Commentary

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

Commentary

Gun shows are the kind of event state fairgrounds were designed for

Gun shows are not dangerous and absolutely belong on fairgrounds as much as an agricultural fair or bridal show. Government should not discriminate against lawful activity because some do not agree with it.

By Guest Commentary • July 30, 2021

Commentary

California’s political future lies in how voting maps are redrawn

As consequential as the outcome of the recall election is, whose voices will be heard in the halls of power for the next 10 years is of paramount importance. The name of the game between now and the 2022 elections will be redistricting.

By Guest Commentary • July 29, 2021

Commentary

California needs public health responses to behavioral health needs

Our government can do better to promote public safety by prioritizing resources on expanding treatment and housing, not jails, for people with untreated behavioral health needs.

By Guest Commentary • July 28, 2021

Commentary

New legislation shines light on algorithm-driven workplaces

Assembly Bill 701 requires employers like Amazon to disclose workplace quotas and curbs the ability to penalize workers for "time off-task."

By Guest Commentary • July 28, 2021

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

Commentary

Early recall election could backfire on Newsom

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature advanced the date of his recall election to September 14 but it could backfire if events continue to turn negative.

By Dan Walters • July 28, 2021

Commentary

To solve homelessness, every city must come to the table

We need a legal standard covering a city's ability to manage homeless encampments. Such a standard would keep cities from pushing their unhoused across city lines and force them to work together.

By Guest Commentary • July 27, 2021

Commentary

Temporary use of phased-out power plants could help keep the lights on

The state water board is considering a two-year extension for ocean-cooled power plants that are due to be shut down. Given the effects of the climate crisis, legislators should support it.

By Guest Commentary • July 27, 2021

Commentary

COVID-19 roaring back, forcing Newsom to act

California's COVID-19 pandemic reemerges in a new variant called "delta," once again forcing Gov. Gavin Newsom into crisis management mode.

By Dan Walters • July 27, 2021

Commentary

Vulnerable people need to be front and center in state’s climate crisis plans

The Legislature is hammering out exactly how it will allocate $3.65 billion budgeted for climate resilience, but measures on the table involve investments in projects to protect wildlife, fish and natural lands, dwarfing those needed to protect people and human health.

By Guest Commentary • July 26, 2021

Commentary

4 needed reforms of California’s recall election rules

State legislators must change how our recall elections are managed to discourage misuse of a popular tool.

By Guest Commentary • July 26, 2021

California Voices

Viewpoints from across California