Commentary

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

Commentary

What’s at stake for California communities in the U.S. Census?

The once-a-decade U.S. Census plays a critical role in ensuring that California communities receive the resources they need and the representation they deserve in government.

By Guest Commentary • April 8, 2020

Commentary

It’s time to reconsider California’s ‘shelter-at-home’ policy

Now that our understanding of how the coronavirus spreads is improving, it is time to rethink our stay-at-home policy and let data drive a more limited, focused response.

By Guest Commentary • April 7, 2020

Capitol

It’s a new reality, but I really miss face-to-face communication in real-time

Online meetings, conference calls, texts and emails have become common methods of working during the coronavirus pandemic, and it reminds me how much I miss communicating with people face-to-face.

By Guest Commentary • April 7, 2020

Capitol

We can rebuild a better California in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic

As California recovers from the coronavirus pandemic, we must address the shortcomings of economic inequality and create a government that works for the people.

By Guest Commentary • April 6, 2020

Commentary

Collaboration is the answer to California’s fishery and water supply challenges

Scientists are using research performed in California’s Delta to create a set of operating rules that provide more water for people when it’s safe for fish and more water for fish when they need it most.

By Guest Commentary • April 6, 2020

Commentary

Coronavirus pandemic requires renewed focus by California policymakers on eldercare

In light of the coronavirus pandemic, it is imperative that Gov. Newsom’s Master Plan on Aging takes on a public policy role on regulations for assisted living facilities.

By Guest Commentary • April 5, 2020

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

Commentary

California economy clobbered — for how long?

California's high-flying economy has crashed into the coronavirus and the effect is dramatic. But how long will it last and what will be the net effect?

By Dan Walters • April 5, 2020

Commentary

Passage of $2 trillion stimulus package will help a wide variety of businesses and workers

Congress passed the $2 trillion stimulus package to support workers and businesses overcome the health and economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.

By Guest Commentary • April 4, 2020

Commentary

As coronavirus impacts the hospitality business, chefs cook up a plan to help farmers and restaurants, and it also will help feed the hungry

Two chefs have a solution for the economic disruption the coronavirus has wreaked on farmers, restaurants, the supply chain and those who go hungry every day.

By Guest Commentary • April 3, 2020

Commentary

Stimulus checks for the coronavirus pandemic won’t be sent to my family

Undocumented immigrants and mixed-status families, often among the lowest paid workers in America, will not be helped by the $2 trillion stimulus package to help in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

By Guest Commentary • April 2, 2020

California Voices

Viewpoints from across California