Project Spotlight
California’s budget whiplash
How the state went from a record-setting surplus to a massive shortfall in one year.
California Voices
Grants Pass SCOTUS ruling can lead to a better homeless law
The divided court reflects our political polarization. What if the legal, moral and policy choice was different?
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Derek, Sacramento
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HOUSING
Commentary
How the Grants Pass ruling gives California a shot at a better law to address homelessness
By deciding that unsheltered people have no constitutional protection to camp on public property, the divided Supreme Court reflects the political polarization around homelessness — where everyone is correct depending on which side of the glass they choose to look through. What if the legal, moral and policy choice was different?
ENVIRONMENT
Commentary
How California’s prized solution for methane gas is backfiring on farmers
The farm subsidies for a California program aiming to reduce methane gas emissions have skewed the market, making pollution as valuable as dairy in some cases, and eroded the ability for family farms to compete.
POLITICS AND THE CAPITOL
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
Commentary
Garvey effect: Schiff’s strategy sunk down-ballot Democrats but could lead to more GOP losses
Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff’s strategy to prop up Steve Garvey encouraged more conservative voters to cast ballots in March, helping Republicans advance to the run-off in numerous down-ballot races. While Schiff’s strategy was sharply criticized, the lack of competition may end up boosting Democrats in other key races.
At 90, California political icon Willie Brown still dominates every room he enters
As Willie Brown turns 90 years old, the California political giant reflected on his career, the state of politics and his induction into the California Hall of Fame. Many in the political realm still seek his counsel.
CALIFORNIA VOICES
Guest Commentary
How California’s bureaucracy can prevent working-class transplants from resuming their career
A cosmetologist who relocated to Davis after a family tragedy spent six months trapped in state bureaucracy before she could legally resume her trade in California. A legislative fix could make it easier for others who relocate to California, she says, especially those without loved ones to provide cover.
Indian Americans have a role to play in educating Californians about Hindu nationalism
Indian Americans bear a special responsibility to educate neighbors and lawmakers in California, and to prevent Hindu nationalism from gaining a foothold, as a series of violent incidents and protests signal has found support.
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DAN WALTERS
Under Newsom’s governorship, homelessness crisis still haunts California
Homelessness has plagued Gavin Newsom’s political career ever since he was mayor of San Francisco. Under his governorship, it has continued haunting him.
HEALTH
Commentary
California has helped fund diaper banks for years. Families need that support to continue
For years, California has supported diaper banks. But with the funding set to expire and the state facing a massive budget deficit, an Orange County service provider is calling on California leaders to honor their commitment to families.
CALIFORNIA DIVIDE
A statewide media collaboration to raise awareness about poverty and income inequality through in-depth journalism and community outreach.
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Commentary
California foster youth and COVID orphans gaining a sense of hope from trust fund program
A California program providing trust funds, or “baby bonds,” for foster youth and COVID orphans is giving traumatized young people a chance to pursue their dreams just like everyone else.
ECONOMY
Commentary
An obscure California commission wants to rein in Big Tech. Small businesses could get hurt instead
The influential California Law Revision Commission is taking aim at tech companies. The potential proposal could also hurt small businesses who rely on digital platforms.
EDUCATION
Commentary
Why every California student should have access to ‘gifted’ classes at school
California’s so-called Gifted and Talented Education program can be socially limiting and psychologically hurtful for students. Excluding students on standard or remedial tracks from these courses can equally cap their potential.
JUSTICE
Commentary
If California opts for smaller changes to prisons, rehabilitation must remain a priority
Instead of closing prisons to help close a budget deficit, Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to close 46 total housing blocks. The cost of housing inmates…
COLLEGE BEAT
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EXPLAINERS
Explore CalMatters’ explainer “card decks” to discover the data-driven context you need to make sense of big issues confronting California.
WHATMATTERS NEWSLETTER
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Are California Democrats gaming the system on crime measure?
California Democrats control most of the levers of power — if they stick together. But Democratic leaders aren’t taking any chances with their ballot measure to tackle retail theft and…
