Commentary

A mountain lion walks into a light source on top of foliage while two other cubs follow close behind as they look towards the frame.

Commentary

California safeguards pumas as federal rules fail to protect their habitat

The state placed six mountain lion species on the threatened list, so road and land developers must evaluate projects to not isolate pumas.

By Tiffany Yap • April 1, 2026

A wide view of a refinery location on a clear day with various structures, including distillation columns, as smoke is released into the air.

Commentary

With Californians paying sky-high gas prices, now’s not the time for new oil regulations

Proposed changes to state climate law may boost gas-pump prices by up to $1 a gallon by 2030. Also more refineries and jobs may leave California.

By Tony Strickland • March 31, 2026

A detailed look of scaffolding that sits in front of a weather-resistant barrier e of an apartment complex under construction.

Commentary

Santa Monica project points the way to easing California’s housing shortage

If wealthy Santa Monica can do it, will less well-heeled CA communities begin accommodating modular home and apartment construction?

By

Dan Walters

• March 31, 2026

Commentary

‘Give me another solution.’ Counties resist mental health centers, betraying patients and families

Monterey County recently halted development of a mental health center, leaving struggling patients and families in a lurch.

By

George B. Sánchez-Tello

• March 31, 2026

Rear view of a teenage boy sitting on bed as they look out a window.

Commentary

California shouldn’t bail out beleaguered foster family agencies

Agencies that put kids in foster homes sought $30 million for insurance, because abuse victims have won multimillion-dollar lawsuits against them.

By Richard Wexler • March 30, 2026

Commentary

How California immigrants and 19th century racism shaped U.S. views on birthright citizenship

The 14th Amendment and some Congressmen's racist views on immigrants shaped prior Supreme Court reasoning that people born here are citizens.

By Brian J. Johnson • March 30, 2026

A close-up view of vacutainers of blood samples are displayed on a holder.

Commentary

California’s care for sickle cell patients finally works. We can’t abandon it now

The 12 clinics serving sickle cell patients reduced ER visits and hospital stays, saving CA taxpayers money. But a $15 million grant for the program has ended.

By Mary E. Brown • March 27, 2026

A person wearing a navy suit points to a monitor with a line chart on it during a press conference. The California state seal, state flag and the American flag can be seen behind them.

Commentary

Newsom may spend $19 million to sugarcoat California’s stalled economy

Strength in the technology sector is masking California's weakness. Outside of government and health care, the state has added no jobs in a year and a half.

By

Dan Walters

• March 27, 2026

Commentary

Patients are often left ‘out of network’ as hospitals, insurers clash over cost

Guest Commentary written by Craig Wagoner Craig Wagoner is president and CEO of Community Health System No one wants to see health insurance premiums rise. Individuals, small businesses and large employers are already under inflationary pressures. But it will be far worse if health insurance companies fail to help address rising costs facing healthcare providers. […]

By Craig Wagoner • March 26, 2026

Hands hold a printed booklet clipped at the top titled “Governor’s Budget Summary 2026–27, Gavin Newsom, Governor, State of California,” featuring a photo of the state capitol building on the cover.

Commentary

California’s budget bleeds red ink with added pressure to cover Trump’s cuts

State officials are expecting higher than predicted revenues to close California's persistent budget deficit. The question is for how long.

By

Dan Walters

• March 26, 2026

California Voices

Viewpoints from across California