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 navy blue suit points in front of them as they stand behind a lectern with the California seal in front of it. A large screen with a graphic that reads "our state revenues are up by $16.5 B" is seen next to him.

Commentary

California uses gimmicks instead of addressing the heart of its budget problem

Gimmickry has become an integral part of the current California budget process, even though the state faces a structural deficit.

By Dan Walters • March 5, 2025

Commentary

Reflecting on 50 years of writing about California’s politics — and still counting

As CalMatters columnist Dan Walters reaches a personal milestone entering his 50th year covering California politics, he reflects on his early days on the Capitol beat.

By Dan Walters • March 4, 2025

A child, wearing a white, black and pink pattern dress, jumps in the air at a playground at a park. Other children swing on swing sets in the background while other people walk by.

Commentary

For California kids with disabilities, playgrounds reinforce exclusion. We can change that

Californians must demand designs that welcome all children. A playground designed for everyone isn’t just nice to have — it’s essential.

By Tilly Griffiths • March 3, 2025

A person wearing a navy blue jacket with an official city emblem gestures while speaking outdoors. Another person in a black jacket is focused on a phone, while a group of individuals stands behind them. A camera operator records the scene, and a large vehicle is partially visible on the right. Trees and high-rise buildings can be seen in the background.

Commentary

Erratic wildfire performance puts LA Mayor Karen Bass in a political hole

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass' wildfire response includes some embarrassing troubles of her own making, including canning the city's fire chief.

By Dan Walters • February 28, 2025

An aerial view of a lot with several one-story white buildings surrounded by grass and a couple of tress.

Commentary

California wants LA County to close its juvenile hall. Why it can’t is a failure decades in the making

The roots of juvenile probation failures in the nation’s largest county run deep — far deeper than the elimination of California agencies or juvenile justice realignment.

By Robert Greene • February 27, 2025

A row of tents and makeshift shelters, covered with tarps and surrounded by personal belongings, lines a grassy area near a railway under an overcast sky. A person wearing a dark coat and hat moves near a white tent. In the background, a train approaches on an elevated track, and scattered items, bicycles, and blue recycling bins are visible throughout the encampment.

Commentary

Newsom wants to blame others for California’s housing and homelessness failures

Gov. Gavin Newsom fell short of his vow to reduce homelessness and to build 3.5 million new homes. A new state website reports counties' progress on those goals.

By Dan Walters • February 27, 2025

Rain collects on a windowpane in Oakland on Feb. 27, 2023. Photo by Godofredo A. Vásquez, AP Photo

Commentary

California lacks the capacity to store water that atmospheric rivers dump on the state

There’s much to criticize in how California, once a global leader in large-scale water management, has faltered.

By Dan Walters • February 26, 2025

A sidewalk and accessibility ramp lead toward a modern building with large windows, while in the background, a red and white building with a sign reading 'Taboo Gentlemen’s Club' is visible. The scene is framed by green shrubs and a metal railing, with a setting sun casting warm light on the structures.

Commentary

When I lived in a California homeless shelter, my hope turned into despair

An unhoused man who lives in Orange explains why he and many other Californians who lack a permanent home are so reluctant to stay in shelters.

By Patrick Hogan • February 25, 2025

Two individuals engage in a heated conversation outdoors. One, wearing a dark button-up shirt, gestures emphatically with a pointed finger, appearing animated. The other, wearing a blazer and a black cap with gold lettering, listens intently with a serious expression. A blurred, neutral-toned landscape serves as the background.

Commentary

Trump, Newsom play high-stakes game over billions in federal wildfire aid

While Gov. Gavin Newsom often refers to California as a "nation-state" with global influence, his efforts to lobby for disaster aid are a reminder that the state is still dependent on Washington.

By Dan Walters • February 25, 2025

An aerial view of a neighborhood showing the the debris and remaining structures of houses that burned during a wildfire.

Commentary

Oil and gas companies should be held financially responsible for California climate disasters

Fossil fuel companies got California into this crisis, and now it's time lawmakers hold them accountable by passing crucial legislation this year.

By Nico Gardner • February 24, 2025

California Voices

Viewpoints from across California