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

Commentary

Making grocery stores a recycling center seems unthinkable in this time of COVID-19

Several ideas have been floated to reduce plastic waste, but one idea makes little sense – to have grocery stores serve as recycling centers.

By Guest Commentary • May 22, 2020

Capitol

AB 2501 is an ill-conceived, one-size-fits-all approach to financial relief for Californians

While the intention of AB 2501 is respectable in this financial crisis, the bill’s requirements would compromise the ability of credit unions to work individually with members.

By Guest Commentary • May 21, 2020

Commentary

We must invest in teachers now as students transition to distance learning

Teachers need top-notch professional development to continue moving California’s students forward with distance learning. Here’s why.

By Guest Commentary • May 21, 2020

Capitol

As recycling rate drops, California should embrace innovative recycling technologies

Reaching California’s ambitious 75% recycling targets requires embracing new technologies to complement existing systems.

By Guest Commentary • May 21, 2020

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

Commentary

California population may be peaking

California has seen strong population growth for the past 170 years, but new data indicate that we may be reaching our population peak and could begin seeing a drop.

By Dan Walters • May 21, 2020

Capitol

Unleash private enterprise to jumpstart California’s economy with these four moves

Many of California’s 1.4 million family businesses are struggling, but here are four things the governor could do to jumpstart the economy.

By Guest Commentary • May 20, 2020

Commentary

Why California needs to invest in Independent colleges and universities

California’s 85 nonprofit colleges and universities award 20% of all undergraduate degrees and more than 50% of graduate degrees statewide.

By Guest Commentary • May 20, 2020

Reader Reactions

State water board must act to protect the Bay-Delta and California’s fishing industry

For five years, the state water board has been waiting for a voluntary agreement to produce consensus flow standards. The board has waited long enough.

By Guest Commentary • May 20, 2020

Commentary

A not-so-special election

A Republican won a special election for a Southern California congressional seat this month, but it would be incorrect to read too much into the outcome.

By Dan Walters • May 20, 2020

Commentary

COVID-19 has shown that California must fix inequities in health care for communities of color

The COVID-19 pandemic is magnifying decades of inequities in communities of color that have less access to health care.

By Guest Commentary • May 19, 2020