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 wearing a gray shirt and blue jacket sits on a chair in front of a table with ballot envelopes. They hold up a ballot with both hands to examine it closely.

Commentary

Amid threats and harassment, California election workers persist to protect our vote

In recent years, election officials have increasingly become the targets of threats and harassment. Still, these committed public servants persist to ensure that elections in California and nationwide are safe, secure and accurate.

By Tommy Gong and Tina Barton • November 6, 2024

A voter fills out their ballot at a polling station at the American Legion in Shasta Lake, California, during a special election in Shasta County November 7, 2023.

Commentary

California’s representative democracy isn’t very representative of democracy

If California adopted proportional representation, its state legislature would have more political parties, resulting in more coalitions, compromise and responsive policies.

By Caledon Myers • November 5, 2024

A close-up view of a person's hands as they flip through a booklet with information on ballot propositions while they hold a pen with their right hand.

Commentary

Biggest potential impact in California’s election? Hundreds of bonds and tax measures

Three statewide ballot propositions and hundreds more local measures will test California voters' appetites for higher taxes and more debt for public works projects.

By Dan Walters • November 5, 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris, wearing a tan blazer and black shirt, stands behind a podium with a view of a crowded arena behind her at a campaign rally.

Commentary

Kamala Harris is different. In a good way. That was clear away from the California limelight

CalMatters contributor Jim Newton reflects on his interactions with Kamala Harris over the years, and the qualities that helped her stand out during her time in political office in California.

By Jim Newton • November 4, 2024

Commentary

A century later, salmon again spawning in Klamath River after dams removed

The Klamath River used to be the West Coast’s third most productive salmon fishery, until four hydroelectric dams built in the early 20th Century blocked salmon spawning.

By Dan Walters • November 1, 2024

Two men on stage at a podium. The one on the left is talking and gesturing to someone out of frame.

Commentary

How did Los Angeles voters get stuck with two distressing choices for district attorney?

Not long ago, the important work of prosecuting crime in Los Angeles County was managed by moderate, sober leaders. How, then, is it that voters face a choice between two dramatically less capable candidates than those who preceded them?

By Jim Newton • October 31, 2024

A person wearing blue and grey tie dye pants and black shirt puts on a red sweatshirt in front of a graffiti wall where a homeless encanmpment used to be.

Commentary

Newsom provides welfare to the wealthy, skimps on anti-homelessness programs

This week Gov. Gavin Newsom promised $750 million to a few already wealthy entertainment producers and $827 million to cities and counties helping homeless people gain shelter.

By Dan Walters • October 31, 2024

A CARB board meeting at the California Environmental Protection Agency headquarters in Sacramento on June 23, 2022. Photo by Rahul Lal, CalMatters

Commentary

This key California climate program doesn’t need a rubber stamp — it needs overhaul

For years, the Low Carbon Fuel Standard program has given well-connected industries handouts for questionable climate benefits. An energy researcher says California needs to completely overhaul the program.

By Danny Cullenward • October 30, 2024

A group of cos poke their heads out of their holding pens to eat grass that's spread on the ground. The setting is a dairy farm. The cows' ears are tagged with small yellow signs that bear five digit numbers.

Commentary

To support California farms, state regulators need to stay the course on this climate program

California dairies have utilized the Low Carbon Fuel Standard climate program to reduce emissions and adopt cleaner fuels. A key upcoming vote to amend the program would hurt sustainable dairies, a farm manager argues.

By Sal Rodriguez • October 30, 2024

Adrian De La Cruz fills his work truck with diesel gas at a filling station in west Fresno on May 7, 2024. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Commentary

California’s transition off carbon fuels could upset gasoline supply, prices

California may be facing a period of volatility on both gas supply and price as it attempts to wean itself from combustion-powered transportation, its largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions.

By Dan Walters • October 30, 2024

California Voices

Viewpoints from across California