Commentary

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

The burnt remaining structure of a high school building that was destroyed during a wildfire. Student desks are left among the ruins.

Commentary

‘I’ve noticed changes in all of us’: The LA fires put what really matters most into focus

A former Palisades high schooler reflects on a tumultuous year and the way many teens have gained a whole new perspective, rethinking what's important.

By Lauren Ades • July 16, 2025

Sheep grazing near solar panels at the Kettleman City Power solar farm on July 27, 2022 Sheep are let into the facility to eat bugs and graze on dry grass that could be a fire hazard. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Commentary

Why California’s agricultural industry is at odds over converting land to solar farms

A conflict in the Imperial Valley offers a window into an increasingly sharp debate within California's $60 billion agricultural sector over what should happen as acreage devoted to crops and livestock shrinks.

By Dan Walters • July 16, 2025

A wide view of houses under construction with wooden framing. A construction worker wearing a bright orange shirt can be seen standing in the roof of one of the houses.

Commentary

Federal immigration crackdown threatens California’s historic housing reforms

Just as California removes the red tape, it may find itself caught in another bind: a lack of construction workers. And this time, the cause isn’t homegrown.

By Nils Gilman • July 15, 2025

A person walks past a row of tents and makeshift shelters set up on a sidewalk against a brick wall in an urban area. A small memorial with artificial flowers is attached to a nearby pole.

Commentary

LA Times valiantly explains how Los Angeles became the epicenter of homelessness

The Los Angeles Times recently made a valiant attempt to explain how homelessness became a seemingly intractable crisis in L.A. County.

By Dan Walters • July 15, 2025

An empty jury box in a courtroom at the Santa Barbara County courthouse in Santa Maria on Jan. 30, 2005. Photo by Spencer Weiner, Los Angeles Times via AP, Pool

Commentary

California courts owe defendants a jury of their peers. It’s still too hard to get one

California is ending an experiment to raise juror pay in seven counties. It would would have encouraged moderate-income people to serve and helped diversify juries.

By Denise Amos • July 11, 2025

Students wearing red and beige uniforms sit on the floor of a classroom as they look up at a teacher pointing to a projected lesson on a whiteboard.

Commentary

Charter schools need reform. This proposal could kneecap them

Lawmakers are considering creating an inspector general role just to oversee charter schools. It might slow the charter school movement.

By Dan Walters • July 11, 2025

A group of heavily armed federal agents in full tactical gear emerge from the back of an armored vehicle labeled “LENCO ARMORED VEHICLES” on a sunlit urban street. Most wear camouflage fatigues, body armor, helmets, and goggles, with visible patches reading “POLICE” and insignias from U.S. Border Patrol and Homeland Security. Some agents carry rifles and one has zip cuffs and canisters clipped to their vest. A media photographer in a press vest films nearby. Palm trees and a clear blue sky suggest a Southern California location.

Commentary

‘I’m in one of his TV shows’: The federal government is staging political theater in Los Angeles

Since President Trump unilaterally decided to send the military to Los Angeles, practically everything about the protests and the federal response to them has lacked a connection to reality.

By Jim Newton • July 10, 2025

A side-view of a wooden lodge building in the corner of a street surrounded by trees and other greenery. A person wearing a purple sweater and holding a cup of coffee can be seen on the far right walking along the street.

Commentary

Holdouts in Marin County resist California rules speeding up multifamily housing

State pressure to allow more housing in Marin County is relentless, but some in Fairfax aren't giving up without a fight.

By Dan Walters • July 10, 2025

Commentary

Why California’s attorney general must continue the investigation into OpenAI

While disputes over governance structures and the legalities of nonprofit ownership may seem tedious and disconnected from the lives of everyday people, OpenAI’s future has huge implications for the well-being of society.

By Orson Aguilar and Catherine Bracy • July 9, 2025

California Governor Gavin Newsom shakes hands and smiles while he meets a group of people sitting inside a crowded coffee shop. In the background, a group of people is lined up along the wall of the shop, and some are seated around a table.

Commentary

Newsom’s South Carolina visit should remove any doubts about his political goals

South Carolina could host the first presidential primary again in 2028. Democratic politicians who see themselves as potential candidates are finding reasons to visit. Gavin Newsom went there this week.

By Dan Walters • July 9, 2025

California Voices

Viewpoints from across California