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

Getting (un)comfortable with white privilege – and understanding the need for change

There is an implicit privilege that most Caucasians take for granted; so try to imagine living daily without the presumption of peace and of acceptance.

By Guest Commentary • July 5, 2020

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

Commentary

Newsom now owns the COVID-19 pandemic

California Gov.Gavin now owns the state's version of the COVID-19 pandemic. How he handles it will define his governorship.

By Dan Walters • July 5, 2020

Commentary

To expand student diversity, make application to the University of California automatic

California should enact an “Automatic Application and Admission” plan for the UC system to increase diversity across race and class lines at all UC campuses.

By Guest Commentary • July 4, 2020

Commentary

Time for California communities to step up on environmental justice

Local officials must commit to environmental justice to reduce exposure to pollution and promote access to public facilities, healthy food and adequate housing.

By Guest Commentary • July 3, 2020

Commentary

Republicans and Democrats in California prefer a mail ballot, but safe, accessible options are important

In the November election, California will have to meet the bipartisan demand from voters for mail ballots and redesign sites for safe, in-person voting.

By Guest Commentary • July 2, 2020

California Wildfires

Improving forest health would create jobs, improve economies in rural California

Policymakers could put Californians to work on improving the health of the state’s forests, which would aid in economic recovery and reduce wildfire risk.

By Guest Commentary • July 2, 2020

Commentary

It’s time to enforce law and help at-risk kids

California's law to improve the educations of poor and English-learner students is not being enforced by state officials.

By Dan Walters • July 2, 2020

Commentary

AG Becerra’s proposal to reform policing misses the mark – and community demands

Attorney General Becerra wants police reform, but in spite of #defundthepolice protests, that could mean more money for California police.

By Guest Commentary • July 1, 2020

Commentary

Transforming police officers from warriors to guardians – a systems approach to reduce police violence

How do we create incentives for police officers and departments to improve recruiting, training and compliance, as well as change the culture of policing?

By Guest Commentary • July 1, 2020

Dan Walters

Police unions’ power wanes, but how about teachers?

California police unions' political clout may be waning but what about other unions?

By Dan Walters • July 1, 2020