October 14, 2019

The deadly 2018 Camp Fire burns around PG&E transmission towers east of Pulga, near the source of the first report of the fire.

California Wildfires

Are power outages the new normal? A chat about PG&E, California fires and the future of electricity

CalMatters' reporters Judy Lin, Julie Cart and Dan Morain discuss California's recent blackout and what that means for the future of fires, utilities and politics.

By CalMatters Staff • October 14, 2019

An Uber drives gives a passenger a ride. Photo by Alexander Torrenegra via Wikimedia Commons

Commentary

California’s AB 5 will kill the gig economy and force more companies to leave

Kerry Jackson, Pacific Research Institute: Howard Jarvis’ Proposition 13 swept the country and made headlines around the world. Sounds a lot like Assembly Bill 5. The difference is Prop 13 is a force for good. AB 5 is a destroyer. Worse, other states are determined to duplicate California’s mistake.

By Guest Commentary • October 14, 2019

WhatMatters

Assessing Gavin Newsom’s first legislative session, why no microgrids, and a hole in California’s gun laws

Bill signings sum up Newsom's first year in office. Microgrids not a simple answer to state's power problems. Authorities turn to feds for gun prosecutions.

By Dan Morain • October 14, 2019