September 2020

Commentary

Inclusion of Jews in ethnic studies curriculum is essential

Any ethnic studies curriculum must celebrate – and not further marginalize – our state’s unique population, including its Jews, specifically Jews of color.

By Guest Commentary • September 27, 2020

Commentary

New housing goals stir opposition

California has many crises, including COVID-19 and recession, but its housing shortage continues and a showdown is looming.

By Dan Walters • September 27, 2020

Commentary

Will politics trump gender in California this election year?

As California women try to increase their numbers in political office this election and inch toward gender parity, their path may be complicated.

By Guest Commentary • September 26, 2020

Politics

California NAACP president aids corporate prop campaigns — collects $1.2 million and counting

Alice Huffman, who is both a professional campaign consultant and long-time NAACP leader, was especially sought after this year as political campaigns respond to the national reckoning over race.

By Laurel Rosenhall • September 25, 2020

Events

Props to You Event: Wait, Didn’t We Vote On These Already?

Look what’s back again. Three topics that Californians saw on previous ballots are returning for another round of voting this fall.  First there’s Proposition 14, which has voters weighing whether to approve billions of taxpayer dollars to fund more stem cell research.  Proposition 23 focuses on whether or not to further regulate California’s burgeoning kidney […]

By Vanessa Richardson • September 25, 2020

Events

Props to You Event: Tech Battles

New restrictions on Big Tech, as well as a carve out for “gig” companies, are among the key propositions voters will see on the ballot in November. Proposition 22 could give companies like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash the leeway to keep workers classified as contractors, and not employees. We discussed what this means for the […]

By Vanessa Richardson • September 25, 2020

Events

Props to You Event: Race and Civil Rights

Californians could make some major changes to election law and civil rights statewide if they pass several key propositions on the ballot this fall.  Proposition 16 would legalize affirmative action in California–repealing the ban voters approved on it 24 years ago–for state hiring, contracts and university admissions. And an additional pair of propositions will expand […]

By Vanessa Richardson • September 25, 2020

Events

Props to You Event: How Tough on Crime Should We Be?

Some answers to that question lie in your hands. On the November ballot, Proposition 20 would increase penalties for certain property crimes and make parole more difficult, while Proposition 25 would replace the existing cash bail law with a risk-based bail system. In the second of our five “Props to You” events, CalMatters talked to […]

By Vanessa Richardson • September 25, 2020

Events

Props to You Event: Changing Prop 13

Major changes could be in store for California homeowners and businesses this fall, depending on the outcome of two property tax propositions on the ballot. Voters will be considering two controversial measures that will overturn parts of the state’s Proposition 13 law, including: Proposition 15, which would increase property taxes on businesses. Proposition 19, which […]

By Vanessa Richardson • September 25, 2020

Events

“Props to You”: A Q&A event series on California’s ballot measures

With 12 contentious propositions on your California ballot, you’ve probably got questions. From kidney dialysis and affirmative action to rent control and gig workers, CalMatters has you covered. We’re held five “Props to You” events — a series of virtual Q&A sessions that let you ask questions about the California propositions to help you make […]

By Vanessa Richardson • September 25, 2020