April 28, 2023

A fleet of electric vehicles lined up for the Zero Emissions Convoy in Bakersfield on Feb. 23, 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Climate Change

California phases out diesel trucks: What happens next?

In a worldwide first, California’s air board unanimously moves to end diesel’s decades-long stranglehold on the economy. Truckers predict chaos, while communities near ports, freeways celebrate cleaner air.

By Nadia Lopez • April 28, 2023

Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at San Quentin State Prison announcing that the facility will be transformed to focus on training and rehabilitation on March 17, 2023. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Commentary

California criminal justice system has a long way to go if Newsom wants to model Norway

Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to transform San Quentin State Prison by modeling the prison system in Norway. But changing one facility will not accomplish the sort of wholesale reforms required to mirror the Norwegian criminal justice system.

By Guest Commentary • April 28, 2023

An unhoused person holds pieces of fentanyl in their hand in Los Angeles on Aug. 18, 2022. Use of the powerful synthetic opioid that is cheap to produce and is often sold as is or laced in other drugs, has exploded. Because it's 50 times more potent than heroin, even a small dose can be fatal. It has quickly become the deadliest drug in the nation, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. Photo by Jae C. Hong, AP Photo

WhatMatters

Showdown on California fentanyl bills

During a dramatic hearing Thursday at the state Capitol, seven fentanyl measures finally received a verdict: Four bills passed, but the two most sweeping failed and a third was put on hold. Watching closely: Grieving families who lost loved ones to fentanyl poisoning, recovering addicts and advocates for criminal justice reform. To get inside the […]

By Lynn La • April 28, 2023