Emily Hoeven

WhatMatters

Another challenger jumps into Newsom recall race

GOP Assemblymember Kevin Kiley became the latest challenger to officially throw his hat into the ring — and he boasts backing from a key recall organizer.

By Emily Hoeven • July 7, 2021

WhatMatters

Remote learning here to stay, via independent study

Distance learning is dead. Long live distance learning — or something like it. Last week, a waiver allowing California schools to engage in distance learning expired — putting the state on track to resume full-time in-person instruction in the fall. But on Monday, state lawmakers introduced an amended budget bill that would require schools to […]

By Emily Hoeven • July 6, 2021

WhatMatters

With recall date set, Newsom put to test

Gov. Gavin Newsom will face the most pivotal day of his political career on Sept. 14, the date of the second recall election in California.

By Emily Hoeven • July 2, 2021

WhatMatters

Cities crack down on homeless encampments

Good morning, California. It’s Thursday, July 1. Pandemic’s unequal toll Today, thousands of California families could have been at risk of losing their homes had Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature not cobbled together a last-minute extension of the state’s eviction moratorium. But even with those protections in place, sheriff’s departments locked out at least […]

By Emily Hoeven • July 1, 2021

WhatMatters

GOP recall candidates bet big on homelessness

Former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer and businessman John Cox both embarked on statewide tours this week to promote their plans to reduce homelessness.

By Emily Hoeven • June 30, 2021

WhatMatters

Newsom recall twist: Governor sues elections chief he appointed

The governor sues Secretary of State Shirley Weber — whom he appointed to the position just months ago — for refusing to correct his lawyers' filing mistake that could result in Newsom appearing on the recall ballot without "Democratic Party" listed next to his name.

By Emily Hoeven • June 29, 2021

WhatMatters

Today’s big vote leaves much undecided

Good morning, California. It’s Monday, June 28. Ongoing negotiations As it turns out, deciding how to spend $262.6 billion is an extraordinarily complicated task. So, although state lawmakers will vote today on the record-breaking budget they unveiled Friday after reaching new agreements with Gov. Gavin Newsom, many details still have to be worked out. It’s […]

By Emily Hoeven • June 28, 2021

WhatMatters

State paying itself for Newsom vaccine lottery

The state of California is paying itself $500,000 for administering Gov. Gavin Newsom’s vaccine lottery. The news, which I first reported Thursday, comes about a week after Newsom wrapped up a whirlwind series of events in which he gave away millions of dollars and other prizes to encourage Californians to get the COVID-19 vaccine. It’s […]

By Emily Hoeven • June 25, 2021

WhatMatters

A rough day for Gavin Newsom

Good morning, California. It’s Thursday, June 24. Things go up in flames The wind wasn’t blowing in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s direction Wednesday. First came the CapRadio investigation that found the governor vastly overstated the amount of land treated with fuel breaks and prescribed burns to prevent wildfires from harming California’s most vulnerable communities. Newsom claimed in January […]

By Emily Hoeven • June 24, 2021

WhatMatters

Clock ticking for millions of Californians

Good morning, California. It’s Wednesday, June 23. Deal or no deal? Hurry up, and wait. That’s all millions of Californians can do as Gov. Gavin Newsom and top Democratic lawmakers negotiate — largely behind closed doors — the terms of an extended eviction moratorium and the details of a whopping $267 billion budget. The impact […]

By Emily Hoeven • June 23, 2021