California Voices

Heather Cooley, Pacific Institute: California has a chance to model what a truly resilient water system looks like, combining nature and technology to make the most of every drop and dollar. Reuse reduces the need to divert water from streams already stressed by rising temperatures and shrinking snowpack and can curb ocean pollution associated with sewage outfalls.

Richard Thomason, Blue Shield of California Foundation: California can afford to invest more in the prevention of domestic violence. Research shows we can’t afford not to invest in research and programs to do the difficult work to stop the cycle of harm so that we can create a new generation of Californians who are safer and stronger than ever before.

Another chapter in the California bullet train saga as the state contemplates upgrades to San Joaquin Valley section now under construction.

Dr. Gilmore Chung, Venice Family Clinic: With the increased risk posed by the rise in fentanyl in our region, time is running out. Every Narcan prescription, every test for fentanyl in street drugs and every person who asks for help represent another chance to improve someone's health, prevent an unnecessary death and ultimately provide hope.

Gavin Newsom made bold promises to solve California's housing shortage but both construction and his promises are now shrinking.

Kathay Feng, California Common Cause: We are in a time when there are so many people who seek to sow divisions among Americans. I’m looking for the presidential candidate who presents a vision for how people can find common ground through uncommon solutions to create a democracy that works for all of us.

Horacio Amezquita, general manager of San Jerardo housing cooperative in Salinas: Since 1990, the people of San Jerardo have drilled one well after another, only to see each closed as a result of agricultural contamination including nitrates and pesticides. Our children and our elders have develop painful rashes as a result. We worry about other health impacts from this stew of contaminants.

State officials want to declare a $1 billion financial information system complete even though it's just half-baked and lacks essential features.

Robert Lempert, RAND Corporation: As California and our nation head into uncharted territory due to climate change, all of us will need to learn how to adjust in response to changing risks. We will all need to become more adaptive by acting, learning, and responding. To survive our changing climate, we will need to understand that even what looks familiar no longer is.

Gov. Gavin Newsom doesn't like Pacific Gas & Electric Co.'s plan to emerge from bankruptcy, but does he want a state takeover of the utility?