California Voices

Viewpoints from across California

Two people in suits sit on a studio set, one speaking with hands raised mid-gesture while the other turns toward them, listening.

Spencer Pratt wants to be LA’s next mayor. His tell-all book won’t help him

In his memoir, Pratt describes himself as selfish, undisciplined and unprincipled. He deflects blame, squanders fortunes and complains a lot.

By Jim Newton

A side view of a row of voters sitting in front of voting machines separated by blue dividers. The photo focus on a voter who rest their right hand on their chin as they contemplate their voting selections.

How the Supreme Court’s Voting Rights Act ruling could affect California’s gerrymandered districts

The High Court's decision guts the Voting Rights Act’s impetus to draw districts so non-white ethnic groups get congressional representation.

By Dan Walters

A visitor center sits at the base of steep granite cliffs, surrounded by tall trees. People walk up and down the steps, gather near the entrance, and rest on benches outside. A sign reading “Welcome Center” is mounted on the building, while an American flag stands nearby. The dramatic rock face rises behind the scene under a clear blue sky.

We can’t ‘restore’ American history by flagging Native American books

Pres. Donald Trump is pressuring Redwood National and State Parks to tag tribally-centered books and material critical of American history.

By Kerri Malloy

A person wearing a white polo shirt and a headset microphone holds up a folded U.S. dollar bill while speaking on a stage, with a large pink-lit screen blurred in the background.

Billionaires aren’t going to flee California. Others will without a budget fix

The idea that billionaires will flee California over a proposed wealth tax is bunk. Still, the ballot initiative is only a Band-Aid, and impedes a more serious conversation about the state's deeper fiscal problems.

By Yousef Baig

A group of heavily armed federal agents in tactical gear, some wearing patches reading “POLICE U.S. BORDER PATROL,” stand on a city street. In the background, a Black woman in a light blue pantsuit—Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass—steps out of a black SUV. Palm trees line the boulevard, hinting at a Southern California location. The agents' body armor, helmets, and equipment suggest a high-security federal operation.

Commentary

Harrowing experiences at the hands of ICE unify a diverse L.A. audience

Witnesses at a congressional hearing describe nightmarish experiences while in ICE custody, highlighting the cruelty and stupidity of federal detention.

By Jim Newton • November 26, 2025

Solar panels mounted on the roof of a house surrounded by trees, with soft sunlight filtering through the branches. The house has a shingle roof, brick exterior, and white window shutters, partially visible through the foliage.

Commentary

Gavin Newsom could have made electricity more affordable and climate-friendly. Here’s how

Gov. Newsom vetoed bills on virtual power plants, which deliver energy to the grid from such home devices as smart thermostats, solar panels, electric vehicle batteries and heat pumps.

By Ellie Cohen • November 25, 2025

A wide view of a teacher holding up four fingers in the air as they stand in front of students seated on a pink carpet inside a classroom.

Commentary

California schools can stop truancy without arresting parents.

California parents of chronically absent students could be arrested, charged with a misdemeanor, fined up to $2,000 and face a year in jail. A new law will end the practice.

By Jon England • November 25, 2025

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

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 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

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