Commentary

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California is suing its way to higher energy costs

Bonta should abandon this misguided and potentially harmful endeavor.

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Let VA be VA. Who else can save the Pacific Branch?

This Veterans Day it’s time we envision Pacific Branch National Veterans Park as Los Angeles’ Presidio for veterans.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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In deep 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.

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A Red Wave goodbye to victimhood politics. Welcome to Ameritocracy.

After Trump’s shift at McDonald’s, Democrats will likely march some French fries into court to testify that Trump salted them.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Crime debate misses key point: Police have more resources, but are solving fewer crimes

California needs to analyze these law enforcement failures, not rush to blame justice reforms for the highly visible crime problems that remain.

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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?

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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.

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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.