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

A close-up view of a person's hands as they flip through a booklet with information on ballot propositions while they hold a pen with their right hand.

Commentary

Biggest potential impact in California’s election? Hundreds of bonds and tax measures

Three statewide ballot propositions and hundreds more local measures will test California voters' appetites for higher taxes and more debt for public works projects.

By Dan Walters • November 5, 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris, wearing a tan blazer and black shirt, stands behind a podium with a view of a crowded arena behind her at a campaign rally.

Commentary

Kamala Harris is different. In a good way. That was clear away from the California limelight

CalMatters contributor Jim Newton reflects on his interactions with Kamala Harris over the years, and the qualities that helped her stand out during her time in political office in California.

By Jim Newton • November 4, 2024

Commentary

A century later, salmon again spawning in Klamath River after dams removed

The Klamath River used to be the West Coast’s third most productive salmon fishery, until four hydroelectric dams built in the early 20th Century blocked salmon spawning.

By Dan Walters • November 1, 2024

Two men on stage at a podium. The one on the left is talking and gesturing to someone out of frame.

Commentary

How did Los Angeles voters get stuck with two distressing choices for district attorney?

Not long ago, the important work of prosecuting crime in Los Angeles County was managed by moderate, sober leaders. How, then, is it that voters face a choice between two dramatically less capable candidates than those who preceded them?

By Jim Newton • October 31, 2024

A person wearing blue and grey tie dye pants and black shirt puts on a red sweatshirt in front of a graffiti wall where a homeless encanmpment used to be.

Commentary

Newsom provides welfare to the wealthy, skimps on anti-homelessness programs

This week Gov. Gavin Newsom promised $750 million to a few already wealthy entertainment producers and $827 million to cities and counties helping homeless people gain shelter.

By Dan Walters • October 31, 2024

A CARB board meeting at the California Environmental Protection Agency headquarters in Sacramento on June 23, 2022. Photo by Rahul Lal, CalMatters

Commentary

This key California climate program doesn’t need a rubber stamp — it needs overhaul

For years, the Low Carbon Fuel Standard program has given well-connected industries handouts for questionable climate benefits. An energy researcher says California needs to completely overhaul the program.

By Danny Cullenward • October 30, 2024

A group of cos poke their heads out of their holding pens to eat grass that's spread on the ground. The setting is a dairy farm. The cows' ears are tagged with small yellow signs that bear five digit numbers.

Commentary

To support California farms, state regulators need to stay the course on this climate program

California dairies have utilized the Low Carbon Fuel Standard climate program to reduce emissions and adopt cleaner fuels. A key upcoming vote to amend the program would hurt sustainable dairies, a farm manager argues.

By Sal Rodriguez • October 30, 2024

Adrian De La Cruz fills his work truck with diesel gas at a filling station in west Fresno on May 7, 2024. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Commentary

California’s transition off carbon fuels could upset gasoline supply, prices

California may be facing a period of volatility on both gas supply and price as it attempts to wean itself from combustion-powered transportation, its largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions.

By Dan Walters • October 30, 2024

Gov. Gavin Newsom, wearing a bluew suit and white shirt, stands behind a podium with a small sign that reads "light, camera, jobs" while several people stand behind him.

Commentary

Why Newsom wants California taxpayers to spend millions more subsidizing Hollywood

Gov. Gavin Newsom wants the next state budget to more than double a tax credit for the entertainment industry, despite its overstated value to California's economy.

By Dan Walters • October 29, 2024

California Voices

Viewpoints from across California