2021

WhatMatters

Big changes coming to California education

Good morning, California. It’s Friday, November 19. Equity vs. being “woke” Goodbye, admissions tests to get into the University of California. Hello, social justice concepts in high school math classes. The leaders of the nation’s premier public university system announced Thursday that UC won’t require any admissions tests for undergraduate applicants, a little more than […]

By Emily Hoeven • November 19, 2021

Commentary

Funding, infrastructure needed for zero-emission commercial boats

I urge California officials to make it economically viable for commercial boat owners to go zero-emission.

By Guest Commentary • November 19, 2021

Higher Education

UC officially ditches any tests for undergraduate admissions

After doing away with the SAT and ACT in 2020, the University of California said Thursday it would no longer consider using any tests as part of its undergraduate admissions process.

By Mikhail Zinshteyn • November 19, 2021

K-12 Education

Understanding the debate behind California’s new math framework

In the push to help more students thrive in science, tech, engineering and math, California is working to change the way its schools teach math. But the suggested new framework has sparked widespread criticism.

By Joe Hong • November 19, 2021

CalMatters en Español

Consideran inadecuados cuatro planes de aguas subterráneas en el Valle de San Joaquín

En resumen Los funcionarios estatales advierten a algunos de los distritos agrícolas más grandes y poderosos del estado que sus planes no abordan el hecho de cómo el bombeo excesivo, podría dañar los suministros de agua potable de las comunidades locales. Read this article in English.  La agencia de agua del estado criticó hoy los planes […]

By Rachel Becker • November 18, 2021

Environment

Four San Joaquin Valley groundwater plans deemed inadequate

State officials warn some of the state’s most powerful and largest agricultural districts that their plans fail to address how over-pumping could harm local communities' drinking water supplies.

By Rachel Becker • November 18, 2021

CalMatters en Español

Redistribución de distritos en California: ¿Cuáles funcionarios se encuentran en situaciones difíciles?

En resumen Se supone que la comisión de redistribución de distritos del estado no debe considerar dónde viven los funcionarios electos actuales. Y los mapas preliminares ubican a algunos miembros de la Cámara y legisladores estatales en distritos menos amigables políticamente, o en el mismo distrito que otro titular. Read this article in English.  ¿Cómo se […]

By Sameea Kamal • November 18, 2021

WhatMatters

California’s $31 billion surplus: More stimulus checks possible

Remember the Golden State stimulus checks? Well, more might be landing in your bank account in the near future. That’s because California is — once again — overflowing with money, and will likely have a $31 billion budget surplus next year, according to a Wednesday report from the independent Legislative Analyst’s Office. And because the […]

By Emily Hoeven • November 18, 2021

Politics

California redistricting: Which incumbents are in tough spots?

The state's redistricting commission isn't supposed to consider where current elected officials live. And the preliminary maps put some House members and state legislators into less politically friendly districts, or in the same district as another incumbent.

By Sameea Kamal • November 18, 2021

Commentary

More holistic approach needed to address backlog at our ports

California leaders need to implement these solutions to tackle short- and long-term issues at the state's ports.

By Guest Commentary • November 18, 2021