Skip to main content
Donate

Commentary

Cities are shaped by dynamic visions, both individual and collective. Commentary brings together diverse perspectives on the future of California by looking into its history and generating innovative possibilities to what could be.

Latest
For the Vanished Discounters of Suburban L.A., Retail Nostalgia
A first job at the margin of retailing and at the edge of a suburban tract.
Mayor Eric Garcetti: Still Finding His Focus
Mayor Garcetti's first months in office have been more about process than setting an agenda.
My oldest dog, Toby. | Photo: Erin Aubry Kaplan
I Don't Have Much Money, But I Just Spent it All on My Dog
When you think you're bad off, affording what you really want makes you realize what fortunate means. 
Photo: Douglas McCulloh
Drumlines and Tassels: Black History as Everyone's History in Riverside
Chicano and Mexican-born and white and black and Asian and Muslim young people performed in drill teams and bands and cheerleading displays, from Riverside Poly, JW North, from Bryant Park and from churches and social clubs. It's not only Black History...
A lion dance troupe parades through L.A.''s Chinatown as part of the Chinese New Year celebration.
Chinese New Year Is Everyone's New Year
Being how multicultural Southern California is, we can probably consider Chinese New Year to be everyone's New Year as well.
children-climbing-trees
Trees Are Like Children, and Children Are Like Life
Often trees go unnoticed. But sometimes they stop you in your tracks.
Old Encyclopedia Britannica volumes.
History Lessens: The Story of Black People in America Continues to Fade
Black History should be one for the books, but as I learned a long time ago, it isn't.
Drought by the Numbers: Where Does California Water Go?
In this season of drought, some communities will fare better than others will because some water providers have done more -- and for longer -- to cut per capita water use and expand water storage.
Central Basin Municipal Water District in More Hot Water
It's hard to know whether the Central Basin Municipal Water District's fiscal chaos is worse than its organizational chaos. What's certain is that the district is in hot water up to its neck.
tim-draper-six-californias-2-3-14
Why Tim Draper's 'Six Californias' Idea Won't Fly
Here's why venture capitalist Tim Draper's campaign to make a half-dozen Californias is best regarded as a PR stunt.
Confessions of a Jaywalker
I'm a habitual jaywalker. Sort of. Almost every day I cross a four-lane boulevard between two signalized intersections to reach the end of my block on the other side. I have my reasons.
state-of-unity
State of the Unity
A presidential address isn't enough to cure the blues that seem to be setting in for those black folks who need more from him -- and from themselves -- than encouraging words.
Show more
Active loading indicator