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

Mist drifts through a wide valley surrounded by dark, rugged mountain cliffs, with a tall, rounded granite peak rising in the distance under a hazy sky.

Commentary

Yosemite National Park needs protection from man-made threats 135 years later

President Trump has urged the National Parks Service to delete inconvenient truths and has laid off 1,000 workers, endangering wildlife and Yosemite's history.

By Pedro Hernández • October 14, 2025

Inmate Jesus Robledo gives fellow inmate Luis Abrams a hair cut in the recreation area of their housing unit at the Tulare County Adult Pre-Trial Facility on Sept. 18, 2023. Last year the Tulare County set a record of eight inmate deaths in their facility. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Commentary

California expungement law offers a fresh start to rehabilitated people held back by a conviction

An estimated 1 in 5 Californians live with a conviction on their record. A 2022 law gives many of them a chance to expunge their record and make greater contributions to their communities.

By Joanna Hernandez • October 10, 2025

Four white voting booths with American flags and the word "VOTE" emblazoned on the side are visible. A person wearing a baseball cap casts a ballot in one of the booths. They're located in a room, reminiscent of a community center.

Commentary

California’s long-running saga over local tax measures might return to the ballot

A recent appellate court ruling over a 2020 ballot measure in San Diego marks the latest front in California's ongoing saga over local tax initiatives. Tax gadflies vow to put a measure on the 2026 ballot.

By Dan Walters • October 10, 2025

A person carries a large plastic bucket filled with produce on their shoulder while working in a field of green crops during harvest. Surrounded by others bending over the plants, the individual wears a long-sleeve shirt, hat, and face covering for sun protection. A tractor and trailer are visible in the background under the warm early morning or late afternoon light.

Commentary

California’s two-tier economy mirrors Great Britain’s ‘Upstairs, Downstairs’ past

The state's upper class espouses equality politics and social justice, while pushing policies that keep low wage workers living in poverty.

By Dan Walters • October 9, 2025

A person wearing blue medical gloves lifts up a ballot while they sit in front of a table with blue and red boxes filled with voter ballots. Another person working nearby can be seen in the foreground.

Commentary

Californians should ignore the federal government’s false claims about our elections

Californians can count on their elections. That hasn't changed. What has changed is the volume of false claims from the federal government.

By Gowri Ramachandran • October 8, 2025

This photo zeroes in on the speaker at the podium, giving a more solemn and resolved tone compared to the more animated shots. The expression is serious, with the gaze slightly lifted, suggesting determination and gravity. The podium sign “Election Rigging Response Act” remains front and center, with blurred supporters and signs in the background, emphasizing focus on leadership while still anchoring the event in its collective setting.

Commentary

Gerrymander duelists, Newsom and Trump, deserve scorn for partisan power plays

Redrawn maps will likely increase the number of Democrats in Congress while also boosting Gov. Gavin Newsom's chances in a presidential race.

By Dan Walters • October 8, 2025

A close-up view of a mother's hand softly holding the edge of a blanket that covers her newborn baby as one of their tiny feet peaks out from within the sheets.

Commentary

‘Carrying fear’ while carrying a baby: Pregnant Californians deserve more maternity options

Pregnant Black people often internalize fear and face racial bias in health care. A bill would help by making more midwives and doulas accessible.

By Erica Moore-Smith • October 7, 2025

Flames and smoke rise from an industrial fire at night as firefighters spray water from an elevated ladder truck onto the blaze, illuminating the scene in bright orange light.

Commentary

Refinery fire spotlights California’s gas supply crunch and high prices at the pump

Damage from the Chevron El Segundo refinery fire hasn't been tallied yet. But gas prices are likely to soar anyway because two other refineries are closing.

By Dan Walters • October 7, 2025

Aerial view of a dense Los Angeles neighborhood with mid-rise apartment buildings, smaller homes, and tree-lined streets, with mountains visible in the distant background under a clear sky.

Commentary

Los Angeles housing permits are tanking, yet leaders want Newsom to veto a major reform

Signing SB 79 should be an easy call, but there's pressure from Los Angeles leaders to veto it. Newsom should know better than to let L.A. set state policy on housing.

By Marc Vukcevich • October 6, 2025

Protestors march at a rally against Asian hate crimes near the Los Angeles Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles on March 27, 202

Commentary

If hate-fueled algorithms cause real-world harm, California tech companies should pay

California legislation that would enable people to sue social media companies if their algorithm spurs violence or other harms just needs the governor's signature.

By Jim Berk • October 3, 2025

California Voices

Viewpoints from across California