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

A fireplace standing over the rubble and debris from a home that the Eaton Fire in Altadena burned down. Smoke from the fire is lingering in the air and coming out of the top of the fireplace over the debris

Commentary

For families like mine, the Eaton Fire disaster didn’t arrive on neutral ground

Property loss in Black and Brown communities hasn't been accidental. It comes from redlining, racial covenants, gentrification, discriminatory lending, insurance practices and now disaster recovery practices.

By Zella Knight • January 9, 2026

California Gov. Gavin Newsom stands at a podium in the state Capitol, wearing a dark suit and tie, clapping while addressing the chamber, partially obscured by blurred figures in the foreground.

Commentary

Newsom touts his successes, swipes at Trump in final State of the State speech

Newsom denounced Trump's cutbacks in federal child care funds and his refusal to send relief funds after the wildfires in Los Angeles County.

By Dan Walters • January 8, 2026

A person wearing glasses and a black jacket stands in front of a wooden podium, speaking into a microphone, during a press conference at the site of a wildfire, as tractors work behind them, moving debris. Other people surround them, all wearing construction helmets and safety vests.

Commentary

Political leaders aren’t to blame for LA fires, but what about the recovery?

Mayor Karen Bass' challenge is to persuade voters she has command over the city's recovery process, despite the early struggles during the fire.

By Jim Newton • January 8, 2026

Commentary

Candidate comment: After disasters, California should ensure people recover, not be forced out

Legislators passed a law making insurers pay more upfront for the loss of personal property, rather than force disaster victims to itemize possessions. But more can be done.

By Benjamin Allen • January 8, 2026

Two people, both wearing blue sweaters, stand behind red tape, watching as a bulldozer scoops up debris from a burned-down home and dumps it into a truck. Two construction workers wearing hard hats and yellow safety vests are on both sides of the people.

Commentary

Politicians failed LA’s wildfire survivors. Voters must hold them accountable

Most people who lost homes to the LA-area wildfires haven’t broken ground or found new homes. State and local officials are part of the delay.

By Max Lubin • January 7, 2026

Flames from a wildfire devour the inside of a home as the air fills with fire smog and darkens the sky.

Commentary

Candidate comment: California is too easy on insurers and strangles competition

Strong regulation can hold insurance companies accountable and empower customers, while ample choice and competition prevent price gouging.

By Patrick Wolff • January 7, 2026

A person in a navy blue suit and tie stands in front of two U.S. flags, looking serious.

Commentary

Critics draw iffy link between Gavin Newsom’s record and Minnesota’s food fraud scandal

Republicans and at least one Democrat claim fraud and mismanagement during Newsom’s governorship are similar to Minnesota's debacle.

By Dan Walters • January 7, 2026

The silhouette of a firefighter holding a tool can be seen as a fiery red fire rages behind them in an area with vegatation and bushes.

Commentary

Fighting LA wildfires broke my heart but prepared me for life outside prison

During the LA-area fires, Jose Angel Amezcua, an inmate firefighter, was where he was supposed to be — helping save the communities he had harmed.

By Jose Angel Amezcua • January 6, 2026

California Governor Gavin Newsom stands on a stage, speaking into a microphone at a podium that reads “Take It Back,” with his arm extended in front of a giant American flag.

Commentary

California’s urgent issues loom over Newsom campaign and his would-be successors

Gov. Gavin Newsom's State of the State address may hint at how he'll balance his last year as governor with his presidential campaign image.

By Dan Walters • January 6, 2026

A person wearing a navy suit points to a monitor with a line chart on it during a press conference. The California state seal, state flag and the American flag can be seen behind them.

Commentary

New year may entertain political junkies, but California’s sluggish economy deserves the spotlight

Political intrigue grabs attention during election years, but California voters are also moved by high costs, joblessness and homelessness.

By Dan Walters • January 1, 2026