Elizabeth Castillo

Politics

Asbestos in your makeup? Legislature rejects proposal to ban toxics from cosmetics

California lawmakers refused to bar the sale of cosmetics containing toxic chemicals after pushback from business interests, who said it would apply to trace amounts too small to be harmful.

By Elizabeth Castillo • May 16, 2019

Capitol

California’s war on plastic pollution targets tiny hotel toiletries

A California bill would force hotels to rid rooms of single-use, sample-sized plastic bottles of free shampoo, conditioner, lotion and other toiletries.

By Elizabeth Castillo • April 22, 2019

Politics

Lawmakers and landlords: More than a quarter of California legislators are both

A CALmatters analysis reveals that at least 30 lawmakers—more than a quarter of the California Legislature— own at least one property that generates rental income.

By Elizabeth Castillo and Matt Levin • April 16, 2019

Economy

Skip the slip? California lawmaker wants email receipts to replace paper ones

As with plastic bags and plastic straws, California lawmakers are considering another first-in-the-nation crackdown on another ubiquitous, litter-creating product of modern existence—lookin' at you, paper receipts.

By Elizabeth Castillo • March 20, 2019

Politics

To help people off the streets and into shelters, welcome their pets?

Most shelters for people experiencing homelessness still don’t accept pets. But a bill under consideration in the California Legislature aims to make the practice more common—creating $5 million in grants to reward shelters that welcome people and their pets.

By Elizabeth Castillo • March 3, 2019

Capitol

California’s thriving LGBT caucus: Because sometimes, lawmaking is personal

A quarter-century after California elected Sheila Kuehl as its first openly gay or lesbian legislator, its LGBT caucus has a series of successes and a to-do list for the future. Said Kuehl: “You don’t get any respect unless you’re in the room where it happens. And that is symbolic sometimes but it is noticed by society—because you’re making policy for your community as well as for everybody else.”

By Elizabeth Castillo • January 17, 2019

Capitol

Progressive leader? When it comes to female lawmakers, California ties Georgia for 20th place

The 2018 election was hailed as the "Year of the Woman," but California still lags behind its Western neighbors and many other states when it comes to female representation. Among the ideas to boost the number of elected women: let campaigns pay for child care.

By Elizabeth Castillo • January 16, 2019

Capitol

Find yourself in the California Legislature—or not

There are (still) more white men named James or Jim in the California Legislature than African-American and Asian-American women combined. Throw in some white Robs, Bobs and Roberts, and you have a pretty sizable “JimBob” caucus with a membership larger than the number of Republican women, openly gay or lesbian legislators, or women from any party under the age of 40. A data dive into diversity, or lack thereof.

By Elizabeth Castillo and Matt Levin • January 8, 2019

Capitol

A deep blue sea of California lawmakers takes oath of office

A new Legislature was sworn in at the Capitol on Monday, with a Democratic mega-majority in both chambers. But within that huge margin is historic diversity.

By Elizabeth Castillo and Laurel Rosenhall • December 3, 2018

Environment

Photos: California wildfires destroy iconic landmarks across the state

Fires raging across California are decimating historical and recognizable landmarks throughout the state.

By Elizabeth Castillo • November 16, 2018

Elizabeth Castillo

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