Commentary

A person stands at a podium smiling while speaking to a crowd, with large teal campaign signage in the background reading “Becerra for Governor.” Four other people stand on the left side of stage as they look towards the speaker.

If California’s race for governor is a stress test for democracy, it’s failing

The top-two primary system can produce chaos and disengaged voters. This year’s picks for governor are coming from a small share of voters.

By Daniel Wolf

A person smiles and applauds while standing in front of a large blue-and-yellow campaign sign. They wear a floral-patterned outer layer over dark clothing and are photographed outdoors in daylight.

Pratt out, Raman in: What Los Angeles voters can now expect in the mayoral race

Nithya Raman's success at making the runoff in the L.A. mayor's race means Karen Bass will need to answer difficult questions about high living costs and public safety.

By Jim Newton

A side-view of a person with short gray hair and wearing a black blazer, as look towards another person. A stage with red, blue curtains and a banner that reads "Voters Decide" can be seen in the background, alongside blurred people.

Mahan, Villaraigosa just learned why so few California mayors make the leap to governor

Few California mayors ever become governor. Their skills might be perfectly suited to the job, but those exact same skills, when exercised, may be precisely what makes voters wary of them.

By Robert Greene

A person wearing a baseball cap and a pink scarf over a white shirt places yellow flowers on a pile of other flowers on the concrete outside of a detention center. The person is inside a circle of people during a vigil around a flagpole outside the detention center.

Long after protests ended, this interfaith group rallies to remember LA immigrants taken by ICE

An interfaith group known as the "godmothers of the disappeared" meets weekly at the federal courthouse in Los Angeles to remember and advocate for the people detained by immigration authorities over the last year.

By George B. Sánchez-Tello

Commentary

California must quickly implement policies for tracking and controlling health care costs and price increases

To protect Californians from rising health care costs, the state needs to strengthen price transparency and price competition.

By Guest Commentary • July 24, 2020

Reader Reactions

Admiring the courage for speaking out on mental health

In the world we live in there is a huge stigma associated with mental illness, but talking about it will hopefully benefit others who struggle with mental health issues.

By Guest Commentary • July 24, 2020

Commentary

California must invest in a contact tracing workforce led by people of color

Given California’s rich cultural diversity, the state needs contact tracers that are able to speak with patients in their native language and with cultural sensitivity.

By Guest Commentary • July 23, 2020

Capitol

California needs a public bank to help economy recover from COVID-19

A bold plan to help California’s local communities: Establish a public bank that would provide economic recovery loans to small businesses and local governments.

By Guest Commentary • July 23, 2020

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

Dan Walters

Appeals court makes tax increases easier

California voters may see a slew of new local tax proposals after a state appellate court ruled that the two-thirds vote requirement doesn't apply to those placed on the ballot via initiative petitions.

By Dan Walters • July 23, 2020

Red pushpin showing the location of a destination point on a map. California: Legislators are considering two bills that would place new districting rules on local governments.

Commentary

Latinos must have proportionate representation on the California Citizens Redistricting Commission

We need the redistricting commission to combat gerrymandering and to fairly draw boundaries so diverse communities can elect candidates of their choice.

By Guest Commentary • July 22, 2020

Capitol

Lawmakers should reject one-size-fits-all approach to disposing organic waste

For years, our deli has recycled organic waste in a way that is inexpensive, good for the environment and beneficial for farmers, but AB 2959 would change that.

By Guest Commentary • July 22, 2020

Dan Walters

COVID-19 clobbers weak transit systems

California transit systems were struggling even before COVID-19, with stagnant ridership and soaring costs. Now they are seeking a huge bailout, saying they face an existential crisis.

By Dan Walters • July 22, 2020

Commentary

Newsom may have erred on re-opening amid pandemic, but he has embraced accountability

A funny thing happened on California’s path to re-opening during the pandemic. We had about 100 miles ahead of us, and then Gov. Newsom told us it was safe to take a short-cut.

By Guest Commentary • July 21, 2020

Commentary

Here are four priorities for state’s new strategic plan for suicide prevention

California has launched a comprehensive suicide prevention campaign to ensure people receive the support they need before reaching a crisis point.

By Guest Commentary • July 21, 2020

California Voices

Viewpoints from across California