California Voices

William L. Rukeyser, Davis writer: If the religions got out of the contract business and the state got out of the worship business, the validity of the religious ceremonies would be purely in the eyes of the couples, trios or whatever, their co-religionists and whatever gods they believed in. That is a Solomonic solution that should make everybody happy.

Ethnic Studies should be a graduation requirement at California State Universities because racial literacy is a skill needed to achieve a just and functioning society.

If Sen. Kamala Harris were to become Joe Biden's vice president, it would launch a game of political musical chairs with Gov. Gavin Newsom conductor.

John McManus and Noah Oppenheim, Golden State Salmon Association and Pacific Coast Federation of FIshermen’s Associations: Gov. Gavin Newsom should support state efforts to set new, science-based water diversion rules that increase protections for salmon and the Bay-Delta.

California's geographic location and its deep economic ties to Asia make the state ground zero for the coronavirus outbreak's effect on America.

With older adults the fastest-growing segment of California’s homeless, expanding programs to help them must be a key part of state’s homelessness strategy.

Cynthia Rice, California Rural Legal Assistance: California’s Private Attorney General Act has helped Peruvian sheepherders, dairy workers, janitors and the state itself. Here’s how.

There's a debate underway on whether California faces a shortage of registered nurses, colored by political infighting over nurse training programs.

David Flanagan and Michele Steeb, Saint John’s Program for Real Change: California is its own worst enemy when It comes to homelessness. But here’s how the state can start making real change.

The defeat of a $15 billion school bond issue and other recent rejections of new taxes could signal a new attitude by voters on spending and taxes.