2021

Commentary

Enrollment declines squeeze local school finances

History may be repeating itself as California's public school enrollment declines, putting the squeeze on the finances of local school systems.

By Dan Walters • December 14, 2021

Coronavirus

California mandates masks again

As COVID-19 infections rise, the Newsom administration renewed its mask mandate for indoor public places in California — exactly six months after lifting the last one.

By Ana B. Ibarra • December 13, 2021

Commentary

Decision on solar metering rules: Utilities vs. rooftop solar customers

The Public Utilities Commission should reject punitive customer fees and changes to net metering rules for rooftop solar power.

By Guest Commentary • December 13, 2021

WhatMatters

Newsom fights Texas abortion law with assault rifle ban

Give to CalMatters today and your gift will be doubled! Your support helps keep our nonprofit journalism free and accessible to all Californians. Donate now. If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. That appears to be Gov. Gavin Newsom’s strategy for counteracting the U.S. Supreme Court’s Friday decision to let stand Texas’ ban on abortions […]

By Emily Hoeven • December 13, 2021

CalMatters en Español

De regreso al campus en tiempos de COVID: los estudiantes reflexionan sobre un semestre inusual

Read this article in English.   De vuelta a la vida normal, o algo así. Con las vacunas COVID-19 ampliamente disponibles, las universidades de California dieron la bienvenida a los estudiantes para una combinación de clases presenciales y en línea este otoño. Después de meses de estudiar virtualmente desde los dormitorios de sus casas y otros lugares […]

By Juhi Doshi, Emily Forschen, Itzel Luna, Bernard Mendez, Oden Taylor, Steven Vargas and Stephanie Zappelli • December 13, 2021

College Beat

Back to campus under COVID: Students reflect on an unusual semester

The CalMatters College Journalism Network spoke with students across the state about going back to campus — the highs, the lows, the weird.

By Juhi Doshi, Emily Forschen, Itzel Luna, Bernard Mendez, Oden Taylor, Steven Vargas and Stephanie Zappelli • December 13, 2021

Commentary

Fix California’s cannabis framework; eliminate the cultivation tax

By perpetuating wrong-headed tax policies, California is costing jobs and strengthening an illicit market.

By Guest Commentary • December 13, 2021

Commentary

We need to ensure the mental health and well-being of all our children

Mental health is now the leading cause of hospitalization of children under 18 in California. This crisis facing youth and their families is staggering. In addition to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, young people face existential threats like climate change, gun violence in schools as well as communities, civil rights crises, and an uncertain […]

By Guest Commentary • December 13, 2021

Commentary

Biden helps unions attack California pension reform

One of former Gov. Jerry Brown's major achievements was a reform of California public employee pension system but President Joe Biden's administration is backing union efforts to undermine the law.

By Dan Walters • December 13, 2021

Commentary

Some schools are closing ‘achievement gap’

California's educational "achievement gap" remains wide, but some local school systems are seeing success.

By Dan Walters • December 12, 2021