California Voices

Viewpoints from across California

A silouhette of a person as they stand in front of a podium surrounded wby supporters. The silouhette are illuminated by a red tarp covering a construction zone.

As Gavin Newsom’s reign nears end, his ability to sway legislators has also waned

California Gov. Gavin Newsom just doesn’t have the clout he once wielded so aggressively as the end of his reign approaches.

By Dan Walters

A student registers to vote at Sacramento State University in Sacramento on Oct. 20, 2022. Photo by Rahul Lal, CalMatters

California lets teens preregister to vote before they’re 18. It doesn’t teach them how

California lets 16- and 17-year-olds preregister to vote by their 18th birthday, but only 11% do. High schools should be required to teach them how, a graduate says.

By Conner Huey

A homeless man wearing a white button up shirt and plaid shorts pushes a wheelchair next to a homeless encampment in Skid Row with the Los Angeles skyline in the background.

LA’s homelessness uptick lets Raman target Bass. If only accountability was that simple

L.A. City Councilmember Nithya Raman criticized Mayor Karen Bass over the increase in homelessness, but disentangling the records of the two candidates on this issue is difficult.

By Jim Newton

Six people sit on a rounded marble dais inside a large room with various monitors displaying the meeting agenda. The U.S., California and San Diego County flags can be seen in the background.

San Diego County’s pursuit of ethics reforms may also help consolidate Democratic control

A closer look at San Diego County's ballot measure to establish an ethics commission includes notable governance changes that could benefit slim political majorities on the Board of Supervisors.

By Robert Greene

Several CAL FIRE firefighters stand between a row of red fire engines, unrolling and organizing yellow fire hoses at a smoky wildfire command post. Coiled hoses and equipment cover the gravel as crews prepare the engines for deployment.

Commentary

Pension boosts for California police, firefighters could spur increases for other workers

Even with higher CalPERS earnings, upping pensions for public safety employees would cost the state and local governments $4.8 billion more.

By Dan Walters • August 7, 2026

A landscape of scorched hills shows remnants of a wildfire, with dry, barren slopes dotted with blackened vegetation. Power lines and transmission towers stretch across the terrain. In the foreground, a blurred warning sign with red lettering reads "DANGER" and cautions against open fires and smoking. The hazy fence adds a sense of distance, emphasizing the vast, rugged expanse of the burned landscape under a clear sky.

Commentary

California’s catch-22: Who should pay when utilities’ power lines cause wildfires?

Gov. Gavin Newsom is asking legislators to limit utilities' liability if their equipment ignites fires. Meanwhile SoCal Edison's tower is blamed for the deadly Eaton fire.

By Dan Walters • August 6, 2026

Two young children play together at a lighted activity table in a classroom. An American flag hangs over the learning area, while sunlight filters through window blinds, casting striped shadows across the room.

Commentary

California school districts in LA, Sacramento copy the Capitol’s budget deficit dance

Attempts to paper over chronic deficits facing school districts in Sacramento and Los Angeles are similar to the efforts to close statewide budget holes.

By Dan Walters • August 5, 2026

Gov. Gavin Newsom squeezes through a crowd at a construction site.

Commentary

Which version of Gavin Newsom will voters see if he runs for president?

Gavin Newsom has been trying to adjust his image as he positions himself for a potential presidential bid, but that can be tricky in an era of political volatility.

By Dan Walters • August 4, 2026

Construction workers building an apartment complex site for an affordable housing project in Bakersfield on May 29, 2024. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Commentary

California voters have approved billions of dollars in bonds. Why don’t we track results?

Since 2000, the state has issued nearly $200 billion in bonds, but it hasn’t always measured the effectiveness of programs the bonds fund.

By Cathy Cockrum Dean • August 3, 2026

The Chevron refinery in Richmond is located behind a nearby neighborhood on Feb. 21, 2024. Photo by Loren Elliott for CalMatters

Commentary

California needs to preserve clean air and public oversight. Why Prop. 45 must be stopped

California voters must stand up to the corporations that want to dismantle the state's environmental laws, argues an environmental justice advocate.

By Mabel Tsang • July 31, 2026

Commentary

How California voters can reform misused environmental law to boost needed projects

Proposition 45 offers reforms that retain protections under California environmental law and crucially speeds up approvals, an affordable housing advocate argues.

By Jenna Abbott • July 31, 2026

People gather outside UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland during a labor demonstration. A person holding a megaphone stands on the lawn while others in blue shirts hold signs and chant near the hospital entrance and campus sign.

Commentary

Oakland families affected most by UCSF decision to move pediatric care across the Bay

A year after taking over Children’s Hospital Oakland, UCSF is transferring some medical services, forcing vulnerable children and their families travel to San Francisco for care.

By Paola Portillo • July 30, 2026