Commentary

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 person stands at a podium, smiling, wearing glasses and a navy blazer over a teal top. The podium features a sign that reads "TREATMENT NOT TENTS" with a small bear icon, suggesting a California-related context. A microphone is attached to the podium, and the background appears softly blurred.

Commentary

Why 2025 will be a pivotal year for Mayor Karen Bass — and Los Angeles

As Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass begins the second half of her term, her work is about to get a great deal more difficult, and the coming year may test her formidable energies.

By Jim Newton • January 3, 2025

A small group of individuals sits around a table in a classroom-like environment, engaged in discussion and reviewing printed materials. A banner on the wall reads "Central California Women's Facility Media Center." Behind the participants, computer monitors are arranged on desks. The atmosphere appears collaborative and focused, with participants exchanging ideas and referencing documents.

Commentary

Waiting in silence: How California’s first media center inside a women’s prison came to life

The creation this year of a media center inside the Central California Women’s Facility, which culminated in the launch of the Paper Trail, has finally given a voice to the women who have long been an afterthought in the state's prison system.

By Jesse Vasquez • December 30, 2024

A person wearing outdoor gear and carrying a backpack walks along the edge of a shallow stream in a grassy meadow. Dense evergreen trees line the background, with snow-dappled mountains visible in the distance under a clear blue sky.

Commentary

Why mountain meadows should be a priority for California’s new climate bond

More than half of California's Sierra meadows have been degraded or lost. Given their vital role assisting with water storage, carbon sequestration and providing a habitat to wildlife, investments from the newly passed Proposition 4 could boost ongoing restoration work.

By Ryan Burnett • December 26, 2024

Three people, a teacher and two students, work on a wooden table next to a red circular saw. Each person wears clear safety glasses.

Commentary

Welding is a way back to school for California kids who regularly ditch classes

A welding teacher says hands-on career training can win back disengaged students but schools and the state erred by emphasizing college for all and letting trade education die at many California high schools.

By Denise Amos • December 23, 2024

White popcorn boxes with red pinstripes, and the words "POP CORN" printed on them sit on a light colored, wooden table. The setting is a theatre or movie event.

Commentary

Tax loopholes cost California and its cities $107 billion but get little scrutiny

California would have 45% more for its budget if certain tax breaks, called tax expenditures, were eliminated, a fiscal consultant for the Legislature said.

By Dan Walters • December 20, 2024

Tesla vehicles charging at the Tesla Supercharger lot in Kettleman City on June 23, 2024. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Commentary

New decisions boost California’s zero-emission vehicle mandate, but major hurdles remain

Recent decisions by the Supreme Court and the EPA appear to favor California's 2035 ban on gas-powered cars and trucks, but another important lawsuit, a Republican-dominated Congress and President Donald Trump are still there to challenge it.

By Dan Walters • December 19, 2024

Surrounded by workers in hazmat suits and bright orange waste bags, Gov. Gavin Newsom helps clear a homeless encampment in San Diego.

Commentary

Billions of dollars later, California’s homeless crisis persists under Newsom

Gavin Newsom began his governorship with promises of decisive action on key issues, homelessness among them. Despite billions of dollars in spending, the population has increased and the crisis remains a weapon for Newsom's opponents.

By Dan Walters • December 18, 2024

A person stands centered in the aisle of a library, surrounded by shelves full of books. They wear a black beanie, black sweater, and distressed jeans. Their hands are clasped together in front of them, and they gaze directly into the camera with a neutral expression. The bookshelves extend into the background, creating depth.

Commentary

He has prison in his past. Now he hopes law school is in his future

An aspiring California law student says a fellowship program called Dream Beyond Bars has taught him emotional intelligence and resilience, along with political organizing and advocacy.

By Denise Amos • December 17, 2024

A person stands in the middle of a road surrounded by charred home structures that were destroyed by a wildfire.

Commentary

Can new state regulations resolve California’s existential insurance crisis?

The state's elected insurance commissioner formally unveiled a large chunk of his plan to stem the exodus of insurers from California. Adoption of the plans may result in premium hikes, but maintaining a viable market is vital to the state's economy.

By Dan Walters • December 17, 2024

People wait in line on the sidewalk of a light brown building during election day. Some people hold their ballot envelops in their hands.

Commentary

Political division only benefits Trump, billionaires. Why Californians need to come together

Many post-election reactions blamed Democrats for certain beliefs or policies, but these narratives overlooked the ways billionaires sought to divide voters. A new group wants to bring Californians who are sick of politics but believe in inclusive values together.

By John Kim and Sabrina Smith • December 16, 2024

California Voices

Viewpoints from across California