Commentary - CalMatters

Migrants near Tijuana, Mexico as they seek to enter the U.S. and request asylum through the Chaparral entryway on Dec. 22, 2022. Photo by Carlos A. Moreno for CalMatters

Migrant flights reveal how politicians would rather toy with people than talk solutions

by Guest Commentary June 9, 2023June 8, 2023

The migrants dumped in Sacramento over the past week are part of a larger ploy to score political points and win elections, not address the immigration issues facing the nation.

A homeless camp outside the PATH apartment complex in Los Angeles on Nov. 17, 2021. Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Homelessness is a crisis in California but we can’t treat it like an emergency

by Guest Commentary June 8, 2023June 7, 2023

An inmate stands against a fence at the Adjustment Center yard at San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin on Dec. 29, 2015. Photo by Stephen Lam, Reuters

How can Gavin Newsom reform California prisons but still allow solitary confinement?

by Guest Commentary June 7, 2023June 6, 2023

Volunteers Terry Scovil (center), and Shendi Klopfer load the car of a community member with food from the Trinity County Food Bank at the Trinity County Fairgrounds on Feb. 8, 2023. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Despite California’s immense wealth, millions remain mired in poverty

by Dan Walters June 7, 2023June 6, 2023

The All American Canal transports water from the Colorado River to the Imperial Valley near Felicity on Dec. 5, 2022. Photo by Caitlin Ochs, Reuters

Colorado River deal forever changes the price of water in the West

by Guest Commentary June 6, 2023June 6, 2023

A truck arrives to pick up a shipping container at the Port of Los Angeles, on Nov. 30, 2021. Photo by Damian Dovarganes, AP Photo

New economic study puts it plainly: California’s competitive edge is declining

by Dan Walters June 6, 2023June 5, 2023

Muhammad, who declined to provide his last name, warms his hands at a fire next to his tent in Sacramento. Feb. 24, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Plan to overhaul mental health system gives California families a glimmer of hope

by Guest Commentary June 5, 2023June 2, 2023

Public comment at the Long Beach Independent Redistricting Commission during a meeting at city hall, on Oct. 20, 2021. Photo by Pablo Unzueta for CalMatters

The one big flaw in California’s local redistricting reforms

by Dan Walters June 5, 2023June 1, 2023

Gov. Gavin Newsom unveils his revised budget proposal for 2023-24 during a press briefing at the state Natural Resources Agency in Sacramento on May 12, 2023. Photo by Rahul Lal for CalMatters

Newsom’s expansive health care promises to Californians remain elusive

by Dan Walters June 4, 2023May 31, 2023

California Attorney General Rob Bonta is interviewed at the CalMatters offices on Oct. 11, 2022. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Reader Reactions

California attorney general should resolve lagging police cases before pursuing bid for governor

by Guest Commentary June 2, 2023June 1, 2023