Commentary
Gavin Newsom’s last budget belies his ‘California for All’ pledge
The 2026-27 proposal fails to respond to President Donald Trump’s cuts. Nor does it help families meet needs for housing, food and health care.
Fighting LA wildfires broke my heart but prepared me for life outside prison
During the LA-area fires, Jose Angel Amezcua, an inmate firefighter, was where he was supposed to be — helping save the communities he had harmed.
Mayor Bass got some of LA’s homeless people indoors. Will it matter to voters?
Homelessness numbers in Los Angeles are down but not enough for many voters to notice. It's also no longer the main issue of Karen Bass's reelection bid.
California’s very odd election year starts with Republicans possibly leading the governor’s race
So many Democratic candidates are running — none with high poll numbers — that two Republicans could end up winning the primary.
California’s solution for senior health care hides in plain sight
PACE lets seniors stay out of nursing homes and still receive a variety of health and home services. Too few people know about it.
Yousef Baig
California Voices Editor
Denise Amos
California Voices Deputy Editor
Dan Walters
Columnist
Jim Newton
Contributor
Pedro Rios
Contributor
Robert Greene
Contributor
Commentary
The problem is clear: Medi-Cal is failing to protect children’s eyesight
Poor children are struggling at school because of undetected and uncorrected vision problems. Medi-Cal has been neglecting vision care.
Commentary
Silicon Valley flexes financial muscle in governor’s race and wealth tax battle
Compared to other sectors of California's economy, Silicon Valley hasn't doled out as much campaign money or hired as many lobbyists — until now.
Commentary
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.
Commentary
California can learn from European countries that tried wealth taxes
Of 14 European countries that taxed personal wealth, all but three repealed it, citing capital flight, disappointing revenue and high costs.
Commentary
Jesse Jackson had a complicated relationship with fellow political personage Jerry Brown
When Rev. Jesse Jackson shared a stage with CA Gov. Jerry Brown, the two didn't always support each other's aspirations behind the scenes.
Commentary
California can sidestep scandal and banish bias while counting votes
Open source voting systems are more transparent and cheaper than the state’s current contract with Smartmatic, which is facing bribery charges.
Commentary
California school systems face red ink despite boosts in education spending
While the state borrows $5.6 billion from education, districts throughout the state are struggling to balance their own budgets this year.
Commentary
Community schools are key ingredient of California’s tumbling crime rates
Community schools are becoming neighborhood hubs by prioritizing academics, youth and family services, mental health and restorative justice.
Commentary
Who’s running for California Insurance Commissioner? Here’s a look at the field of candidates
There are 15 candidates vying to be the state's top insurance regulator, a hot seat as thousands of LA residents try tapping insurance to help them recover from wildfires.