Project Spotlight
Hidden Hazards: Toxics
Environmentally stringent California sends nearly half its toxic waste across its borders, to states or countries with weaker rules.
California Voices
USC distorted public perception against student protesters
University sending police to arrest pro-Palestinian protesters skewed public sentiments against its own students.
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Susan, Palos Verdes
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HOUSING
Commentary
California needs constitutional change if it wants to get serious about homelessness
A California woman who was previously homeless says a proposed constitutional amendment is a critical step to ensure the state has enough housing for every person.
EDUCATION
Commentary
The ‘rainy day’ is here for California schools. It could be much worse if it wasn’t for Jerry Brown
Former Gov. Jerry Brown’s commitment to shoring up the state’s rainy day reserves, particularly for K-12 education, is helping schools avoid more significant cuts as California addresses a massive deficit.
JUSTICE
Commentary
California restricts how police respond to protests. Why were bean bag shotguns used at UCLA?
A 2021 California law restricts when police can use rubber bullets, bean bag rounds and tear gas on protesters. A retired LAPD officer questions why…
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.
CALIFORNIA VOICES
Guest Commentary
California needs bold new strategies to save what’s left of its freshwater species
Despite many laudable programs and well-intentioned efforts, California lacks a full-fledged statewide strategy for conserving native freshwater species in the face of climate change. California needs a new approach.
California cities keeps spending to crack down on crime. What about wage theft?
California workers victimized by wage theft continue to wait years before they recover what employers stole. A former Oakland hotel worker wonders who will enforce the law after companies are ordered to pay.
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DAN WALTERS
Inflation hits California families hardest. It’s shaping their views on the economy
Stubbornly high inflation is souring how Californians view an economy marked by historically low unemployment. It could affect this year’s elections as lower-income families keep absorbing higher prices.
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.
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.
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.
EXPLAINERS
Explore CalMatters’ explainer “card decks” to discover the data-driven context you need to make sense of big issues confronting California.
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.
COLLEGE BEAT
More Coverage
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Could San Bernardino County really split from California?
If you want to see the resistance to California’s liberal governance up close and personal, meet Jeff Burum. He’s a real estate developer who is behind the secession effort in…