California Voices

Viewpoints from across California

Two people in suits sit on a studio set, one speaking with hands raised mid-gesture while the other turns toward them, listening.

Spencer Pratt wants to be LA’s next mayor. His tell-all book won’t help him

In his memoir, Pratt describes himself as selfish, undisciplined and unprincipled. He deflects blame, squanders fortunes and complains a lot.

By Jim Newton

A side view of a row of voters sitting in front of voting machines separated by blue dividers. The photo focus on a voter who rest their right hand on their chin as they contemplate their voting selections.

How the Supreme Court’s Voting Rights Act ruling could affect California’s gerrymandered districts

The High Court's decision guts the Voting Rights Act’s impetus to draw districts so non-white ethnic groups get congressional representation.

By Dan Walters

A visitor center sits at the base of steep granite cliffs, surrounded by tall trees. People walk up and down the steps, gather near the entrance, and rest on benches outside. A sign reading “Welcome Center” is mounted on the building, while an American flag stands nearby. The dramatic rock face rises behind the scene under a clear blue sky.

We can’t ‘restore’ American history by flagging Native American books

Pres. Donald Trump is pressuring Redwood National and State Parks to tag tribally-centered books and material critical of American history.

By Kerri Malloy

A person wearing a white polo shirt and a headset microphone holds up a folded U.S. dollar bill while speaking on a stage, with a large pink-lit screen blurred in the background.

Billionaires aren’t going to flee California. Others will without a budget fix

The idea that billionaires will flee California over a proposed wealth tax is bunk. Still, the ballot initiative is only a Band-Aid, and impedes a more serious conversation about the state's deeper fiscal problems.

By Yousef Baig

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

Reader Reactions

State’s budget deficit has been decades in the making

The COVID-19 carnage on the job market has exposed decades of poor planning and bizarre regulations by California’s one-party state.

By Guest Commentary • June 10, 2020

Commentary

Floyd protests challenge politicians

The George Floyd suffocation protests generate both opportunity and peril for politicians, including those in California.

By Dan Walters • June 10, 2020

Commentary

Judicial Council should make changes to ‘$0 Bail’ policy to ensure justice for all

California’s new “$0 Bail” policy, enacted for COVID-19, releases offenders back into the community with no strings attached.

By Guest Commentary • June 9, 2020

Capitol

State should protect essential businesses from frivolous and predatory lawsuits

As California eases quarantine restrictions and takes steps to reopen, essential businesses face a threat to their operations – predatory lawsuits.

By Guest Commentary • June 9, 2020