Joe Garcia launched his unexpected journalism career as a reporter for the San Quentin News. Since then, his distinct writing style has appeared in The Sacramento Bee, The Washington Post, Alta Journal and the New Yorker, among others.
A proud native Californian returning home to Los Angeles, Joe looks forward to this extraordinary new chapter of his life — covering stories, sparking community narratives, and elevating public discourse as a California Local News fellow for CalMatters.
Contact
Latest Stories
Justice
Californians rejected an anti-slavery ballot measure. Lawmakers want to try again
Californians rejected the anti-slavery ballot measure Proposition 6, which would have forbid forced prison labor. Reparations advocates want to try again in 2026.
Justice
‘Devastating’ layoff notices hit California disabled prison contractors after union dispute
Dozens of disabled workers hired through the nonprofit PRIDE Industries are losing their jobs at a California prison after a union outsourcing dispute.
By Joe Garcia • January 23, 2025
Health
‘I have no safety net’: Mental health patients anxious as Kaiser SoCal strike hits week 10
Top California Democrats are pressuring Kaiser to make a deal with the union representing Southern California therapists, while patients say they're just holding on.
By Joe Garcia • December 20, 2024
CalMatters en Español
Los californianos se han vuelto más duros con el crimen: Aprueban la Proposición 36 para alargar sentencias por robos y delito de drogas
Californianos apoyan la Proposición 36 para alargar las sentencias penales por ciertos delitos de robo y drogas.
By Nigel Duara and Joe Garcia • November 6, 2024
Justice
Why Californians got tougher on crime: Bleak downtowns and attention-getting retail thefts
Californians overwhelmingly backed Prop. 36 to lengthen criminal sentences for certain theft and drug offenses, and to direct more people to drug treatment after convictions. Voters’ views changed on public safety after the COVID-19 pandemic.
By Nigel Duara and Joe Garcia • November 6, 2024
CalMatters en Español
Los trabajadores de salud mental de Kaiser Permanente comienzan una huelga indefinida en el sur de California
Es la segunda huelga que llevan a cabo los trabajadores de salud mental de Kaiser Permanente en California en poco más de dos años.
By Joe Garcia • October 21, 2024
Mental Health
Kaiser Permanente mental health workers begin open-ended strike in Southern California
The strike is the second one in a little more than two years by California mental health workers at Kaiser Permanente. The last one lasted 10 weeks. Photo by Adriana Heldiz, CalMatters
By Joe Garcia • October 21, 2024
CalMatters en Español
Nadie se opone a la propuesta de prohibir el trabajo forzado en las prisiones de California; ¿entonces por qué aún podría fracasar?
Los partidarios de una propuesta para prohibir el trabajo forzado en las cárceles de California creen que tienen un mensaje contundente centrado en la rehabilitación. Pero a medida que se acerca el día de las elecciones, las encuestas muestran que no es una apuesta segura.
By Joe Garcia • October 17, 2024
Justice
No one is fighting a proposition to ban forced labor in California prisons. Why it could still fail
Supporters of a proposition to ban forced labor in California prisons believe they have a strong message centered on rehabilitation. But as Election Day nears, polls show it's a toss-up or trailing.
By Joe Garcia • October 17, 2024
