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Las políticas públicas y las leyes de California, explicadas.
Explainers
Explore CalMatters’ explainer “card decks” to discover the data-driven context you need to make sense of big issues confronting California.
ELECTION 2022
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
Commentary
Planned ballot initiative would restore clean air by reducing emissions
The clean air ballot initiative is a true California call to action: ambitious and forward-looking, focused on the well-being of all of our communities.
Vote to reduce plastics and clean up our environment
I have endorsed the California Plastic Pollution Reduction & Recycling Act, which will be on the ballot in November.
ENVIRONMENT
Welcome to the Age of Fire: California wildfires explained
In California, wildfire season is nearly year-round. CALmatters explores why, and what could help fireproof the state.
Commentary
For his water plan to work, Newsom must marshal all key forces
The governor’s new water plan is timely and much needed, but making it happen will require unprecedented compromises from California’s powerful environmentalist lobby.
CALIFORNIA DIVIDE
A statewide media collaboration to raise awareness about poverty and income inequality through in-depth journalism and community outreach.
JUSTICE
Commentary
Unfounded concerns about State Bar’s efforts to close the justice gap
Current proposals to broaden access to legal services are predicated on sound regulatory frameworks that keep the public protected.
HEALTH
Commentary
We need to rebuild California’s public health workforce
To bring COVID under control and address other ongoing public health emergencies, we need a well-trained army of public health workers.
HOUSING
Commentary
Steps state leaders can take to address the affordable housing crisis
Progress in dealing with California’s affordable housing crisis has been abysmal, and this is unacceptable. Here are a few actions to take now:
ECONOMY
Commentary
Newsom’s gas rebate would stymie state’s climate goals
The governor should be speeding up the transition to zero-emission technologies, not padding the coffers of profit-rich oil companies.
EDUCATION
Commentary
Taking educational equity to the next level
Every California community college is working to develop the next three-year iteration of its student equity plan. We owe it to our students to develop strategies and actions that can eliminate racial disparities.
Pandemic, retirements fuel state’s substitute teacher shortage
In years past, finding enough substitute teachers at California’s high schools was not a daily struggle. Now they are in high demand.
Ethnic studies and civics need to be taught together, not separately
Ethnic studies can teach our children about their commonalities and their unique identities. Civics can teach them how to work toward compromise. California’s plan, however, is for these lessons to be taught separately. That makes no sense.
POLITICS AND THE CAPITOL
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
Commentary
Why Disney’s lip service to LGBTQ+ people is no longer enough
Corporations can no longer pay lip service to the rights of LGBTQ+ people while actively undermining them through their political donations.
COLLEGE BEAT
More Coverage
COMMENTARY
My Turn
A policy approach to make California a state of ‘Belonging’
California must show the nation a way that offers complete democratic participation, inclusion and a narrative of “Belonging.” Here’s how:
DAN WALTERS
Republicans could tilt Assembly speakership feud
As the battle over speakership of the state Assembly becomes more intense, it resembles a similar intraparty squabble 42 years earlier.
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WHATMATTERS NEWSLETTER
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Our team closely follows what’s happening in California, from homelessness and drought to wildfires and public education. Sign up for our newsletters to get the critical context you need to understand the problems we face and the possible solutions that could lead to a better California for all.
Will Californians get even more gas rebates?
As California gas prices approach record highs — though costs could soon drop by as much as $1 per gallon — there’s “9.5 billion reasons I think people should be…
