California Voices

Proposition 4 would authorize $1.5 billion in bonds for children's hospitals. Pro: The Children’s Hospital Bond will ensure children’s hospitals continue to offer life-saving care. Con: Taxpayers would pay an average of $80 million per year for the next 35 years, most of it to assist private hospitals.

California officials are straddling a fine legal line as they use public funds to persuade voters to approve billions of dollars in taxes, fees and bonds.

Tying political contributions to legislation is illegal bribery that could land dealmakers in prison, but such pay-to-play tactics are perfectly legal when it comes to ballot measures.

Proposition 11 would affect paramedic services. Carol Meyer, Yes: For patients suffering from a cardiac arrest, every minute that passes without CPR or a defibrillator can decrease their chances of survival by 7-10 percent. Jeff Misner, No: We’re the last people you want to see in your day. But when we do show up, you want us to be our best. Life hangs in the balance.

A collection of commentaries by Dan Walters over the past week.

Too many of our high poverty children-of-color have been stuck in failing public schools. The middle class and upper class have good options and opportunities. But public charter schools CAN most help our children with the greatest need.

Kevin de León needed to get aggressive in his only joint appearance with Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who he wants to defeat on Nov. 6. But de León was very subdued and didn't change the campaign's dynamics.

California’s two recent governors, Jerry Brown and Arnold Schwarzenegger, have been unusually skilled at water policy. Both responded effectively to urgent floods and droughts in ways that also brought long-term improvements. The next governor will face similar water problems. And he will see opportunities, expectations, and pitfalls along the way.

Despite very strong growth in property taxes, hundreds of local governments are asking voters to approve additional taxes. They are reluctant, however, to tell voters that rising pension costs are the major reason.

California plays a central role setting auto rules and has a responsibility to lead the world’s fight against auto pollution. President Trump wants to revoke that unique authority. California Air Resources Board Chairwoman Mary Nichols must defend it.