San Joaquin Valley

A person on a stage wearing a black football jersey holding a microphone while lights shine behind him and a screen reading “Ice Cube.”

Stockton is redefining its identity through the evolution of its hip-hop scene

Stockton struggles with an identity crisis, born out of geography and a distance that impedes everything: access to industry, audiences and opportunities.

By Tama Brisbane • 10 月 20, 2025

Various fairgoers walk through a fair group with a giant Ferris wheel in the background and multiple booths selling food. The photo depicts a busy scene of fairgoers enjoying various activities at a fair.

政治

In the Central Valley, Prop. 50 is a fight between Newsom’s California and GOP’s Washington

The term “Proposition 50” doesn’t ring a bell with many residents of the rural San Joaquin Valley. But even some of the most disengaged voters say they’re familiar with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s push to redraw California’s congressional maps in response to Texas.

经过

Maya C. Miller

• 10 月 8, 2025

Audience members watch lawmakers seated at the front of a committee hearing room during a suspense file hearing at the California State Capitol.

政治

High-speed rail hits a new snag as lawmakers reject proposal to expedite construction

A San Francisco Democrat wants to streamline permitting and speed up the state’s high-speed rail construction. His proposal just died in the Legislature’s secretive “suspense file” hearing, following strong objections from local governments and utilities.

经过

余悦

和

邝婧

• 8 月 29, 2025

A construction site for a segment of the high speed rail outside of Hanford on Oct. 20, 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

For California high-speed rail to succeed, part of the Central Valley will have to wait

In a new report for the Legislature, the California High-Speed Rail Authority's top executive seems to be betting that a blunt conversation and different funding strategy could convince lawmakers to back a new direction for the project.

经过

尤素夫·巴伊格

• 8 月 22, 2025

Water pours from a pipe before being connected to a water tank near Madera on June 10, 2021. Photo by Shae Hammond for CalMatters

Reader Reactions

California groundwater reform sets a dangerous precedent. Lawmakers should think twice

A bill seeking to curtail legal battles over groundwater management in California goes too far, says a water district leader in Kern County.

By David Saint-Amand • 8 月 8, 2025

A large irrigation pump and water well sit in a dry patch of dirt beside a green farm field under a clear blue sky. Water flows out of a rust-stained pipe into a weathered concrete barrel. Several yellow plastic lubricant buckets are scattered around the base of the equipment, and hay bales and agricultural structures can be seen in the distance.

How deep-pocketed groundwater users are stalling California’s sustainability plans

A legal loophole in California law is being exploited by deep-pocketed water users who use lawsuits to challenge the technical findings of plans critical to achieving sustainability.

By Scott Hayman • 7 月 2, 2025

Construction on the High-Speed Rail over a ramp above Highway 99 in south Fresno on March 3, 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Trump targets California’s troubled bullet train project. It may deserve a mercy killing

President Donald Trump denounced California's bullet train and said his administration would investigate how federal dollars have been spent. The remarks followed a critical inspector general report casting doubt on the project's timeline.

经过

丹·沃尔特斯

• 2 月 6, 2025

A wide view of an aqueduct, a structure that moves water from one location to another, surrounded by desert shrubs and some housing nearby.

水

More water for urban areas, some farms: Biden, Newsom officials announce long-awaited new water delivery rules

New operating rules for massive Delta systems will increase water deliveries to Southern California cities and some growers. Salmon numbers could drop, especially in dry years.

经过

阿拉斯泰尔·布兰德

• 12 月 20, 2024

UC Merced turns 20 years old yet remains California’s awkward stepchild

UC Merced has fallen far short of enrollment goals, spends more to operate than other UC campuses and has had less economic impact than expected.

经过

丹·沃尔特斯

• 12 月 13, 2024

Aerial view of a large cargo ship docked at an industrial port along a wide river. The ship has a helipad marked with an "H" and is equipped with several open cargo holds. Cranes and industrial equipment are visible on the dock, with storage tanks, warehouses, and other infrastructure nearby. Surrounding the port area are open fields, warehouses, and a network of roads, with a cityscape extending into the distance under a clear blue sky.

环境

Unstoppable invasion: How did mussels sneak into California, despite decades of state shipping rules?

Most ships discharging ballast water into California waters are inspected, but state officials have tested the water of only 16 ships. Experts say invaders like mussels are inevitable under current rules and enforcement.

经过

阿拉斯泰尔·布兰德

• 11 月 26, 2024