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

Commentary

Mapping out comprehensive solutions to the housing crisis and homelessness in California

California housing organizations team up to draw on experts and propose a comprehensive framework of policy solutions to address the homelessness and housing crisis.

By Guest Commentary • March 22, 2020

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

Commentary

Dumbing down teacher license tests

Wrongheaded efforts are being made to dumb down the requirements for obtaining a teaching credential, and that would hurt kids who are already falling behind.

By Dan Walters • March 22, 2020

Capitol

Homeless camps damage California’s levees; proposed legislation would protect the barriers

A California Assembly bill would enable flood control districts to relocate homeless camps that are damaging levees and endangering communities.

By Guest Commentary • March 21, 2020

A pedestrian walks past a homeless sleeping on Fifth Street in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018. Photo by Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group

Commentary

Closed community spaces due to coronavirus will leave the homeless out in the cold — it’s a disgrace

While Gov. Gavin Newsom’s executive order authorizes $150 million to increase shelter beds, lease hotel rooms and distribute trailers, many of California’s homeless will still be left out in the cold.

By Guest Commentary • March 20, 2020

Photo illustration of a Caution Sign in front of storm clouds warning of "Affordable Care Act."

Commentary

If the Supreme Court repeals the Affordable Care Act, California will feel substantial impact

The Supreme Court will hear arguments in a case that could scrap the Affordable Care Act. If the court repeals the health care law, one in three California residents covered by Medi-Cal could lose their health insurance or face substantial coverage limits.

By Guest Commentary • March 19, 2020

Commentary

California also faces economic hit

Gov. Newsom winning well-deserved plaudits for handling the coronavirus pandemic but a forecast recession could put his agenda on hold.

By Dan Walters • March 19, 2020

Commentary

With coronavirus, we should practice ‘physical distancing’ not ‘social distancing’

Notwithstanding the coronavirus pandemic, we must all focus on how we can heal our state and nation in new and creative ways after too many years of social disharmony and disunity.

By Guest Commentary • March 18, 2020

Commentary

Why journalism matters

Four investigative reports in four California media demonstrate how independent journalism is a bulwark against official malfeasance.

By Dan Walters • March 18, 2020

Climate Change

California should reset its ambition and unleash the next wave of clean energy to combat climate change

California should think bigger about climate change and imagine a complete climate solution, where we actually reverse climate change rather than just avoid its catastrophic impacts.

By Guest Commentary • March 17, 2020

Commentary

Sacrifices Californians make together to slow the spread of coronavirus are worth it

The sacrifices that families, schools, businesses and communities are making to slow down the spread of the coronavirus protect the health of the people who may need advanced treatment.

By Guest Commentary • March 16, 2020

California Voices

Viewpoints from across California