California Voices

Viewpoints from across California

A silouhette of a person as they stand in front of a podium surrounded wby supporters. The silouhette are illuminated by a red tarp covering a construction zone.

As Gavin Newsom’s reign nears end, his ability to sway legislators has also waned

California Gov. Gavin Newsom just doesn’t have the clout he once wielded so aggressively as the end of his reign approaches.

By Dan Walters

A student registers to vote at Sacramento State University in Sacramento on Oct. 20, 2022. Photo by Rahul Lal, CalMatters

California lets teens preregister to vote before they’re 18. It doesn’t teach them how

California lets 16- and 17-year-olds preregister to vote by their 18th birthday, but only 11% do. High schools should be required to teach them how, a graduate says.

By Conner Huey

A homeless man wearing a white button up shirt and plaid shorts pushes a wheelchair next to a homeless encampment in Skid Row with the Los Angeles skyline in the background.

LA’s homelessness uptick lets Raman target Bass. If only accountability was that simple

L.A. City Councilmember Nithya Raman criticized Mayor Karen Bass over the increase in homelessness, but disentangling the records of the two candidates on this issue is difficult.

By Jim Newton

Six people sit on a rounded marble dais inside a large room with various monitors displaying the meeting agenda. The U.S., California and San Diego County flags can be seen in the background.

San Diego County’s pursuit of ethics reforms may also help consolidate Democratic control

A closer look at San Diego County's ballot measure to establish an ethics commission includes notable governance changes that could benefit slim political majorities on the Board of Supervisors.

By Robert Greene

A person in a suit and tie speaks at a podium with a microphone, gesturing with one hand. A blue curtain serves as the backdrop, with a partially visible California state flag on the right side of the image.

Commentary

Attorney General Bonta excels at self-promotion but buries legal losses that cost California

Rob Bonta has sent nearly 500 press releases this year. But he has been quiet about California's payouts for lost or settled court cases. Recently they totaled $7 million.

By Dan Walters • August 20, 2026

An aerial view shows a neighborhood of large luxury homes with landscaped yards, swimming pools and solar panels, bordered by dry, open fields.

Commentary

Five California propositions ask the same question: Who should pay billions in taxes?

To get high-income Californians to pay more taxes, voters could approve Propositions 40 and 3. Props 41, 42 and 43 would make it harder to raise taxes.

By Dan Walters • August 19, 2026

A large white, blue and red sign is displayed at an event. The sign reads " Billionaire Tax Now" and "Vote Yes 11/3/26" next to an image of a check box. A person can be seen walking by in the blurred foreground.

Commentary

How California’s midterm election could shape national political conflicts

In some congressional races and key ballot issues, California Democrats' left-leaning wing and its more centrist forces are clashing.

By Dan Walters • August 18, 2026

A person wearing a green apron stands in front of a service window as they get ready to hand a lunch tray to a student.

Commentary

Proposition 3 sustains California schools. Losing the high-income tax would be devastating

Proposition 3 doesn't raise taxes on anyone, a cafeteria manager argues. It avoids a tax cut for the top 2% of earners by sustaining rates voters first backed in 2012 to aid schools.

By Starr Avila • August 18, 2026

A suited public official speaks at a podium during a press conference, framed between blurred figures in the foreground. An American flag and part of the California state seal appear behind them as they gesture with their left hand while addressing the audience. A monitor with a graphic showing funding per student can be seen next to the public official.

Commentary

This high-income tax was pitched as ‘temporary.’ California voters can ensure it stays that way

Proposition 3 is not about whether education and healthcare matter, an anti-tax advocate argues, but whether it is good policy to permanently extend tax hikes that voters were promised would expire.

By Robert Gutierrez • August 18, 2026

Two people sit on top of a cinderblock wall at dusk, pouring water downward as smoke or ash drifts through the air. Trees, rooftops, and silhouetted foliage are visible behind them, all bathed in an orange haze from the smoky sky.

Commentary

Newsom’s wildfire recovery proposal will make sure Californians get paid first

After wildfires, any recovery reform must put victims ahead of hedge funds, trial attorneys, insurance companies and other profiteers, a Creek Fire survivor says.

By Joe Denham • August 17, 2026

A person wearing a navy suit stands behind a lectern during a press event. The California state seal, state flag and the American flag can be seen behind them. A monitor with the words, "California A Global Economic Powerhouse" can be seen to the person's left side.

Commentary

Interested in how California pays for state government? Here’s where to find the data

Budgets can gloss over key trends, such as how much government has grown in size and cost under Gov. Gavin Newsom. These sources reveal the data.

By Dan Walters • August 14, 2026

A rental sign in front of an apartment complex in Tower District in Fresno on July 27, 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/Catchlight Local

Commentary

California tool to encourage low-income rentals may suppress new apartment construction

Inclusionary zoning requires developers of market rate housing to limit rents on units set aside for low-income tenants. But it can backfire.

By Dan Walters • August 13, 2026

A large crowd gathers inside a spacious convention hall beneath a blue sign that reads “Welcome to the CADEM 2026 State Convention.” Attendees cluster in groups across the tiled floor, many wearing badges and blue shirts, talking, waiting, or looking toward a central area. The setting has tall stone-patterned walls, high ceilings, and wide doorways, giving the scene a formal conference atmosphere.

Commentary

How California’s primary election reflects the perils facing the national Democratic Party

Low turnout among young and non-white voters in California signals that Democrats should focus more on organizing to beat Republicans nationally, a strategist says.

By Dan Walters • August 12, 2026