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

A person wearing a fluorescent yellow vest uses a broom to gather trash on the edge of a sidewalk overlooking a lake at a park. Various business and construction can be seen in the distant background.

Commentary

Angelenos agree MacArthur Park needs help. The reliance on police is where they differ

Mayor Karen Bass and the LAPD represent one approach to the MacArthur Park restoration effort. But as a raft of new issues emerge, activists and other leaders are pointing to strategies that address more fundamental issues.

By Jim Newton • May 29, 2025

Students, wearing red and light brown uniforms, raise they hand while they sit in front of desks in a classroom.

Commentary

California’s war over charter schools rages on in court

Los Angeles Unified School District wants to "avoid" charter schools taking over several hundred district buildings. A judge may decide if that's legal.

By Dan Walters • May 29, 2025

The Senate's Appropriations Committee hearing in Sacramento on May 18, 2023. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters

Commentary

Why did the California Senate shunt a cost-cutting housing bill?

The California Senate appeared to double down on making housing development more difficult and costly, shunting a bill aimed at making it easier to build housing by exempting some projects from the California Environmental Quality Act.

By Dan Walters • May 28, 2025

A close-up view of water trickling down the faucet of a sink filled with dishes in the kitchen of a home.

Commentary

After years of undrinkable water, our rural California community finally has hope

Hundreds of water systems in California are failing; many serve disadvantaged communities and people of color. The state can help but its resources are limited.

By Mary Benson • May 27, 2025

In this photo illuminated by an off-camera flash, several homeless people stand next to their tents across the street from a luxury apartment building in Los Angeles on Jan. 17, 2023. Photo by Jae C. Hong, AP Photo

Commentary

California’s high living costs and high poverty sharpen its economic divide

California went from being a state with high economic mobility and opportunity to a society starkly separated by wealth, income and race.

By Dan Walters • May 23, 2025

A person raises their right arm in the air and they lay on a medical bed in an examination room at a clinic. The person wears a black cardigan and yellow shirt.

Commentary

How California can reform medical billing so patients aren’t overwhelmed with debt

More than 1 in 3 Californians have medical debt. A Salinas schoolteacher whose husband accrued major debt after a cancer diagnosis says a bill requiring hospitals screen patients for financial aid eligibility could help families like hers.

By Veronica Olea • May 22, 2025

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.

Commentary

Gavin Newsom’s off-the-mark budget numbers undermine his credibility again

Wrong revenue projections a few years ago led California to overspend, creating structural deficits. Now underestimated Medi-Cal costs are blowing holes in the latest proposed budget.

By Dan Walters • May 22, 2025

The Port of Los Angeles on Oct. 2, 2021. Photo by Ted Soqui, Sipa USA via AP Photo

Commentary

Los Angeles has a Donald Trump problem. It’s making the city’s bad budget even worse

As Los Angeles confronts a major budget deficit, President Donald Trump's economic policies and abrupt actions are making it even harder to dig out of the hole.

By Jim Newton • May 21, 2025

A person stands next to a white electric vehicle while it charges at a public charging station. The car is backed into a spot marked "CHARGING ONLY," and the charging cable extends from the station to the car’s rear. The person wears a dark jacket, pants, and orange sneakers, and looks down toward the ground. Bright sunlight casts distinct shadows on the pavement.

Commentary

Congress debates two issues with big implications for California: EVs and taxes

Two of the most contentious issues awaiting votes in Congress would have particularly heavy impacts on California.

By Dan Walters • May 21, 2025

A person wearing a navy suit stands behind a lectern with the state seal of California during a press event. A monitor with the words, "-$16B Our State Revenues" can be seen to the person's left side.

Commentary

Newsom’s budget cuts anger allies and leave the state’s chronic deficit unresolved

Major interest groups allied with the Democratic Party have been critical of Gov. Gavin Newsom's revised budget proposal since it was unveiled last week.

By Dan Walters • May 20, 2025

California Voices

Viewpoints from across California