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

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

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

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

Commentary

Pandemic’s impact on California children highlights need for comprehensive data system

California needs an educational data system that follows students from preschool through college and puts the highest priority on equity of student opportunity.

By Guest Commentary • June 30, 2020

Commentary

Without agreements on water, California needs to set new objectives and protections for Delta

California officials need to come up with new water quality objectives and protections to help restore San Francisco Bay-Delta’s fisheries.

By Guest Commentary • June 30, 2020

Commentary

Here are options and proposals that would fund California schools

The governor’s proposal to temporarily raise funds from some businesses would generate $4.4 billion, but it remains woefully inadequate. More can be done.

By Guest Commentary • June 29, 2020

Commentary

California’s recovery efforts should include clean transportation

California can continue to lead in the transportation energy markets of the future by making investments that stimulate green transportation.

By Guest Commentary • June 29, 2020