Project Spotlight
The Teacher Turnover Trap
Novices at high-poverty schools often move on to more affluent spots. What could keep them where students need them most?
Commentary Spotlight
California’s lack of urgency to end Hollywood writers’ strike
Newton: The strike could cost L.A. billions and eliminate thousands of jobs, but the impact won’t be felt for a while.
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Kevin, Pasadena
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ECONOMY
Commentary
California investors care about environmental, social risks. It has little to do with politics
“Environmental, social and governance,” or ESG, investing has been wrongly positioned along ideological lines. ESG risks are merely long-term business risks. More importance should be given to corporate disclosures to help California investors decide what sort of environmental, social and governing realities a public company is facing.
ENVIRONMENT
Commentary
California should examine SoCalGas ties to lawsuit against Berkeley’s natural gas ban
Environmental advocates uncovered ties from SoCalGas to the California Restaurant Association lawsuit that overturned Berkeley’s ban on natural gas hookups in new buildings, asserting that the private utility improperly used ratepayer money to support the legal firm.
EDUCATION
Commentary
In 2024, California voters will have a chance to make quality education a civil right
In the aftermath of prolonged school closures and learning losses during the pandemic, a coalition has vowed to put forward a ballot proposition that would enshrine high-quality public education as a civil right in California.
CALIFORNIA DIVIDE
A statewide media collaboration to raise awareness about poverty and income inequality through in-depth journalism and community outreach.
POLITICS AND THE CAPITOL
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
Commentary
Senate Democrats: Mega corporations that conduct business in California should pay their fair share
As Republicans stymie President Joe Biden’s budget proposal to reverse Trump-era tax cuts and increase the corporate tax rate, Senate Democrats in California want to follow through at the state level to help close the budget deficit and keep various spending programs intact. They also proposed a 25% cut for smaller businesses and additional relief…
Senate Republicans: Raising state taxes on corporations could chase businesses out of California
With the projected budget deficit ballooning, Republicans in the California Senate are urging Democrats to be cautious about spending decisions and back off on a proposal to increase taxes on major corporations.
COMMENTARY
Guest Commentary
Black women in California need more than short-term solutions for maternal health disparities
Despite various investments and political action, maternal death rates have climbed in recent years, especially for Black women. California passed a law in 2021 to confront racial disparities in maternal and infant health, but advocates say there needs to be mechanisms for transparency and accountability and deeper investment.
California victims of police violence deserve help with funeral costs and recovery, too
Californians who lose a loved one to a violent crime can receive support for funeral costs, counseling and other expenses from the state’s Victim Compensation Board. A bill under consideration in the California Senate would extend the program to victims of police violence.
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DAN WALTERS
The stakes for Newsom’s big plan to streamline big California projects
Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to decarbonize California’s economy but the California Environmental Quality Act is an impediment. So, he wants to streamline the law’s application for big public works projects.
HEALTH
Commentary
Flavoring medicine is vital for kids. California may soon make it harder
The California State Board of Pharmacy is considering regulatory changes that could make it more difficult for pharmacies to add flavoring to medicine, a generally safe and increasingly sophisticated practice that helps children take medication.
HOUSING
Commentary
How adding a right to housing in the California constitution could alleviate the crisis
If passed, Assembly Constitutional Amendment 10 would give California voters the opportunity to enshrine housing as a fundamental right in the state constitution. The amendment could dramatically reshape how the state confronts the housing crisis.
JUSTICE
Commentary
Abused children in California foster care, welfare systems should not be imprisoned for self-defense
A legislative proposal, Senate Bill 545, would prevent victimized children in foster care or the child welfare system from being tried as an adult if…
EXPLAINERS
Explore CalMatters’ explainer “card decks” to discover the data-driven context you need to make sense of big issues confronting California.
COLLEGE BEAT
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Five hours in the California fentanyl crisis
On an average day in California, about 18 people die due to overdoses from fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. That works out to nearly four people every five hours. In…
