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

Commentary

You can put a price tag on environmental and economic returns from protecting rangeland

From parks to rangeland, California’s open spaces provide a variety of benefits that it’s next to impossible to put a price tag on – until now.

By Guest Commentary • August 6, 2020

Commentary

Federal investments needed for state’s higher education system in fight against COVID-19

Congress should approve federal funds needed for universities to continue to play a leading role in combating today’s public health emergency.

By Guest Commentary • August 6, 2020

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

Commentary

School reformers win major skirmish

California's education department has ruled that Los Angeles Unified School District's plan for educating at-risk kids is deficient - a warning to other school systems.

By Dan Walters • August 6, 2020

Commentary

More resources needed this fall for school meals to feed California’s children

Many school children in California rely on the nutrition they receive from school meals; schools and families will need more resources to feed their kids this fall.

By Guest Commentary • August 5, 2020

Commentary

Gaps in paid sick days, leave puts families, communities at risk

Too many California workers are not provided sufficient paid sick days or job-protected leave, putting patients and their families in impossible situations.

By Guest Commentary • August 5, 2020

Commentary

Should California borrow more or tax more?

The California Capitol's dominant Democrats are facing a prolonged fiscal crisis and are debating whether to borrow heavily or tax the rich to generate more spendable dollars.

By Dan Walters • August 5, 2020

Commentary

AB 3030 protects biodiversity, increases opportunities for access to nature

AB 3030 would set a state policy that helps protect California’s lands, waters and oceans, while also ensuring that everyone benefits from these efforts.

By Guest Commentary • August 4, 2020

Commentary

AB 3030 fails to recognize marine protections that exist in California

Unless AB 3030 is changed to protect existing fishing access and to recognize sustainable management of West Coast fisheries, sport and commercial fishers must oppose it.

By Guest Commentary • August 4, 2020

Commentary

Taking a closer look at rejected mail ballots in California’s March primary

The 100,000-plus number of rejected mail ballots in California’s March primary is a helpful warning in a system with a few growing pains, not a sign of fraud.

By Guest Commentary • August 4, 2020

Commentary

California’s change in school funding will harm students and schools

California has based public school funding on a per pupil policy but a new law changes that and it will harm schools in growing communities.

By Guest Commentary • August 4, 2020