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A nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom committed to explaining California policy and politics.
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CalMatters en Español
Las políticas públicas y las leyes de California, explicadas.
EDUCATION
College Journalism Network
The network brings together student journalists from across the state to collaborate on group reporting projects, pitch and write stories for CalMatters and our media partners, and receive training.
College Beat
College Beat is produced by the CalMatters College Journalism Network, a collaboration between CalMatters and student journalists across the state.
Commentary
I’m horrified after revisiting my favorite book from elementary school
“Island of the Blue Dolphins” is an influential part of California’s literary history, but it should not be promoted without context.
Universal transitional kindergarten will be a game changer
The opportunity to provide transitional kindergarten to all 4-year-olds will fill a critical equity gap toward accessing early education.
Decline in substitute teachers challenges school districts
California needs to reexamine policies that prevent retired teachers from returning as substitutes within their first six months of retirement.
ENVIRONMENT
California’s Drought Crisis
A CalMatters series investigates what’s improved and what’s worsened since the last drought — and vividly portrays the impacts on California’s places and people.
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
Commentary
Plan to protect land, water presents opportunity for Native Californians
I would like to see the state of California really listen to Native voices and ask them to help protect the environment.
JUSTICE
Commentary
Reform the legal system to close the justice gap
We need to rethink how legal services are delivered to close the justice gap for those who need representation but cannot afford it.
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
RecALL 2021
2021 Recall Voter Guide
What you need to know to decide your vote in the Sept. 14 recall election
Commentary
What next after this time of divisiveness?
We should start thinking about who would best represent us and complain more about the failed policies of both parties.
HOUSING
Commentary
A path to ending the racial wealth gap is through homeownership
An alliance of groups should come together to address the issue of homeownership for marginalized communities.
ECONOMY
Commentary
Renew California’s commitment to its innovation economy
California needs to maintain its competitive advantage, which will minimize businesses expanding R&D operations elsewhere.
COMMENTARY
My Turn
Tackling climate change by prioritizing impacted communities
A state program funds communities to help reduce pollution, fight climate change and address community economic needs.
DAN WALTERS
Drought has big impacts on California agriculture
California’s serious and prolonged drought is having serious and prolonged impacts on California’s agricultural industry, the nation’s largest.
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.
HEALTH
Commentary
All late-stage cancer patients need access to biomarker testing
SB 535 would prohibit health care insurers that already cover biomarker testing from requiring prior authorization.
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