September 2020

Environment

‘Debate is over,’ California’s governor says. ‘This is a climate damn emergency.’

As more than two dozen fires still rage, Newsom stands amid charred parkland, vowing to ratchet up the state’s ‘inadequate’ plan to cut carbon emissions.

By Rachel Becker • September 11, 2020

CalMatters en Español

Mientras Newsom sopesa el proyecto de ley de reparaciones, un académico hace una advertencia para California

Un proyecto de ley en el escritorio del gobernador Gavin Newsom autorizaría un estudio de reparaciones para los californianos afroamericanos. Pero un prominente académico dice que espera que la iniciativa de California no reste importancia a la conversación nacional sobre la reparación de la esclavitud.

By Orlando Mayorquin • September 11, 2020

Commentary

Prop. 15: Ballot measure will stabilize California’s economy

Prop. 15 is an important step in rebuilding California's economy, generating up to $12 billion a year for our schools and local governments.

By Guest Commentary • September 11, 2020

Commentary

Prop. 15: The Legislature should reform California’s tax system

Any repeal of Prop. 13 should be comprehensive, careful and be a part of a wholesale review of California’s broken tax system.

By Guest Commentary • September 11, 2020

Politics

Democratic squabbling doomed California’s ‘Year of housing production.’ What will happen in 2021?

Despite entering 2020 with the governor and many legislators pushing for an increase in housing production, none of the bills put forth went into effect. The coronavirus pandemic has also put prospects for such bills in 2021 in doubt.

By Matt Levin • September 11, 2020

WhatMatters

Fires set record books ablaze

Six of the 20 largest fires in state history California’s 2020 wildfire season is rewriting the record books. Wildfires have burned more than 3.1 million acres this year — an area approaching the size of Connecticut and the largest amount in California’s recorded history. Six of the 20 largest wildfires in state history are currently […]

By Emily Hoeven • September 11, 2020

Elections

GOP’s route to California wins: Hailing a ride from gig workers?

As Election Day nears, GOP congressional hopefuls in California swing districts are zeroing in on a particular strategy:  Running for Washington by running against Sacramento. That means reminding voters that Democrats are in charge of California, and that life in California kinda sucks at the moment. Cue the attack ads featuring tent encampments, raging wildfires, […]

By Ben Christopher • September 11, 2020

California Divide

As Newsom weighs reparations bill, a scholar has a word of caution for California

A bill on Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk would authorize a reparations study for Black Californians. But a prominent scholar says he hopes California's effort won't detract from the national conversation on redressing slavery.

By Orlando Mayorquin • September 11, 2020

California Divide

Fresno County COVID-19 cases slowing, but authorities expect potential Labor Day spike

By Manuela Tobias • September 10, 2020

CalMatters en Español

Comentario: La Legislatura estatal no cumple sus promesas de reforma policial

Muchos proyectos de ley de alto perfil no fueron aprobados el último día de la sesión de 2020 de la Legislatura de California, incluyendo importantes medidas de reforma de la policía.

By Dan Walters • September 10, 2020