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

A group of officers, dressed in full tactical gear and wearing face masks, stands in the roadway of a neighborhood street during the middle of the day. In the foreground, we can see over the shoulders of a couple of people as they point to the officers, with one of the officers visible between the two people.

Commentary

ICE raids in San Diego foreshadowed the roundups, protests now spreading across California

As immigration enforcement escalated in recent weeks in San Diego, a dramatic raid in one neighborhood led to a remarkable response from nearby residents.

By Pedro Rios • June 13, 2025

A homeless encampment along the riverbed in San Diego on March 23, 2024. Photo by Kristian Carreon for CalMatters

Commentary

California’s battle against homelessness needs a ‘combined arms’ approach

California is losing its war on homelessness because state and local governments are operating in political silos rather than combining their resources effectively.

By Dan Walters • June 13, 2025

Former Los Angeles mayor and infrastructure czar Antonio Villaraigosa speaks in front of the site where City of Antioch Brakish Water Desalination Project is being built in Antioch on Aug. 11, 2022. Photo by Martin do Nascimento

Commentary

Don’t underestimate Antonio Villaraigosa in the race for California governor

No Los Angeles mayor has ever made the jump to California governor, and Antonio Villaraigosa failed once before. But he is nothing if not persistent.

By Jim Newton • June 12, 2025

An aerial view of a wetland landscape features winding waterways, marshy islands, and patches of green vegetation floating on the water's surface. Dirt pathways and levees divide the water, creating geometric patterns. In the distance, a bridge spans a wide river, with industrial structures and wind turbines visible along the horizon. The scene showcases a mix of natural and human-altered environments under a clear sky.

Commentary

Newsom wanted to fast-track the Delta tunnel project. The Legislature slowed the flow

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s fellow Democrats in the Legislature usually let him use the budget process to push his priority bills and minimize debate. Not this time.

By Dan Walters • June 12, 2025

A black-and-white historical photograph shows a large group of people—adults and children—standing along a railroad track, waving and saying goodbye. Many are holding handkerchiefs and appear emotional. The group includes women holding children and people of all ages dressed in 1930s attire. This image captures a moment of farewell during the era of Mexican repatriation in the United States.

Commentary

History suggests the GOP will pay a political price for its immigration tactics in California

Important lessons can be learned from mass removals of Latinos in U.S. history. Besides injuring vulnerable immigrants, the measures had political consequences in the long run, with some even benefiting immigrants.

By Kevin Johnson • June 11, 2025

Rows wooden desk in legislative room at the state Capitol. Lawmakers and staff can be seen in the distance background.

Commentary

Why the legislature’s budget proposal would put California in an even deeper hole

The budget proposal that legislative leaders countered with this week would increase spending even more than the governor's revised plan, which was unveiled last month.

By Dan Walters • June 11, 2025

A line of California National Guard members in full riot gear stands shoulder to shoulder, holding transparent shields labeled “CALIFORNIA NATIONAL GUARD.” They wear helmets with face shields and camouflage uniforms. The photo is taken at face level, with tall downtown buildings visible in the background on a sunny day.

Commentary

Trump’s military deployment in Los Angeles has little to do with the rule of law

The Trump administration has spent months denying basic constitutional protections and due process to people targeted for deportation. He cannot credibly claim that the military deployment in Los Angeles is about defending the rule of law.

By Robert Greene • June 10, 2025

Heavily armed officers in tactical gear and face coverings stand in a line with clear riot shields as protesters confront them in the street. Several protesters gesture and record the interaction with their phones. The scene unfolds in front of a building marked "ambiance" on a bright day.

Commentary

Trump, Newsom clash over LA protests and federal funding feeds their political interests

As President Donald Trump and California Gov. Gavin Newsom exchange unpleasantries over immigration and funding, they give each other opportunities to make overtures to their political bases.

By Dan Walters • June 10, 2025

An aerial view of construction workers working on the wooden framing of two homes.

Commentary

California’s stubborn problems keep thwarting its ballooning budget

California's spending has tripled in 25 years under Democratic leadership, while such problems as homelessness, water shortages and poverty grew.

By Dan Walters • June 6, 2025

Apartment complexes in Little Tokyo in Los Angeles on Aug. 7, 2019. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Commentary

Why reforming California’s bedrock environmental law is good for the environment

California's signature environmental law has been used to block housing at the expense of the environment and climate it was designed to protect. It needs a reform that can retain its benefits and deal with its downsides.

By Nick Yost and Daniel Yost • June 5, 2025

California Voices

Viewpoints from across California