Commentary

A wide, open beach stretches into the distance under a clear blue sky. Low dunes line the left side, while waves roll in along the right. A faint, winding line of lighter sand curves through the darker shoreline, leading the eye toward the horizon. A few small figures stand far off in the distance, emphasizing the scale and emptiness of the landscape.

Commentary

California lawmakers must weigh long-term consequences before granting tribe a state park

Assemblymember James Ramos proposed giving Tolowa Dunes State Park, 4,300 coastal acres in Del Norte County, to the Tolowa Dee-ni Nation.

By Dan Walters • April 16, 2026

An aerial view shows a large modern hillside home with a flat roof and expansive terraces overlooking a canyon landscape. The property features a long infinity pool wrapping around the structure, lounge chairs arranged along the deck, and surrounding greenery with neighboring homes scattered across the hills in the distance.

Commentary

Taxing LA mansions likely hindered efforts to build affordable housing. Can it be fixed?

Though it raised more than $1 billion for affordable housing and rent relief, LA’s mansion tax depressed apartment construction. Is it worth it?

By Jim Newton • April 16, 2026

Students sit in rows in a classroom, each holding an acoustic guitar and resting one foot on a small wooden block to support their instrument. They appear focused, looking toward an unseen instructor, while an adult sits among them also holding a guitar. The room contains music equipment, including drums and keyboards, arranged along the back wall.

Commentary

California’s districts are cheating disadvantaged students out of music and arts education

Only 11% of schools spend what voters earmarked for arts on those classes. Music education is rare at many low income neighborhood schools.

By Michelle Castillo • April 16, 2026

Five people sit on chairs set-up on a stage as they overlook a wide room filled with attendees. The stage is illuminated with blue and green lights of different patterns.

Commentary

Candidates for California governor ought to get serious about these pressing issues

The top nine remaining candidates for CA governor should address the recent think tank articles on schools, jobs and housing issues.

By Dan Walters • April 15, 2026

A large blue LED sign with the words "Rady Children's" illuminates at the top of a glass building during a dusk evening.

Commentary

California must protect gender care for young people, despite hospitals’ fears

A court will decide if Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego and Children’s Hospital of Orange County can stop their gender‑affirming care to avert federal funding loss.

By Pamuela Halliwell • April 15, 2026

Commentary

When criminal justice falls short, California’s civil courts must step in

An LAPD officer wasn’t charged for crashing into and severely injuring two elderly brothers. The city settled their lawsuit, agreeing to pay $18 million in total.

By Robert Glassman • April 14, 2026

A person stands holding a microphone, listening attentively during a town hall-style event. They wear a striped shirt and dark quilted vest, facing toward someone off-camera. Behind them, a blurred crowd sits in front of a campaign backdrop reading “Swalwell for Governor,” outlined by colorful string lights that add a festive, informal atmosphere.

Commentary

Here’s who benefits from Swalwell’s downfall and the shakeup of the California governor race

Rep. Eric Swalwell had been in a three-way tie among top Democratic hopefuls in the gubernatorial race, until recent sexual misconduct allegations.

By Dan Walters • April 13, 2026

The backs of young female adults sitting at the edge of cots as a person with a clipboard walks by.

Commentary

State should probe L.A. County’s $4 billion sex abuse settlement

LA County approved the deal without depositions or an independent review, resolving thousands of abuse claims in bulk. Employees couldn’t respond.

By Curtis Chambers and Regino Torres Jr. • April 13, 2026

The backs of young female adults as they sit on tables while they eat lunch in a communal hall.

Commentary

California shouldn’t water down justice for these child sexual abuse survivors

LA County has pushed legislation that would set deadlines, limit damage and make it harder for sexually abused children in government care to sue.

By Chantel Johnson • April 13, 2026

A person leans down as they place their ballot into a white voting drop box on the side of a street.

Commentary

California voters will face dueling ballot propositions this fall. Confusion is likely

Many of today's ballot measures are aimed at canceling or retaliating for other ballot measures, like when politicians tried but failed to kill Prop. 13 years ago.

By Dan Walters • April 10, 2026