September 18, 2024

A person with long caramel balayage hair and wearing a blue blazer and black blouse, sits behind a desk at an office.

CalMatters en Español

La directora ejecutiva de CalPERS ganará más de un millón de dólares por primera vez gracias a una gran bonificación por desempeño

CalPERS otorgó a su director ejecutivo una bonificación de 667,000 dólares tras un año exitoso de inversiones.

By Adam Ashton • September 18, 2024

Politics

CalPERS CEO to earn more than $1 million for the first time thanks to a big performance bonus

The California Public Employees’ Retirement system is the nation’s largest state-backed pension fund. It awarded its chief executive $667,000 bonus after a successful investment year.

By Adam Ashton • September 18, 2024

A man with a hat on top of an RV to check the roof while it's parked next to a street.

CalMatters en Español

Los estudiantes sin hogar pueden dormir seguros en sus autos en esta universidad de California. Otros planteles dicen que no

Se han aprobado proyectos de ley que han intentado crear programas de estacionamiento seguro para que los estudiantes duerman en sus coches en los campus de California mientras esperan alojamiento. Mientras tanto, el Long Beach City College permite a los estudiantes sin hogar estacionarse durante la noche.

By Briana Mendez-Padilla • September 18, 2024

A person in a bright orange fleece sweater and a paisley dress sits on a chair inside a waiting room at a doctors office in Pasadena. A walking cane lays on the floor in front of them.

CalMatters en Español

El límite a pagar por atención médica en California es el más estricto del país. ¿Será que lo notan los pacientes?

El nuevo límite de California a los aumentos de los costos de la atención médica se considera el más agresivo del país e incluye posibles multas a las empresas que excedan el límite.

By Kristen Hwang • September 18, 2024

A group of individuals is gathered near large, arched windows in a dimly lit hallway. The silhouettes of a few people stand against the bright backdrop of the windows, which frame a view of a cityscape and a bridge in the distance. The setting appears to be inside a government building, with elegant woodwork and soft lighting from wall-mounted lamps. The scene evokes a sense of quiet anticipation or reflection, with people standing in conversation or gazing out the windows.

Politics

California Legislature’s unwritten rule: negotiate in secret with lobbyists, not in public

A tense exchange this summer between two California Democrats revealed an unwritten policy discouraging lawmakers from negotiating bills in legislative committees. It begs the question: Are lawmakers negotiating bills in secret and then rubber-stamping the decisions in public?

By Ryan Sabalow • September 18, 2024

A member of the Yurok tribe, dressed in yellow and green firefighters' equipment, blows air onto a handmade torch of wormwood, during a traditional "cultural burn" in Weitchpec.

Commentary

California can right a historic wrong by recognizing tribal authority for cultural burns

A bill on the governor's desk would acknowledge tribal sovereignty over cultural burning for the first time in California history. As state embraces prescribed burns to help reduce wildfire risk, Native American tribes still face legal barriers to performing a cherished cultural practice.

By Russell Attebery • September 18, 2024

Three persons gather around a wooden table with flyers with information on ballot propositions.

Inside the Newsroom

CalMatters’ Voter Guide is now in-person, in-print, and on TikTok for the 2024 election

We’re expanding our 2024 Voter Guide to live events, printable zines, and TikTok videos to reach more audiences across California, while still continuing to deliver nonpartisan election reporting.

By Sonya Quick • September 18, 2024

Health

California’s cap on health care costs is the nation’s strongest. But will patients notice?

California's new cap on health care cost increases is regarded as the most aggressive in the nation. It includes potential fines against companies that exceed the limit.

By Kristen Hwang • September 18, 2024

Education

Homeless students can sleep safely in their cars at this California college. Other campuses say no

Failed legislative bills have attempted to create safe parking programs for students to sleep in their cars on California campuses while awaiting housing. Meanwhile, Long Beach City College allows homeless students to park overnight.

By Briana Mendez-Padilla • September 18, 2024

A person kneels down to the floor to pet a small dog at surrounded by tents, bikes and other items at a homeless encampment at a parkway.

Commentary

Disorganization, city-county feuds impede California’s efforts to reduce homelessness

State officials can't tell what reduces homelessness due to program secrecy and a lack of coordination between city and county governments.

By Dan Walters • September 18, 2024