September 2020

Elections

Trump call for poll watchers evokes chilling memories of Orange County, 1988

When debate moderator Chris Wallace asked President Donald Trump last night whether he would urge his supporters “not to engage in any civil unrest” while ballots are being counted and to “not declare victory until the election has been independently certified,” the president responded with a very different appeal to his base. “I’m urging my […]

By Ben Christopher • September 30, 2020

WhatMatters

What will become of Wine Country?

California’s Wine Country, one of the most famed and iconic tourist destinations in the state, is at a tipping point. Gone is the three-Michelin-starred Restaurant at Meadowood, home to the region’s most celebrated fine dining. Gone are sections of well-known wineries, including Chateau Boswell, Castello di Amorosa, Hourglass Winery and Spring Mountain Vineyard. Gone are […]

By Emily Hoeven • September 30, 2020

Mental Health

Mental health ‘tsunami’ looms: Can California prevent a surge in suicides?

Humboldt County, tucked into the redwoods on the state’s far North Coast, also has a much higher suicide rate than most of California. The pandemic has fueled new concerns.

By Jocelyn Wiener • September 30, 2020

Commentary

All-electric building codes for new homes would protect our health – and our kids’ health

Indoor pollution from gas furnaces, heaters, dryers and gas stoves can cause asthma in children – Californians should commit to healthier homes.

By Guest Commentary • September 30, 2020

Commentary

It is time to reopen all museums

As some museums begin to reopen, museums in 25 counties continue to be closed, revealing inconsistencies in California’s response to COVID-19.

By Guest Commentary • September 30, 2020

Commentary

Proposition 19’s tortuous journey to the ballot

California's Proposition 19 refights old battles as it alters laws governing property tax assessments.

By Dan Walters • September 30, 2020

Elections

California caught in presidential cage match debate

If you didn’t catch the first presidential debate of 2020 tonight — and if you didn’t, and did virtually anything else with that time, congratulations on a restful evening well-spent — you missed a cameo appearance by California. The Golden State made its entrance around the 75-minute mark.  That was presumably long after everyone but […]

By Ben Christopher • September 29, 2020

CalMatters en Español

Opinión: El sistema de Medi-Cal para la salud de los niños está roto; Newsom puede ayudar a arreglarlo

Al promover una verdadera reforma, el Gob. Gavin Newsom tiene la oportunidad de reformar el sistema de atención médica administrada de Medi-Cal para los niños.

By Guest Commentary • September 29, 2020

WhatMatters

Wine Country under wildfire siege

Good morning, California. It’s Tuesday, September 29. Thousands evacuating, three dead The worst fire season in California’s recorded history keeps getting worse. Following a weekend of high temperatures and dry winds that blasted through parts of Northern California at more than 50 miles per hour, record-breaking blazes intensified and new fires ignited — including the […]

By Emily Hoeven • September 29, 2020

Commentary

Medi-Cal’s system for children’s health care is broken; Newsom can help fix it

By championing real reform, Gov. Gavin Newsom has an opportunity to reform Medi-Cal’s managed health care system for children.

By Guest Commentary • September 29, 2020