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

Denise Padgette, of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation, holds her granddaughter Lola Lopez during a celebration of California Native American Day at the state Capitol on Sept. 22, 2023. Photo by Miguel GUtierrez Jr., CalMatters

Commentary

Gov. Newsom and Pres. Trump tell the same inadequate tale about Native America

Political leaders talk about “heritage” but not “sovereignty” and see Native tribes as part of the past, not as governments operating now.

By Kerri Malloy • November 24, 2025

Light brown woven baskets with detailed patternsare displayed on a glass shelf at a museum.

Commentary

Sacred work: Museums and universities must reunite ancestors’ remains with tribes.

Federal and state laws challenge the taking of Native American bones and cultural items. Yet too little has been returned, a curator says.

By Jeannine Pedersen-Guzmán • November 24, 2025

A close-up view of a “For Sale” sign hanging from a white wooden post in front of a residential building. The house in the background is slightly out of focus, showing light-colored stucco walls and arched architectural details. The sky above is overcast.

Commentary

A spate of new studies gives the lowdown on California’s sky-high living costs

How costly is it to live California? Let us count the ways with new studies comparing everything from mortgage payments to a gallon of gas.

By Dan Walters • November 21, 2025

The backs of two people as they hold each other while looking at the burnt rubble that used to be their home.

Commentary

Here’s why L.A. fire survivors want Ricardo Lara’s resignation

Los Angeles area fire victims say Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has let insurers drop coverage, raise rates and delay or deny claims.

By Joy Chen and Jill Spivack • November 21, 2025

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