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

Capitol

Make up for COVID-19 losses by investing in California higher education; state’s economic recovery depends on it

Leaders need to invest in California’s world-class institutions of higher education to hasten our state’s recovery.

By Guest Commentary • June 13, 2020

Capitol

Funding for community health navigators is needed now more than ever

Health navigators reach out to marginalized communities of all ethnicities to provide information about affordable health care and other programs.

By Guest Commentary • June 13, 2020

Capitol

Our justice system is failing our youth; California must reshape and redefine its approach

If we want to address the racial injustice of the system and support all of California’s young people to succeed, we must think and act differently.

By Guest Commentary • June 12, 2020

The Uptown theater in downtown Napa remains closed to the public on May 8, 2020. Today, businesses in Napa County were permitted to reopen for curbside pickup. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Commentary

Churches, cinemas and the politics of COVID-19

The decision to allow churches to reopen was undoubtedly good politics, but it begs the question: What about movie theatres?

By Guest Commentary • June 12, 2020

Capitol

Bridge the digital divide with action on creating access to broadband for all

COVID-19 shines a harsh spotlight on California’s digital equity; we need action now from state leaders to extend the reach of broadband to all.

By Guest Commentary • June 11, 2020

Commentary

Shutting down facilities that recycle old cars would create an environmental disaster

The Department of Toxic Substances Control is threatening to effectively shut down car recycling plants by calling them “hazardous waste treatment” facilities.

By Guest Commentary • June 11, 2020

Reader Reactions

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities need someone to fight for them

Individuals and families who were often socially distanced pre-COVID-19, and who are now also spatially distanced, need a fighter.

By Guest Commentary • June 11, 2020

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

Commentary

Two wins for governmental transparency

Advocates of governmental transparency scored two recent wins, one of which will affect the aftermath of George Floyd demonstrations.

By Dan Walters • June 11, 2020

A man folds his hands next to brochures for CalFresh

Capitol

Remove barriers to accessing CalFresh, the state’s food assistance program

SB 882 would streamline access to CalFresh and make permanent emergency measures that allow quick and easy access from home.

By Guest Commentary • June 10, 2020

Commentary

California should be a leader in telehealth services for low-income communities

California, with its multilingual populations and rural communities that lack medical care, is the perfect place to implement telehealth.

By Guest Commentary • June 10, 2020