September 2020

California Wildfires

Agencies that help us recover from wildfires and prepare our lands

As California battles a destructive wildfire season, the state’s Resource Conservation Districts can help communities protect themselves.

By Guest Commentary • September 29, 2020

Commentary

Three measures test attitudes on crime

Three ballot measures test whether California voters endorse criminal justice reforms or believe they've gone too far.

By Dan Walters • September 29, 2020

CalMatters en Español

Opinión: El proyecto de ley para reducir el tiempo de libertad condicional podría ayudar a los delincuentes a reintegrarse satisfactoriamente a la sociedad

El AB 1950 reduciría la libertad condicional a un año para un delito menor y dos años para un delito grave, restricciones de tiempo que según las investigaciones tienen sentido

By Guest Commentary • September 28, 2020

CalMatters en Español

“Bajo sueldo, alto riesgo”: Los despidos por el coronavirus colocan a los trabajadores de clase media a un nivel económico más bajo.

Desde perspectivas de carrera destrozadas hasta recortes de sueldo y trabajo por turnos repentinos, la pandemia está obligando a los trabajadores cualificados y de clase media a aceptar salarios más bajos y trabajos por contrato.

By Laurence Du Sault and CalMatters Staff • September 28, 2020

California Divide

‘Lower-pay, higher-risk:’ Coronavirus layoffs send middle-class workers down the economic ladder

From shattered career prospects to pay cuts and sudden shift work, the pandemic is forcing skilled labor and middle-class workers into lower wages and gig jobs.

By Laurence Du Sault • September 28, 2020

WhatMatters

Newsom’s fast-approaching deadline

Good morning, California. It’s Monday, September 28. Controversial bills remain Gov. Gavin Newsom has just three days left to sign or veto some of the most high-profile and controversial bills of the legislative session — including a spate of proposals to police the police, a bill that would establish a state reparations committee, and a […]

By Emily Hoeven • September 28, 2020

Elections

If voters raise taxes on corporate landlords, will small biz foot the bill?

When supporters of a November property tax ballot measure talk about soaking the state’s faceless corporate giants and its wealthiest landlords, they are not talking about people like John Kevranian. The co-owner of Nuts for Candy & Toys in Burlingame, Kevranian and his wife have operated this mainstay of the Bay Area city’s downtown strip […]

By Ben Christopher • September 28, 2020

Commentary

‘Unaccompanied women’ experiencing homelessness in L.A. are being left behind

If the L.A. County Board of Supervisors designates unaccompanied women as an official subpopulation of the homeless, it will help change lives.

By Guest Commentary • September 28, 2020

Commentary

Bill to reduce probation time could help offenders successfully re-enter society

AB 1950 would reduce probation to one year for a misdemeanor and two years for a felony, time period restrictions that research shows makes sense.

By Guest Commentary • September 28, 2020

Environment

California’s ancient ‘asbestos’ forests no longer seem immune

The North Coast’s rainforests are hotter, drier and less foggy. That means more dangerous fires that can scar iconic redwoods.

By Julie Cart • September 28, 2020