bigger task the mayor faces.

As the Tijuana River sewage crisis worsens, local leaders and community organizations in San Diego and elsewhere have pleaded with Gov. Gavin Newsom to intervene. The governor has so far deferred to the White House and Congress, leaving dozens of communities helplessly at the whims of federal lawmakers.

Since June, nearly 1,000 migrants have been bused from Texas to Los Angeles as a political stunt. A patchwork system has emerged to provide care, services and a humane entry to U.S. life once they reach California.

Expectant parents are losing access to prenatal care or driving long distances with so many California hospitals closing maternity wards to cut costs. A mother whose first child was stillborn shares her story and an important practice that public agencies should raise awareness about.

Interstate 10 is one of the country's major coast-to-coast freeways and has iconic status in Southern California. A weekend fire not only damaged the freeway but once again made it the center of political attention.

California's environmental regulations are not to blame for the struggles of small pot farmers. County permitting decisions, the local political climate, and the inability of law enforcement to eradicate illicit cultivation have been much bigger hurdles.

Proposals to add specific topics to California public school curricula abound, but they take time away from basic academic skills that are already lagging.

A bill in Congress would bar California governors from appointing senators and instead require an accelerated special election. But history shows that appointments routinely lose elections, giving voters the rare opportunity to pick a new U.S. senator.