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

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

On a city sidewalk, several people gather around two unhoused individuals sitting near a shopping cart filled with belongings. One official in a city-branded jacket bends slightly to speak with a person seated on the ground, while others stand nearby observing. A metal fence lines the sidewalk, and personal items, bags, and a cart are clustered beside the seated individuals.

Commentary

Mayor Bass got some of LA’s homeless people indoors. Will it matter to voters?

Homelessness numbers in Los Angeles are down but not enough for many voters to notice. It's also no longer the main issue of Karen Bass's reelection bid.

By Jim Newton • December 23, 2025

Mist drifts through a wide valley surrounded by dark, rugged mountain cliffs, with a tall, rounded granite peak rising in the distance under a hazy sky.

Commentary

Protecting California’s public lands from oil and gas drilling is defending public health

Federal plans for oil drilling along a million acres in California would change healthful, wild spaces into sources of pollution and illness.

By Ashley McClure, M.D. • December 23, 2025

Reader Reactions

The gap between CARE Court’s intent and its real-world application

CARE Court can produce some positive results, but many people may not succeed for reasons unrelated to their ability to survive safely.

By Tom Scott • December 23, 2025

A busy outdoor scene on a college campus shows people walking and biking along a tree-lined path. In the foreground, a cyclist with a backpack rides a bicycle with turquoise wheels. Other individuals walk in various directions, some carrying bags or wearing masks. Large potted plants and lush greenery frame the setting, with more students visible in the background.

Commentary

California should tax million-dollar, part-time homes to help first-gen students get to college

First-generation students lack the extra help with exams and college applications that rich kids' families can buy. A new program and tax could change that.

By Alondra Martinez • December 22, 2025

Two electrical towers are seen on top of a small brown mountain with wires running through them on other side.

Reader Reactions

Small-scale bioenergy is critical for wildfire prevention, climate resilience, and emissions reduction

Ending BioMAT in 2025 would undermine investments in bioenergy and leave communities without safe biomass disposal options.

By Gary Bradford • December 22, 2025