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

California Wildfires

California needs clean, healthy and safe local energy systems – microgrids

By using locally generated clean power from “microgrids,” California could reduce its reliance on expensive long-distance transmission infrastructure.

By Guest Commentary • June 5, 2020

Commentary

Dreamers have been political pawns for far too long

Regardless of the Supreme Court’s decision, DACA was just one step toward providing a more permanent solution. It is beyond time to take the next step.

By Guest Commentary • June 4, 2020

Commentary

California needs to create a just and equitable recovery

We have a collective moral imperative to do better by all Californians and rebuild our future into one where the most vulnerable communities can thrive.

By Guest Commentary • June 4, 2020

A woman pushes a cart past the shuttered Fox Theater in downtown Oakland on March 25, 2020. Today it was announced that Alameda, along with five area counties, would extend school closures through May 1 in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Reader Reactions

It’s an easy decision to vote against tax increases on commercial property

Voting for Education and Local Government Funding Initiative will result in higher prices for everyone and cause businesses to close.

By Guest Commentary • June 4, 2020

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

Commentary

Allowing Legislature to act more secretly

Four years ago, California voters passed a measure to increase legislative transparency. However, a newly drafted measure would undercut its safeguards.

By Dan Walters • June 4, 2020

Climate Change

Entire 9th Circuit Court should hear climate change case brought by children

As pediatricians, we hope the children will prevail in their suit against the federal government for its role in causing the climate crisis.

By Guest Commentary • June 3, 2020

Capitol

Legislature needs to provide counties, voters with guidance on how Californians will be voting in November

The Legislature should act quickly on AB 860 and SB 423, so that there is certainty, and voter education can begin immediately.

By Guest Commentary • June 3, 2020

Reader Reactions

Results of May auction in cap-and-trade do not mean the program is broken

Imposing needless program changes as a result of one carbon auction will adversely affect energy affordability and increase consumer costs.

By Guest Commentary • June 3, 2020

Commentary

Gavin Newsom channels Pete Wilson

Democrat Gavin Newsom's governorship resembles that of Republican Pete Wilson three decades earlier - setting aside his agenda to deal with a non-stop wave of crises.

By Dan Walters • June 3, 2020

Capitol

Legalized sports betting could generate millions for California as state considers cuts to public services

By legalizing sports betting, California could generate up to $500 million in revenue each year by taxing and regulating the enterprise.

By Guest Commentary • June 2, 2020