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A large modern mansion with floor-to-ceiling glass walls overlooks a long rectangular pool with arcing water jets, surrounded by lounge chairs, a patio dining area, and manicured greenery under a clear blue sky.

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California can learn from European countries that tried wealth taxes

Of 14 European countries that taxed personal wealth, all but three repealed it, citing capital flight, disappointing revenue and high costs.

By Jared Walczak • febrero 19, 2026

A person sits on a chair near a table with joint hands resting near their chin.

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Jesse Jackson had a complicated relationship with fellow political personage Jerry Brown

When Rev. Jesse Jackson shared a stage with CA Gov. Jerry Brown, the two didn't always support each other's aspirations behind the scenes.

Por

Daniel Walters

• febrero 19, 2026

A person, wearing a green shirt and gray pants, stands in front of a row of gray voting booths as they fill out their ballot.

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California can sidestep scandal and banish bias while counting votes

Open source voting systems are more transparent and cheaper than the state’s current contract with Smartmatic, which is facing bribery charges.

By Trent Lange • febrero 18, 2026

People stand at the steps of a school during a strike. The photo focuses on a person holding up their left hand in a fist while they hold a sign that reads "we can't wait" in Spanish with the other hand.

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California school systems face red ink despite boosts in education spending

While the state borrows $5.6 billion from education, districts throughout the state are struggling to balance their own budgets this year.

Por

Daniel Walters

• febrero 18, 2026

A firefighter in protective gear pulls a hose toward a massive structure fire at night, directing a stream of water toward towering flames that engulf a building and fill the air with smoke and orange light.

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Who’s running for California Insurance Commissioner? Here’s a look at the field of candidates

There are 15 candidates vying to be the state's top insurance regulator, a hot seat as thousands of LA residents try tapping insurance to help them recover from wildfires.

Por

Comentario invitado

• febrero 17, 2026

Los estudiantes pasan el rato en el Shop 55 Wellness Center en Oakland High School en Oakland el 10 de mayo de 2024. Oakland High puede ofrecer una variedad de servicios médicos a los estudiantes a través del Programa de Asociación de Escuelas Comunitarias de California (CCSPP). Foto de Juliana Yamada para CalMatters

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Community schools are key ingredient of California’s tumbling crime rates

Community schools are becoming neighborhood hubs by prioritizing academics, youth and family services, mental health and restorative justice.

By Castle Redmond and John H. Jackson • febrero 17, 2026

A person in a grey sweatshirt is placing a cellphone into a dark grey packet on a table in a classroom. Behind the person is a group of students and adults standing around, talking and holding their cell phone packets.

Reacciones de los lectores

California schools that ban cellphones make students want them more

Punishing all for the noncompliance of a few breeds resentment. Schools should confiscate phones from students who repeatedly offend.

By Evelyn Thill • febrero 13, 2026

A lawmaker — with salt-and-pepper colored hair and wearing a black suit — looks straight forward as the silhouettes of two people cover the foreground of the frame. Other people and the American flag can be partially seen behind the lawmaker.

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Here’s how Newsom’s spending binge outstripped revenues, creating California’s chronic deficit

Obscure charts show how California's spending exploded under Newsom, far outstripping its stagnant population growth, inflation and a hefty increase in revenues.

Por

Daniel Walters

• febrero 13, 2026

A silhouette of a person standing in a dimly lit prison cell with white walls, cabinets, and a mirror hanging.

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Good behavior musn’t determine if a California prison inmate lives in a safe environment

An incarcerated person's constitutional right to a safe and healthy environment in a single occupancy cell cannot be withheld on the condition that she or he be good.

By Arthur Jackson • febrero 12, 2026

A burned-out structure with scorched walls and an arched doorway stands amidst charred vegetation. Smoke lingers in the background, and a partially intact gate with the number '203' leads to the property. A few green trees and palm trees remain standing in the hazy, orange-lit landscape.

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Candidate comment: Insurers’ blockbuster profits enrich shareholders and CEOs, not customers

Guest Commentary written by Jane Kim Jane Kim is a civil rights attorney, consumer advocate and a former San Francisco Supervisor With the first anniversary of the devastating Southern California wildfires approaching, CalMatters asked candidates for the 2026 state Insurance Commissioner race to share thoughts on what the state can do to help victims and […]

By Jane Kim • febrero 12, 2026