California Voices

Viewpoints from across California

A group of five people, dressed in professional attire, sit on chairs on a stage in front of a crowd, with a banner behind them reading “Governor Candidate Forum.” Four of the five people sitting on stage have their hands up to answer the question while a crowd of people watches in the dark.

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.

By Dan Walters

A person in medical protective clothing, wearing a face mask and a hair net, pushes a hospital gurney through a hallway inside a hospital, viewed from an open door.

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.

By Stephen Martinez

Two people face each other as they speak: the person on the left has a happy expression and her arm to her chest, while the person on the right wears a grey suit jacket and glasses. Both people are standing in a park area on a sunny day. In the background is a fence to a baseball field.

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.

By Jim Newton

A close-up view of a person's hand holding a sign that reads "We wants answers! No more deaths!" and they stand at the front steps of a building surrounded by other people holding signs.

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.

By David Myers

A wide shot of a grocery store produce section with a colorful assortment of fruit and vegetables arranged on display on plastic counters. In the background are shoppers walking around the aisles of the store as they shop

Commentary

Don’t demonize plastic food packaging. Recycled, it’s better for the environment than some alternatives

Plastics are the most sustainable option. Food suppliers are decades away from other material that performs as well at food safety and waste.

By Kevin Kelly • March 13, 2026

A view of four silhouettes, three people and one child, seen through a fence with another chain-linked fence and brick wall in the background. The silhouettes are all walking in one direction towards the right side of the frame, with the fence distorting the view of the frame.

Commentary

I crossed the border alone as a child. Here’s what I learned about family separation

To understand what mass deportations are really about, we must examine the systems that have long separated families of color across the Americas.

By Skye Harris • March 12, 2026

An illuminated gas station price sign displays the cost of regular, plus, and premium gasoline for cash and credit. The bright digital numbers stand out against a dark background.

Commentary

As gas prices soar, California’s new carbon emission rules prompt a war of words

With some California gas prices topping $5 a gallon, anything that pushes prices even higher, like emissions crackdowns, will become a political football.

By Dan Walters • March 12, 2026

An aerial view shows a large data center complex surrounded by warehouses and industrial buildings in a dense urban area. The main structure has a white facade with vertical window slits and a flat roof filled with cooling units, pipes, and mechanical equipment.

Commentary

California’s data centers should be models of affordable, clean electricity

With thoughtful planning, California can gain new data centers in ways that benefit ratepayers, improve grid reliability and minimize environmental harms.

By Sam Uden and Matthew Freedman • March 11, 2026

A green casino card table with labeled betting areas, surrounded by black padded chairs in an expansive cardroom. The room features multiple tables, overhead lights, digital displays, and a chandelier in the background, creating a lively gaming atmosphere.

Commentary

California’s tribal casinos trample smaller cardrooms with new regulations

The tribes with casinos guard their gambling dominance with political clout gained from lavish contributions to political campaigns.

By Dan Walters • March 11, 2026

A white and blue train zooms by a street next two a multi-story apartment building in beige and cream tones.

Commentary

California should resurrect an old strategy to jumpstart new housing production

Bringing back — but narrowly tailoring — tax-increment financing could ensure housing gets built at the right price, in the right places.

By William Fulton and Bill Higgins • March 10, 2026

Candidates stand at podiums on stage during a televised debate titled “The Race for California Governor,” while moderators sit at a desk to the side and an audience watches from the theater seating.

Commentary

Now that we know who’s running for governor, here’s what happens next

Ten candidates will appear on the June 2 ballot, but only two can move on. Which two? None of the candidates got more than 14% support in a recent poll.

By Dan Walters • March 10, 2026