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 close-up view of dark purple round banners displayed at the top of a room filled with attendees at a conference. The banners include text that say, "to value fast ..." and "AI, data, and ..."

Commentary

California sees revenue uptick, but not enough to erase its chronic budget deficit

State revenue is several billion dollars more than expected, but that cash must pay for schools and go into reserves. The deficit stays.

By Dan Walters • November 19, 2025

Two people sit across from each other at an outdoor table on a college campus, talking quietly. Leaves are scattered on the ground, and a brick archway and greenery appear in the background. Another person sits further behind them, partially visible.

Commentary

California’s rural youth struggle alone with mental health. Their peers could learn to help them

Suicide is 50% higher among rural young people than among others in urban or suburban environments. Many also live too far to get counseling.

By Alonzia Quinn • November 19, 2025

A person in an orange dress stands on stage speaking into a microphone and gesturing with one finger raised, while six other panelists sit in chairs behind them. A large projected message on the curtain reads “UNIONIZE CALIFORNIA” in red and white.

Commentary

Who’s running for California governor? It keeps changing

Historically gubernatorial candidates take two years to build their campaigns, but this time people are jumping in and out of contention much later in the race.

By Dan Walters • November 19, 2025

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer, identifiable by a patch on their uniform, stands near an open van door, observing a group of people approaching. The scene is outdoors in a rural area with dry, rugged terrain and sparse vegetation. The individuals walking towards the van carry personal belongings and appear to be guided or escorted by the officer.

Commentary

New ICE leadership brings more violence, little accountability and zero oversight

If Border Patrol leaders take over ICE, it's likely both agencies will continue avoiding repercussions for violence and deaths in custody.

By Pedro Rios • November 18, 2025

A crowd of people stands and talks in a historic government building hallway, framed by ornate light fixtures and arched architectural details. Individuals in business attire gather near a wooden railing, with warm lighting illuminating the corridor.

Commentary

Dana Williamson’s indictment reveals a hidden world of political operatives

Newsom's former chief of staff is accused of misusing campaign money, lying to get a COVID loan and calling personal purchases, like designer goods and a luxurious vacation, business expenses.

By Dan Walters • November 18, 2025

Painted letters and numbers on the asphalt of a school as the feet and shadows of young children can be seen in the background.

Commentary

California’s early intervention for youngsters with special needs is a lifeline — hanging by a thread

Federal cuts to Medicaid will mean fewer slots, longer waits and fewer therapists at Early Start, a program for children and babies with special needs.

By Kelly Keck • November 17, 2025

Commentary

California colleges must target financial aid to students who need it most, despite federal cuts

Federal cuts will produce new challenges for higher ed, but financial aid priority should go to those with little or no wealth and low incomes.

By Emmanuel Rodriguez and Laura Hamilton • November 14, 2025

A close-up of an ARCO gas station price sign on a bright day, with digital prices for unleaded, unleaded plus, and unleaded premium gasoline. An American flag waves on a pole in the background against a clear blue sky.

Commentary

Newsom’s gas price crusade morphs into bid to keep refiners open

A study Gov. Gavin Newsom commissioned describes higher margins oil refiners receive for their products, which become gasoline.

By Dan Walters • November 14, 2025

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

In L.A. mayor’s race, Karen Bass is vulnerable but she’ll be tough to topple

As L.A. Mayor Karen Bass' runs for re-election, will Austin Beutner, former L.A. schools chief, developer Rick Caruso or President Trump be factors?

By Jim Newton • November 13, 2025

Gov. Gavin Newsom delivers a pre-recorded State of the State address via YouTube on June 25, 2024. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Commentary

California is a high-tax state. Are more taxes a balm for its budget deficits?

California ranks near the top in tax rates but still has structural deficits in its budget. Legislators would rather tax more than cut costs.

By Dan Walters • November 13, 2025