Elizabeth Castillo

Explainers

California’s response to coronavirus, explained

The Golden State appears to be flattening the curve, but it has come at a cost. We unravel the state's response to coronavirus and look at what will be different when Californians re-emerge.

By Elizabeth Castillo • April 13, 2020

Coronavirus

Coronavirus in California by the numbers

Developments in the coronavirus pandemic are changing rapidly. We're working to track the latest California data. Find updates here.

By Ana B. Ibarra, Elizabeth Castillo and Erica Yee • March 24, 2020

California Divide

Coronavirus, citizenship and the census: California fears an undercount

A global pandemic is upending California's 2020 census outreach efforts while community organizers report difficulty getting residents to set aside privacy concerns — and government distrust. The risk of an undercount could cost a congressional seat and billions in federal funding.

By Elizabeth Castillo • March 16, 2020

Elections

Less than a quarter of California mail ballots came back before Election Day — including the “zombies”

“Zombie votes,” or votes for candidates no longer running, could be a factor in California's Democratic presidential primary.

By Elizabeth Castillo • March 3, 2020

Elections

Presidential candidates to California’s small donors: Give us our daily bread crumbs

Meet the people who've sent the 2020 presidential candidates small campaign contributions — hundreds of times. These add up. Just ask Bernie Sanders.

By Elizabeth Castillo • February 11, 2020

Californians, you sent us your how-to-vote questions — here are our answers

CalMatters answers your 2020 California primary election questions

By Elizabeth Castillo • January 24, 2020

Environment

Without urgent action, California’s sea-level rise a threat to housing, economy, report says

California's local governments are reacting too slowly to predictions of rising sea levels that threaten the state's economy and housing, according to a report released by the Legislative Analyst's Office.

By Elizabeth Castillo • December 10, 2019

Justice

California is about to allow former felons to serve on juries. Here’s why.

People with former felony convictions can vote in California, but they can't serve on juries. A new law is going to change that.

By Elizabeth Castillo • November 22, 2019

WhatMatters

How a Democratic effort to ensure abortion rights backfired, and a sharp rise in illegal pot seizures

Abortion rights law backfires. Seizures of illegal marijuana grows spike. Surgeon general finds common thread among mass shooters.

By Dan Morain and Elizabeth Castillo • November 5, 2019

Health

In California, the teen birth rate has hit a record low. How?

Explanations include the state's comprehensive sex education, access to birth control, better contraception methods and even reality TV. Even so, the rates in some California counties remain very high.

By Elizabeth Castillo • October 30, 2019

Elizabeth Castillo

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