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

California Wildfires

California increases effort to equip vulnerable citizens with battery storage systems for use during power outages, wildfires

The California Public Utilities Commission adds millions to a program to support vulnerable residents most likely to be impacted by wildfire and power shut-offs.

By Guest Commentary • June 6, 2020

The polling place at San Francisco City Hall on Super Tuesday 2020. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Commentary

Breakdown of Super Tuesday voters: Lower turnout for Latinos and youth translate into their underrepresentation

Californians will be voting on a slate of candidates and issues that were selected by voters who don’t fully represent the entire electorate.

By Guest Commentary • June 5, 2020

Commentary

Proposal to prohibit police unions from funding district attorney campaigns doesn’t go far enough

If the idea of banning endorsements and contributions from police unions, or any public union, moves forward – there will be major obstacles ahead.

By Guest Commentary • June 5, 2020

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