Commentary
In California’s Capitol, some political fights span decades
The dynamics of California's Capitol haven't changed much in the last 50 years. In fact, many conflicts from 1975 can still be found in bills this year.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yousef Baig
California Voices Editor
Denise Amos
California Voices Deputy Editor
Dan Walters
Columnist
Jim Newton
Contributor
Pedro Rios
Contributor
Robert Greene
Contributor
Commentary
Money, location shape California’s criminal defense system to an unconstitutional level
Flat-free contracts for public defense attorneys are barred in many states, yet 15 California counties use this format for representing defendants who can't pay for one. The problem? It creates a disincentive to spend money fighting criminal charges.
Commentary
If California bails out LA’s $1 billion budget deficit, beware the slippery slope
Los Angeles' leaders got plenty of warnings they've been overspending for years. Now they're using January's fires to seek a state bailout.
Reader Reactions
California’s homeless shelters aren’t for everyone. That doesn’t mean they don’t work
A formerly homeless man residing in Ventura makes the case for shelters in response to a recent CalMatters investigation.
Commentary
The real crisis in California schools is low achievement, not cultural conflicts
As lawmakers debate whether transgender athletes can play sports, they're missing a more widespread education issue — low test scores, especially in reading.
Commentary
I judged Gavin Newsom’s podcast before listening. Then I realized I was part of the problem
After seeing the headlines about Gavin Newsom's podcast, a longtime policy expert assumed the worst. Then she listened and discovered a model for the type of political discourse desperately missing today.
Commentary
California politicians have an irritating habit of ignoring the downsides
California’s governors and legislators have a number of irritating habits, but the worst is their tendency to enact sweeping programs or policy decrees without weighing the risks.
Commentary
How a well-intended California domestic violence law results in victims being arrested
The California Penal Code requires officers to make an arrest in domestic violence incidents, but a well-intended law is leading to victims being wrongfully detained, as a former political staffer's experience reveals.
Commentary
If zero-emission cars cut gasoline sales and tax revenue, how will California replace them?
Given the expected decline in gas sales under California's zero-emission vehicle mandates, the politics for implementing a new revenue source will be as thorny as the gas tax has been for 102 years.
Commentary
Protect California’s international students so they don’t ‘walk on eggshells’ in fear of ICE
California ranks No. 1 in international students, who are afraid of escalating ICE activity on campus. Colleges pledged safeguards but their protections are limited.