Project Spotlight
A college degree with no tests or lectures
Eight California community colleges are testing a new model — defining success by the skills a student learns.
Commentary Spotlight
Is crime rising or falling? In L.A., leaders struggle to respond
Newton: Crime is complicated, and requires investment, coordination and strategy. L.A. leaders do not inspire confidence.
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POLITICS AND THE CAPITOL
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
Commentary
California’s electorate doesn’t reflect the state’s diversity. It’s time to fix that
Voters in California are disproportionately older, richer, more educated and whiter than the overall population. Fully automatic voter registration and consistent investments in voter engagement could help California’s political system better reflect its diversity.
Gov. Gavin Newsom may regret pledges to Black Californians
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s promises to Black Californians about filling U.S. Senate seat and providing reparations for the lingering effects of slavery might be harder to fulfill than he originally thought.
EDUCATION
Commentary
Many Black students can barely afford Cal State. Tuition hikes will only make it worse
The California State University system is considering annual tuition hikes to help cover a billion-dollar budget gap. Increasing attendance costs could make it harder for Black students who are already facing stubborn achievement and economic disparities.
ENVIRONMENT
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
Commentary
Water rights reformers scored only a minor victory in the Legislature
Three measures to overhaul state oversight of water use, giving the state water board more authority over holders of senior water rights, were introduced in the Legislature this year but the most important two died.
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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JUSTICE
Commentary
Property crimes are taking a toll on California businesses. Lawmakers need to step up
The increase of property crimes in California hurts not just businesses but workers and customers alike. A manager from Southern California says state policymakers need…
COMMENTARY
Guest Commentary
Striking workers in California are at a disadvantage. They deserve the jobless benefits they earned
A bill that would extend unemployment benefits to workers on a strike exceeding two weeks is awaiting a signature from Gov. Gavin Newsom. A Hollywood writer argues workers deserve benefits from a fund they already pay for.
California’s EDD has enough problems. Giving jobless benefits to striking workers is the last thing it needs
California’s beleaguered Employment Development Department could be asked to dole out benefits to striking workers if Gov. Gavin Newsom signs a bill providing them the right. Critics say the EDD has enough problems to address before the next economic downturn.
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DAN WALTERS
California Legislature whiffs on insurance crisis, punting to Newsom and Lara
The California Legislature adjourned this month without resolving the issue facing homeowners and their declining ability to acquire fire insurance. A move by the insurance commissioner to try and intervene seemed to double down on a major tradeoff.
EXPLAINERS
Explore CalMatters’ explainer “card decks” to discover the data-driven context you need to make sense of big issues confronting California.
ECONOMY
Commentary
Compromise settles dispute over status of franchises in fast food industry
An 11th hour compromise in the Legislature settled a conflict over whether a new state agency would set wages and working conditions in the fast food industry and implicitly undermine the franchise business system.
HOUSING
Commentary
California keeps its title as having the nation’s highest poverty rate
California has retained its position as having the worst poverty of any state, thanks to its very high living costs and a large low-income underclass.
HEALTH
Commentary
Coercion for the mentally ill in California can also be a form of compassion
A Sacramento woman with bipolar disorder reflects on her own experience with involuntary hospitalization and the potentially fatal alternative she faced.
COLLEGE BEAT
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Will California strikers get jobless benefits?
The bill on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk whose fate is generating perhaps the greatest suspense: a measure that would allow striking workers in California to collect unemployment benefits after two…
