California Voices

Viewpoints from across California

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

Capitol

Governor, legislators helping to ensure equity to computer science education in California

California needs to provide high quality computer science education to our students, especially to girls, students of color, and students in low-income and rural communities.

By Guest Commentary • April 2, 2020

California Capitol, home of the Assembly and Senate. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Commentary

Three big Democratic clashes in California

Elections between competing factions of Democrats are the most interesting political duels in California, as three examples in Southern California show.

By Dan Walters • April 2, 2020

Empty shelves of toilet paper and paper towels at Safeway in the Fillmore neighborhood of San Francisco on March 13, 2020. On Thursday Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order banning events of more than 250 people amid coronavirus concerns. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Commentary

Californians realize it may take three months or longer before life gets back to normal, poll shows

Californians approve of Gov. Newsom’s handling of the state’s approach to the coronavirus pandemic and the state government’s response to the crisis.

By Guest Commentary • April 1, 2020

Climate Change

California’s next renewable energy goal: A million solar batteries

One million solar batteries represents a game changer in renewable energy for California and would provide a simple way to attain the state’s goal of 100 percent clean energy.

By Guest Commentary • April 1, 2020

Commentary

California also failed to prepare

While the federal government and President Donald Trump take their lumps for failure to prepare for the pandemic, California officials, including former Gov. Jerry Brown, also were lax.

By Dan Walters • April 1, 2020

Commentary

If we can safely distance at the grocery store, surely we can do the same at parks

Instead of closing California parks and trails to halt the transmission of the coronavirus, why can’t we safely manage these resources with safe distancing.

By Guest Commentary • March 31, 2020

Assemblymember Buffy Wicks plays with her two-year-old daughter, Josephine Ambler, on her desk after being sworn into the California Assembly, December 3, 2018 at the State Capitol in Sacramento, California. Photo by Max Whittaker for CalMatters

Capitol

California election 2020: Will women continue to gain ground?

The number of women in the California Legislature is at an all-time high, but fewer than one-third is female. Will their numbers increase in November?

By Guest Commentary • March 31, 2020

Commentary

What a cost-analysis shows of going back to work during the coronavirus pandemic vs. California’s stay-at-home policy

In dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, is the stay-at-home cure (advocated by Gov. Newsom) worse than the economic problem (President Trump would like to end)? Read this cost analysis.

By Guest Commentary • March 30, 2020

Commentary

California must seize the opportunity to become a pioneer in online higher education

Spurred to offer online college courses because of the coronavirus pandemic, California should invest in an innovative education strategy.

By Guest Commentary • March 30, 2020

Commentary

PG&E makes two deals to survive

Two major actions should help PG&E's emergence from bankruptcy — a deal with Gov. Newsom and a guilty plea for the Camp Fire. But what then?

By Dan Walters • March 30, 2020