Featured
Ben Christopher
Ben covers California politics and elections. Prior to that, he was a contributing writer for CalMatters reporting on the state's economy and budget. Based out of the San Francisco Bay Area, he has written for San Francisco magazine, California magazine, the San Francisco Chronicle, and Priceonomics. Ben also has a past life as an aspiring beancounter: He has worked as a summer associate at the Congressional Budget Office and has a Master’s in Public Policy from the University of California, Berkeley.
The latest by Ben Christopher
Californians surveyed: Rising homelessness concerns, a split on Newsom, and no home-state edge for Kamala Harris
Conservatives clap back against California in court — twice
Labor had a banner year in California — now will workers unionize?
Tailpipe fight pits Trump against Newsom, plus gig workers, Janet Napolitano, and the end of a friendship?
Gimme Shelter talks Trump, Newsom and NIMBYs
Newsom cracks down on vaping — and asks the Legislature for help
Blood, sweat and cheers: California lawmakers recover from a night to remember
Last-minute switch would serve one oil refinery — and environmentalists are crying foul
Renters’ relief, carve-outs, anti-vaxxers, a failed tax break, and crooked teeth
Vaping industry breathes easier: For now, California lawmakers won’t restrict its business
The Latest From CalMatters
Why we won’t call 911: Too often, police officers’ response to mental illness is deadly
Newsom’s a mixed bag so far
CA just added 15 tough new gun laws — so why do local police keep turning to the feds?
Newsom vents on blackouts as PG&E begins restoring power, Becerra’s privacy rules, and an idea for homeless courts
These laws could make life a little easier for low-income Californians
