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

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

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

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

Commentary

Frontline workers need PPE to keep saving lives in battle against COVID-19

At Highland Hospital in Oakland where I am an emergency room nurse, my coworkers and I are putting our lives on the line in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Guest Commentary • April 25, 2020

A classroom sits empty at the end of school at Monte Gardens Elementary in Concord, Calif., on Friday, March 13, 2020.

Commentary

What parents are saying about California’s coronavirus-related school closures

A survey of 1,200 California parents reveals a tale of two crises with school closures: The immediate challenge of keeping students safe, fed and housed; and then there’s the education equity crisis.

By Guest Commentary • April 24, 2020

Voters including Dave Ade of San Jose, right, fill out their ballots on Nov. 6, 2018, at The Salvation Army in San Jose. Photo by Dai Sugano, Bay Area News Group

Reader Reactions

Remember the benefits of California’s initiative process and the right for citizens to make laws directly

Californians on the left, center and right kvetch about initiatives, but they also value their state constitutional right to make law directly.

By Guest Commentary • April 24, 2020

Capitol

California farmworkers need protection during coronavirus crisis; here’s a relief package to help

The nation is counting on California farmworkers to keep them fed, and a farmworkers COVID-19 relief package introduced in the Legislature would help.

By Guest Commentary • April 23, 2020

Reader Reactions

Opportunities are plentiful to sustain California agriculture in the face of water supply uncertainties

There is no evidence supporting the claim that the San Joaquin Valley’s water supply challenges are linked to California’s food security or the rise of produce imports.

By Guest Commentary • April 23, 2020