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

Commentary

Bill to reduce probation time could help offenders successfully re-enter society

AB 1950 would reduce probation to one year for a misdemeanor and two years for a felony, time period restrictions that research shows makes sense.

By Guest Commentary • September 28, 2020

Commentary

Inclusion of Jews in ethnic studies curriculum is essential

Any ethnic studies curriculum must celebrate – and not further marginalize – our state’s unique population, including its Jews, specifically Jews of color.

By Guest Commentary • September 27, 2020

California Capitol, home of the Assembly and Senate. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Commentary

New housing goals stir opposition

California has many crises, including COVID-19 and recession, but its housing shortage continues and a showdown is looming.

By Dan Walters • September 27, 2020

Senator Ling Ling Change listens to witnesses during a hearing on AB 1054 which would create a fund to help pay fire-related claims, in the senate Energy, Utilities and Commerce subcommittee on July 8, 2019. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Commentary

Will politics trump gender in California this election year?

As California women try to increase their numbers in political office this election and inch toward gender parity, their path may be complicated.

By Guest Commentary • September 26, 2020

Commentary

California setting a positive tone for criminal justice reform

Bills sent to the governor will lead to fewer senseless arrests and fewer people unnecessarily sitting in prison and jail, while saving the state money.

By Guest Commentary • September 25, 2020

Reader Reactions

Alternative proposal to Electoral College could make matters worse

If California awarded electoral votes on a proportional basis but other states did not, our impact on the national election would be diminished.

By Guest Commentary • September 25, 2020

Commentary

Is Newsom serious about banning gas-powered cars?

Is Gov. Gavin Newsom serious about banning sales of internal combustion-powered vehicles, or is this just another impractical goal?"

By Dan Walters • September 25, 2020

Capitol

Corporate boards have been too slow to diversify; it’s time for bold change

Corporations have benefited from our diverse state; it's time for publicly held corporations to reflect the people who make up our workforce.

By Guest Commentary • September 24, 2020

Commentary

Legislation will provide environmental justice to protect communities from toxics

The Legislature took an important step in protecting environmental justice communities from toxic waste; now it’s the governor’s turn.

By Guest Commentary • September 24, 2020

Commentary

California could lose federal tax dollars for 10 years due to inaccurate Census

When the election is over, we could be dealing with inaccurate census numbers that could take a toll on California’s financial well-being for the next 10 years.

By Guest Commentary • September 24, 2020