Commentary

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 people stand around or walk by a grassy area of a park surrounded by trees and bushes. A sign with the name of the park "MacArthur Park" can be seen in the blurry foreground.

Commentary

In Los Angeles’ MacArthur Park, a fence won’t cure homelessness or addiction. But it’s a start

L.A. will spend $2 million fencing MacArthur Park. Critics say it will just hide homelessness and addiction issues in the neighborhood. Supporters say it'll make the area safer.

By Jim Newton • October 30, 2025

Water rushes out of the Oroville Spillway at Lake Oroville in Butte County, on March 26, 2023. California ended its 2022-23 water year on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. After years of severe drought, the reservoirs in the state water project ended the year at 128% of their historical average. That includes Lake Oroville. Photo by Noah Berger, AP Photo

Commentary

Erie Canal creation contrasts with the glacial pace of public works in California

The historic canal was hand-dug and open in eight years. Today, some of California's public works projects are taking decades just to start.

By Dan Walters • October 30, 2025

Farmworkers harvest strawberries in Salinas on Aug. 9, 2023. Photo by Semantha Norris, CalMatters

Commentary

When this California Spanish-language TV station closed, a news desert opened for Latino viewers

The loss of KMUV 23, a Telemundo affiliate in Salinas, adds to the atrophy of local journalism. It also harms civic engagement and public advocacy.

By George B. Sánchez-Tello • October 29, 2025

U.S. Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris attends a campaign rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, August 20, 2024. Photo by Marco Bello, REUTERS

Commentary

Friends or enemies? Newsom and Harris could face off for president in 2028

Both Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris dropped hints about running for president, revealing complications in their relationship.

By Dan Walters • October 28, 2025

People listen to testimony at the Assembly Judiciary Hearing for SB 403 at the state Capitol in Sacramento on July 5, 2023. Photo by Semantha Norris, CalMatters

Commentary

California missed a chance to make people of Indian descent safer from foreign aggressors

Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would've trained police to respond to transnational oppression, such as when foreign governments like India oppress expats living in California.

By Mohammed Jawad • October 27, 2025

Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at San Quentin State Prison announcing that the facility will be transformed to focus on training and rehabilitation on March 17, 2023. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Commentary

Gavin Newsom’s fables create a target-rich environment for his critics

A fake Elon Musk YouTube video criticizing Newsom is a taste of the social media scrutiny he'll endure while running for president.

By Dan Walters • October 27, 2025

A woman speaks at a press conference while standing behind a row of microphones labeled with various news station logos, gesturing with her hands as several people stand in the background.

Commentary

California’s gerrymander and generational rift could shake up its Democratic hierarchy

If Prop 50 succeeds, Democrats' votes will be spread more thinly to five more congressional districts at the same time younger candidates challenge senior-age incumbents.

By Dan Walters • October 24, 2025

Amanda Millstein, a pediatrician from Richmond, participates in a rally at the California Environmental Protection Agency offices in Sacramento on Thursday, June 23, 2022. Photo by Rahul Lal for CalMatters

Commentary

Kern County oil drilling law reveals who and what California lawmakers will sacrifice

A hurried law this year that expands oil drilling demonstrated how industry dollars and misleading information can convince California lawmakers to reverse climate progress.

By Sofia Carrasco • October 23, 2025

Construction workers use construction machinery as they work on a trench near the side of a road.

Commentary

Ballot measure would broaden reform of California’s key environmental law

Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature overhauled the CEQA environmental laws for housing, but a business group wants that to include other kinds of "essential" projects.

By Dan Walters • October 23, 2025

Commentary

Bay Area transit measure will test voters’ taste for higher sales taxes

Backers of a Bay Area transit tax increase are preparing an initiative to put on the ballot to potentially boost some area sales taxes to 11%.

By Dan Walters • October 22, 2025

California Voices

Viewpoints from across California