Commentary

A "No Dumping. No Parking. No Trespassing." sign sits behind a double-chain-linked fence. A dilapidated, white, one-story building sits behind the sign. The area looks abandoned.

As Caltrans sells homes it bought for defunct road project, some LA residents are being shut out

Caltrans road projects destroyed homes and sliced through neighborhoods often occupied by Black or Latino families. Now the agency is trying to repair the damage by selling back hundreds of homes.

By Denise Amos

A voter fills out their ballot at a polling station at the American Legion in Shasta Lake, California, during a special election in Shasta County November 7, 2023.

California’s representative democracy isn’t very representative of democracy

If California adopted proportional representation, its state legislature would have more political parties, resulting in more coalitions, compromise and responsive policies.

By Caledon Myers

The skyline of San Francisco as seen from Bernal Heights Hill on March 16, 2020. Photo by Jeff Chiu, AP Photo

California’s political clout will fade as long as population growth remains slow

California’s clout in both presidential and congressional elections is shrinking. It’s a stark reminder of the old adage that demography drives destiny.

By Dan Walters

Development near the Ballona Wetlands in the Playa Vista neighborhood of Los Angeles on June 4, 2024. Photo by Zaydee Sanchez for CalMatters

Unfinished wetlands from Playa Vista pact capture the promise, perils of California housing

Playa Vista, a West LA community that took decades to build, is an extraordinary accomplishment in a city where housing is notoriously difficult to create. Yet one piece remains: the wetlands restoration. It's being blocked, paradoxically, by environmentalists.

By Jim Newton

Four people stand on a stage behind individual podiums, each looking towards their right in front of an audience at a governor candidate forum. Blue, red and gray lights illuminate the stage curtains the background.

Commentary

Let the games begin: 2026 campaign for California governor now looms

The next political cycle begins with no clear frontrunners for California governor. There are at least a dozen potential candidates, plus one huge unknown factor: Vice President Kamala Harris’s career plans after losing her presidential bid.

By Dan Walters • November 14, 2024

A person wearing a red 'Trump' hat and jersey holds a large flag that reads 'Trump 2024' with an image of Donald Trump over a U.S. flag backdrop. They face a line of cars, some with passengers who have their arms raised, as they drive along a coastal road bordered by rugged cliffs and tall palm trees, illuminated by warm sunlight.

Commentary

Democrats still dominate California, but their voters have drifted to the right

Decades ago, Republicans and Democrats were evenly matched in California until the latter became the dominant party in the late 1990s. Last week's election moved the state's ideological needle a little to the right.

By Dan Walters • November 13, 2024

A view through a window labeled "VOTE CENTER" shows several people inside a room with tables and chairs, participating in voting activities. Some are seated at tables, filling out forms, while others are standing and interacting with each other. The room is well-lit, with a neutral-colored carpet and fluorescent ceiling lights.

Commentary

A message to Gen Z Californians: Let’s make history not for what we faced but how we overcame it

As California confronts what another four years under President Donald Trump means, Gen Z should respond not with exasperation but courage to lead.

By Ayo Banjo • November 11, 2024

An inmate's cell in the inmate housing unit at the Tulare County Adult Pre-Trial Facility on Sept. 18, 2023. In 2022, Tulare County had eight inmate deaths in their facility, the deadliest year in the jail’s history. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Commentary

How Proposition 36 convinced Californians to vote against their political views

Many are asking: Is the movement for criminal justice reform in California dead? The answer is no.

By Michelle Parris • November 8, 2024

A tilted view of Gov. Gavin Newsom wearing a navy blue suit and looking to his right side while other lawmakers stand behind him at a Home Depot location.

Commentary

Newsom uses a stunt to position himself as a leader of the anti-Trump resistance

Gavin Newsom called a special session of the Legislature “to safeguard California values" from a Trump administration. The false declaration of urgency achieves what Newsom likely wants: national media coverage that probably wouldn’t happen otherwise.

By Dan Walters • November 8, 2024

Alard Gavorkian, an unhoused woman in downtown Los Angeles, tends to her belongings on Jan. 29, 2022. Photo by Shannon Stapleton, Reuters

Commentary

With Measure A, Los Angeles voters embrace a bigger response to homelessness

As a red wave overtakes the nation's political system, Los Angeles County voters sent a signal that liberal policies to address homelessness are still desired with Measure A poised to pass.

By Jim Newton • November 7, 2024

The panel of the California Air Resources Board meeting on "Advanced Clean Cars II" proposal at the agency's headquarters in Sacramento on Aug. 25, 2022. Photo by Rahul Lal, CalMatters

Commentary

California air board member: Why I can’t back the proposed fuel standard changes

Proposed amendments to the Low Carbon Fuel Standard program fall short of the goals of transparency, equity and responsible policymaking, says a member of the California Air Resources Board.

By Dean Florez • November 7, 2024

Four white voting booths with American flags and the word "VOTE" emblazoned on the side are visible. A person wearing a baseball cap casts a ballot in one of the booths. They're located in a room, reminiscent of a community center.

Commentary

In deeply blue California, voters don’t always march to Democratic drums

California is one of the nation’s bluest states. However, the state’s voters engaged in some serious ticket-splitting this week, implying that they are not as wedded to the dominant party and its ideological causes as widely assumed.

By Dan Walters • November 7, 2024

Former U.S. President Donald Trump and other California lawmakers stand amongst burnt structures, rubble and debris at a mobile home park that was destroyed during a wildfire.

Commentary

California will likely feel the consequences of Donald Trump’s decisive victory

There's no reason to believe that Donald Trump will not continue using California as a punching bag during his second stint as president. But many may wonder what Kamala Harris's defeat now means for Gavin Newsom's ambitions.

By Dan Walters • November 6, 2024

A person wearing a gray shirt and blue jacket sits on a chair in front of a table with ballot envelopes. They hold up a ballot with both hands to examine it closely.

Commentary

Amid threats and harassment, California election workers persist to protect our vote

In recent years, election officials have increasingly become the targets of threats and harassment. Still, these committed public servants persist to ensure that elections in California and nationwide are safe, secure and accurate.

By Tommy Gong and Tina Barton • November 6, 2024

California Voices

Viewpoints from across California