Project Spotlight
Race to Zero: The state’s bumpy road to electrify cars and trucks
The mandate could be an enormous step toward reducing dependence on fossil fuels, cleaning the state’s dirty air and helping eliminate greenhouse gases that are causing the climate crisis. But it carries with it many uncertainties.
Commentary Spotlight
AI poses policy questions state lawmakers will want to answer
Artificial intelligence will pour gasoline onto existing tech battles while introducing a new set of policy problems.
“Insightful, balanced and thoughtful reporting.”
Christopher, Roseville
Featured CalMatters Member
Members make our mission possible.
HOUSING
Commentary
Half Moon Bay shooting rehashes California’s historic resistance to humanely housing farmworkers
One of the farms where the Half Moon Bay mass shootings took place announced plans to build proper housing with codes and permits by next year. But why must it take a mass shooting to motivate a farm to humanely house its workers?
Why a California housing lawsuit is about more than income discrimination
California’s Civil Rights Department recently filed a lawsuit to crackdown on housing voucher discrimination, which could inspire other states to do the same and help their most vulnerable tenants keep a roof over their heads.
JUSTICE
Commentary
How the California Reparations Task Force is crafting its recommendations
As the California Reparations Task Force finalizes its recommendations for the Legislature, a member lays out the committee’s guiding principles and how their work aligns…
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.
Market capitalism is not the answer to close the justice gap
In an effort to close the justice gap in civil disputes, the State Bar released two recommendations, and the bar is alarmingly off target.
POLITICS AND THE CAPITOL
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
Commentary
With California oil production at risk, referendum gives voters a say
Next year, California voters will have a chance to decide whether new oil drilling regulations should take effect. Oil industry officials warn that, if enacted, it could hinder production and force California to look elsewhere for its supply.
California needs Feinstein’s successor to share her democratic values
Dianne Feinstein remained firmly committed to working across the aisle, even as partisanship increased in the Senate. As voters start thinking about the political ideals of her successor, some argue that California will be best served by someone who can maintain that spirit.
ENVIRONMENT
Race to zero: Can California’s power grid handle a 15-fold increase in electric cars?
Despite expecting 12.5 million electric cars by 2035, California officials insist that the grid can provide enough electricity. But that’s based on multiple assumptions — including building solar and wind at almost five times the pace of the past decade — that may not be realistic.
Commentary
Newsom could stop unsafe oil drilling before the 2024 referendum. Here’s how
The oil industry is seeking to overturn a new California law that restricts where drilling can take place. Rather than wait for the 2024 election, oil industry opponents are calling on the governor to use his power to ensure the protections still go into effect.
Slashing transit funds will undermine California’s ability to meet climate goals
Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed cuts to various transportation programs to help address a looming budget deficit. With COVID relief funds expiring, many agencies are already facing a fiscal cliff, and advocates worry that additional cuts could derail any chances of meeting the state’s climate goals.
CALIFORNIA DIVIDE
A statewide media collaboration to raise awareness about poverty and income inequality through in-depth journalism and community outreach.
HEALTH
Commentary
Looming Medi-Cal changes could swamp local agencies and disrupt coverage
Some community clinics in California are concerned that undermanned local agencies which administer Medi-Cal are unprepared for major changes in eligibility and access, prompting fears about coverage disruptions and patients losing their benefits.
COMMENTARY
Guest Commentary
Delta tunnel project won’t provide reliable water supply California needs
The benefits of a long-sought and controversial project to replumb the Delta and send more water south are speculative at best, argue elected leaders from Yolo and Sacramento counties.
California floods, bank collapse expose infrastructure woes and whose safety we value
The infrastructure problems facing California have been exposed this month as Silicon Valley’s economy, the state’s transit future and the Central Valley’s floodplains faced various threats. The speed at which the state and others responded has been revealing.
We want to hear from you!
Want to submit a guest commentary or reaction to an article we wrote? You can find our submission guidelines here. For questions, please email commentary@calmatters.org or call (916) 234-3081.
DAN WALTERS
Newsom displays penchant for shiny new things on California tour
California Gov. Gavin Newson shunned a traditional State of the State address this month and instead toured the state to unveil new programs for social ills.
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.
ECONOMY
Commentary
Why California’s well-intentioned PAGA labor law needs reform
A California law helping workers file labor code violations claims, known as the Private Attorneys General Act, often hurts workers and employers alike. A proposed reform will appear on the 2024 November ballot.
EXPLAINERS
Explore CalMatters’ explainer “card decks” to discover the data-driven context you need to make sense of big issues confronting California.
COLLEGE BEAT
More Coverage
WHATMATTERS NEWSLETTER
Follow the latest news on your California government, delivered to your inbox weekday mornings
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.
Should teachers in high-poverty California schools get more pay?
It’s difficult to exaggerate just how much impact a great teacher can have on a student’s life. Experienced and qualified educators can increase their students’ lifetime earnings and reduce their…
