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

The backs of two people as they hold each other while looking at the burnt rubble that used to be their home.

Commentary

Should fossil fuel companies be forced to pay for Los Angeles wildfire losses?

A proposal by state Sen. Scott Wiener creates a new wrinkle in four interrelated issues: climate change, the future of California’s petroleum industry, the scourge of wildfires and the reluctance of many insurers to write new policies.

By Dan Walters • February 21, 2025

A person wearing a red Team USA jacket holds up a large Olympic flag with five interlocking rings, bordered with multicolored fringe. They are smiling while standing in front of an airplane exit. Two individuals in Olympic-themed apparel stand nearby, smiling. One wears a blue cap and jacket, while the other wears a white t-shirt and black cap. The background features part of an airplane with an open door and a visible emergency exit sign.

Commentary

How will Los Angeles balance fire recovery, Olympics prep and homelessness?

Los Angeles has committed to radically reducing its homeless population, while at the same time rebuilding Pacific Palisades and preparing to host the Olympics. And it's expected to accomplish all of that with an unreliable partner in the White House.

By Jim Newton • February 20, 2025

A tattered American flag stands amid the ruins of a burned-down structure, surrounded by charred debris and remnants of walls. The ground is covered in ash and broken materials. In the background, leafless trees and a partially collapsed fence add to the scene of destruction. The golden light of the setting or rising sun filters through the trees, casting a somber glow over the aftermath.

Commentary

Los Angeles wildfires intensify political jousting over home insurance premiums

If nothing else, the Los Angeles fires underscored the absolutely vital role of a healthy insurance market — not only in protecting the investments that Californians have in their homes and businesses, but as a key component for buying and selling real estate.

By Dan Walters • February 20, 2025

Two elderly individuals hold hands, their wrinkled fingers intertwined. One person wears a pastel blue sweater and light pink pants, while the other wears a plaid long-sleeve shirt. Sunlight casts a warm glow on their hands, highlighting the gold rings on their fingers.

Commentary

Elders and caregivers in California deserve better than funding hurdles and shuttered programs

Programs helping Californians care for dementia or Alzheimer’s patients already struggle. Recent proposals to cut Medicaid money makes this bad situation worse.

By Courtney E. Martin • February 19, 2025

A fast food employee stands and talks to customers behind the restaurant counter with the menu displayed behind them. In the foreground is the over-the-shoulder view of two customers as they talk to the employee.

Commentary

Conflicting studies obscure the reality of California’s fast food wage battle

After years of political battles over fast food wages and the status of franchises, California still lacks objective research.

By Dan Walters • February 19, 2025

A young Black student wearing a red and beige school uniform looks upwards while sitting next to other students wearing the same uniform during class.

Commentary

Investing in Black communities will have ripple effects throughout California

In the UC Davis Black History Month Student Essay Contest, a graduate student argues that investing in education and economic programs that aid Black communities can help dismantle inequality more broadly.

By Ya Yang • February 18, 2025

Two construction workers at a job site between residential buildings, wearing safety gear. One person, in a pink and black jacket with an orange hard hat and headlamp, looks to the side. The other, wearing a neon yellow safety vest, white hard hat, and red gloves, looks downward. The setting sun casts long shadows, and a palm tree stands in the background.

Commentary

Equalizing opportunity: California group forms union to help Black carpenters, apprentices

Historically, Black carpenters faced discrimination by predominantly white unions. Now in California the unions are mostly Latino, but Blacks face similar obstacles.

By Abdur-Rahim Hameed • February 14, 2025

A person with light-colored hair, wearing a red sweater and a plaid face mask, sits on a couch surrounded by stacks of cardboard boxes. They hold up a printed document with a serious expression, scanning its contents. A folder labeled 'COVID' rests on their lap, and blinds cover the window behind them.

Commentary

California’s aging population will test whether its demography is destiny

By 2040, more than one in five Californians will be 65 or older, while the working age population stays the same and the child population shrinks. Are we ready for that?

By Dan Walters • February 14, 2025

Volunteers distribute food at an outdoor community event on a cold day. A person in a green hooded jacket and blue gloves reaches into a cardboard box filled with packaged goods, placing items into a bag. Other volunteers in warm clothing and gloves assist in organizing and handing out supplies. Trees without leaves and a row of parked cars are visible in the background.

Commentary

California food banks face growing hunger crisis with federal, state funding at risk

The helpers need help. As federal funding for anti-hunger programs face major cuts, California faces its own $56 million chop in money it sends to food banks.

By Gabby Davidson and Lisa De La Cruz • February 13, 2025

A teacher, in glasses and a black and white jacket, points at a screen in front of a classroom of sitting students. The students are seated in groups of desks with laptops in front of them as they watch the teacher.

Commentary

California schools still fall behind despite big increases in spending

Many California students are still behind pre-pandemic progress in math and reading, a new study shows. But Compton students bucked the trend.

By Dan Walters • February 13, 2025

California Voices

Viewpoints from across California