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

Arial view of Sacramento River and San Joaquin River Delta.

Reader Reactions

California and federal government need to resolve differences on water supply issues

The historic cooperation between California and the federal government that has managed the state’s water supply is threatened by a looming battle.

By Guest Commentary • April 29, 2020

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

Commentary

New wrinkles in old school fights

California's long-running battles over educational accountability have a new wrinkle,, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Dan Walters • April 29, 2020

Commentary

California is flattening the curve but we must remain vigilant to stay healthy

California is leading the way by taking major measures to protect our health and our economy, and we must stay the course because the virus is still out there.

By Guest Commentary • April 28, 2020

Commentary

Are professors, parents and others ready for college students with autism?

About 2% of college-bound students will be individuals with autism who were held to the same rigorous admissions criteria as everyone else. Are they — and we — really ready?

By Guest Commentary • April 28, 2020

Capitol

Reopening California’s economy needs a path forward; here are 5 precise steps how

The six indicators Gov. Newsom has laid out to gradually reopen our economy provide framework metrics, but they require clarity and specificity.

By Guest Commentary • April 27, 2020

Commentary

We can clearly see that reduced emissions should be a California goal

The COVID-19 crisis has disrupted the economy and led to lower vehicle emissions, which begs the question: What if a robust economy didn't have to come at the cost of cleaner air?

By Guest Commentary • April 27, 2020

Gov. Gavin Newsom has deemed cannabis an essential business as Californians shelter in place. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Commentary

COVID-19 pandemic response elevates cannabis to mainstream

Lawmakers and regulators in California and dozens of other states have designated licensed cannabis providers and their suppliers as “essential services.”

By Guest Commentary • April 27, 2020

Commentary

Who should pay for pandemic impacts?

The COVID-19 pandemic and the recession it induced are generating lawsuits and other conflicts over who should pay for their effects.

By Dan Walters • April 27, 2020

Commentary

California needs a pay equity czar

California has the nation’s largest state worker gender pay gap, and Gov. Newsom has challenged state officials to do more to create an equitable workplace.

By Guest Commentary • April 26, 2020

Commentary

Perfect storm clobbers California cities

California cities have been hurting financially. Even with federal help, the recession induced by COVID-19 makes it a perfect storm.

By Dan Walters • April 26, 2020