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Kitchen workers are in a commercial kitchen, preparing food. One is on the left, and is in front of a long white cutting board, with an ingredients fridge at the front. The second worker is towards the rear and right.

Commentary

Many California workers can’t ask for better pay. Prop. 32 lets voters speak for them

Proposition 32 would increase the statewide minimum wage to $18, and has the potential to change lives for California's working-class communities, a longtime laborer says.

By Victor Moreno • October 16, 2024

A small-town street with historical-style buildings, including a sign reading "Main Small." The shops have various awnings and signs, and the street is lined with parked cars under a clear blue sky.

Commentary

Why raising the minimum wage won’t make California more affordable

The minimum wage ballot measure, Proposition 32, will hurt California businesses and local governments, increase costs for consumers and fail to improve affordability, argues a Sacramento business owner.

By Jim Relles • October 16, 2024

Police officers and other officials in suits walk past a large image of illegal drugs during a press conference in Los Angeles.

Commentary

California needs Prop. 36 to help bring accountability to the fentanyl crisis

California voters will soon decide whether to reclassify certain theft and drug penalties under Proposition 36. A formerly homeless man who misused drugs and was arrested for theft believes the ballot initiative will rightly restore accountability and compassion.

By Tom Wolf • September 17, 2024

A person holds a pamphlet with the title "Need a job now?" The flyer features various individuals in work uniforms, suggesting job opportunities, likely targeting people on parole or those reentering the workforce. The setting is a fair focused on employment and reentry support.

Commentary

There are prison rehabilitation success stories across California. Prop. 36 puts future ones at risk

This fall, California voters will decide whether to reclassify certain theft and drug penalties under Proposition 36. If more people end up in prisons under the stricter laws, some worry it could eliminate funding for key rehabilitation programs and increase recidivism.

By Felix Valdez • September 17, 2024

Commentary

For Californians with immigrant parents, voting becomes a sacred privilege

Barriers to voting disproportionately impact marginalized members of California's communities. Voting is a privilege, and one that people with access should exercise.

By Namrata Venkatesan • September 11, 2024

Commentary

Learning what motivates first-time voters can inspire other Californians to participate

Every voter has their own reasons for casting a ballot — nonvoters do, too, they just might not realize it yet. By hearing from first-time voters about their passion, disaffected voters might find a reason to participate this fall.

By

Kate McQuarrie

• September 11, 2024

A person stands smiling at the camera in an outdoor setting, holding a small American flag in one hand and a large envelope in the other, which reads 'A Message from President Biden.' They are surrounded by a joyful crowd, some holding papers and colorful piñatas. The group is gathered near a glass building, and there are trees in the background. The person in front is wearing sunglasses, hoop earrings, and a white top with colorful embroidery.

Commentary

As a new citizen, I’m voting in California to honor the community that shaped me

As a DACA recipient in San Diego completed her citizenship ceremony, she thought of "the community that poured into the cup of this once-undocumented Mexican girl with big dreams."

By Itzel Maganda Chavez • September 11, 2024

A person with a green, blue and white, checkered, button-up shirt stands in a residential street for a portrait.

Commentary

After years in California prison, voting is a personal triumph over my silent past

For a formerly incarcerated person, the opportunity to vote for the first time is filled with mixed emotions. After years of disenfranchisement, voting is an act of empowerment.

By Richard Richardson • September 11, 2024

Commentary

California’s young voters must participate if we want a livable climate future

Even if young voters are disillusioned with the American democratic process, they need to participate in our elections and support climate change protections and advocates, writes a Eureka teen.

By Bella Tarlton • September 11, 2024

Commentary

Many Asian Americans don’t vote. I will so our California communities can be heard

Advocacy groups fight for causes that matter to their communities, demonstrating what is possible when people come together, writes a teen first-time voter.

By Sunshine Thao • September 11, 2024

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