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 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.

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

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