June 25, 2021

It’s wildfire season in California again, and Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed a record $1.2 billion in “wildfire resiliency” funds. But how effective has wildfire prevention been under his governorship? Guest cohost Scott Rodd shares his reporting on how Newsom misled the public on how much of the land has actually had fire prevention work […]

Gov. Newsom and key legislators agree to extend statewide eviction ban through Sept. 30, to provide full back rent for tenants and landlords. The deal includes fixes to speed rent relief payments.

For many small businesses, the pandemic and recession was devastating. Some long time businesses closed for good. Other shops survived, barely. The changes have reshaped many downtowns in cities and in neighborhoods. Now, with recovery underway, what are the opportunities and remaining challenges for small businesses? CalMatters and the Milken Institute hosted a discussion about […]

Listen to the return episode of "Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast." CalMatters' Manuela Tobias and the Los Angeles Times' Liam Dillon discuss eviction protections and talk to Ben Oreskes of the Times about homelessness in Los Angeles.

The state of California is paying itself $500,000 for administering Gov. Gavin Newsom’s vaccine lottery. The news, which I first reported Thursday, comes about a week after Newsom wrapped up a whirlwind series of events in which he gave away millions of dollars and other prizes to encourage Californians to get the COVID-19 vaccine. It’s […]

Canceling administrative fees and penalties at state’s colleges and universities would remove stumbling blocks for vulnerable students.

Lawmakers propose to stop collecting child support debt owed to the government in cases where a parent’s only source of income comes from certain cash assistance programs. But advocates had asked the Legislature to go farther by forgiving old, uncollectible debt and to stop imposing a 10% interest.

El gobernador Newsom y legisladores clave acuerdan extender la prohibición de desalojo en todo el estado hasta el 30 de septiembre, para proporcionar alquiler atrasado completo para inquilinos y propietarios. El acuerdo incluye arreglos para acelerar los pagos de alivio del alquiler.