California Voices

Viewpoints from across California

A group of five people, dressed in professional attire, sit on chairs on a stage in front of a crowd, with a banner behind them reading “Governor Candidate Forum.” Four of the five people sitting on stage have their hands up to answer the question while a crowd of people watches in the dark.

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.

By Dan Walters

A person in medical protective clothing, wearing a face mask and a hair net, pushes a hospital gurney through a hallway inside a hospital, viewed from an open door.

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.

By Stephen Martinez

Two people face each other as they speak: the person on the left has a happy expression and her arm to her chest, while the person on the right wears a grey suit jacket and glasses. Both people are standing in a park area on a sunny day. In the background is a fence to a baseball field.

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.

By Jim Newton

A close-up view of a person's hand holding a sign that reads "We wants answers! No more deaths!" and they stand at the front steps of a building surrounded by other people holding signs.

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.

By David Myers

Cars drive through an intersection as they pass a donut shop with a giant donut structure on top of the building.

Commentary

Californian mourns a childhood friend lost in a changing community

The Inglewood that raised Mike and Joshua has been gentrified. But a cemetery preserves Mike's grave and the memories of their childhood together.

By Joshua Hernandez • January 15, 2026

Two people in suits shake hands and smile in an ornate legislative chamber as others around them applaud, with tall columns, draped curtains, and a wall clock visible in the background.

Commentary

How Newsom’s presidential ambitions complicate his last budget as California governor

As both governor and a likely presidential candidate, Gavin Newsom's final state budget faces a political trap of his own making.

By Dan Walters • January 14, 2026

A large oil refinery is illuminated against the backdrop of a twilight sky. Tall distillation towers with staircases and platforms rise into the air, with numerous lights glowing across the industrial structure. A plume of black smoke drifts from one of the stacks, contrasting with the warm hues of the sunset. Metal pipes, walkways, and scaffolding weave throughout the refinery, creating a dense, industrial landscape.

Commentary

California shouldn’t let oil companies rewrite refinery safety rules

Regulators will hold a hearing Jan. 15 at the OSHA Standards Board in Sacramento on changes that will weaken safety standards for refineries.

By Marie Choi and Nick Plurkowski • January 14, 2026

A nighttime view of a hillside engulfed in flames near powerline towers. Over the fire and smoke from the top of the hill, a helicopter is flying with a water hose hanging off the bottom.

Commentary

Here’s how we can stop LA firestorms from happening again

To avoid repeating last year’s urban blaze, we should fund fire-safe homes and neighborhoods, but politicians often are paying to thin out forests far from urban settings.

By Chad Hanson • January 13, 2026

A raging wildfire consumes a structure, with massive flames engulfing the scene. Bright orange and yellow fire contrasts against the dark sky, creating an intense and dramatic visual. A fence and some vegetation are silhouetted in the foreground, emphasizing the destructive power of the blaze.

Commentary

Candidate comment: California should make insurers cover homes if they insure cars or other items

Insurers sell auto insurance and other profitable products in California but choose to walk away from homeowners insurance when risk rises.

By Robert Howell • January 13, 2026

A printed document titled “Governor’s Budget Summary 2026–27” is clipped together, showing a black-and-white image of the California State Capitol with the state flag flying in front.

Commentary

Newsom’s final budget faces a litany of political and financial challenges

With a dead-on-arrival budget draft, deep differences over revenues, chronic deficits and pressure to offset cuts in federal aid, it’s hard to even find a starting point.

By Dan Walters • January 13, 2026

Commentary

California’s insurance laws are a regulatory mirage, failing fire survivors

The state’s law requiring fair treatment by insurers has largely been unenforced. Fire victims are left with delays, gaslighting and denials.

By Richard Rieber • January 12, 2026

A charred, partially collapsed building with exposed columns and archways stands in ruins after a fire. Debris is scattered across the ground, and the roof is entirely missing. Only portions of the scorched walls and a staircase remain intact. A palm tree and other tall trees are visible in the background under a clear blue sky.

Commentary

Candidate Comment: To fix insurance in California, be smart, honest and reasonable

Insurance rates will reflect climate change and consumers’ interests. Insurers will see faster, more efficient reviews and scrutiny of excessive rates.

By Steven Bradford • January 12, 2026

A state official speaks at a podium during a budget presentation, flanked by U.S. and California flags, as a screen beside them lists key features including a balanced budget, continued progress, and long-term fiscal resilience.

Commentary

Newsom’s budget shows big revenue gain, but we’ve been down that path before

The Newsom administration once overstated income by $165 billion over four years. Now Newsom has announced $42 billion in new revenues over three years.

By Dan Walters • January 9, 2026

A helicopter drops a large stream of water over a raging wildfire on a hillside at night. The intense red glow from the flames lights up the smoke-filled sky, with silhouettes of tall trees visible on the right.

Commentary

Candidate comment: California’s insurance crisis is pervasive but fixable

Insurers in California pulled back coverage or left the state after years of over-regulation, price controls and poor wildfire prevention.

By Stacy Korsgaden • January 9, 2026