Housing

A single family home in South Central, Los Angeles, CA, on Sept. 4 2020. Photo by Tash Kimmell for CalMatters.

Housing

Why homeownership in California isn’t nearly the financial slam dunk it once was

For generations it’s been a near article of faith that homeownership beats out being a renter. In California in 2025, having a landlord has its perks.

By Ben Christopher • December 19, 2025

Several people stand in front of a wall labeled “Resources,” browsing pamphlets about health and community services displayed in clear holders at a public information center.

Mental Health

Everything you need to know about how to use California’s new mental health court

Who is eligible for CARE Court? How do I file a petition? Can this program force someone into treatment? Read on to find out.

By Marisa Kendall • December 18, 2025

Silhouette of a person standing at a railing looking out into a bay with boats and the skyline of buildings in the background. The run is shining down, reflecting in the bay and creating shadows on the person and ships around the frame.

Homelessness

Why Newsom’s CARE Court has struggled to help homeless Californians most in need

CARE Court was supposed to be a new way to help homeless Californians in the grip of psychosis. But people are still falling through the cracks.

By Marisa Kendall • December 18, 2025

Three people work on disassembling a bright orange tent next to a wall with a mural covered in colorful graffiti. Shopping carts and other personal belongings can be seen nearby.

Homelessness

Lawsuits challenge Trump administration’s radical homeless policy changes

Gov. Gavin Newsom, Santa Clara County and San Francisco are suing the Trump administration over a huge shift in homelessness policy.

By Marisa Kendall • December 3, 2025

A quiet indoor stairwell with two flights of dark tile steps, divided by a black metal handrail. Soft light from a window brightens the pale green walls at the landing below.

Housing

One California city’s idea to tackle the housing crisis: Take the stairs

For YIMBYs and other champions of more housing development, ditching the extra staircase has become a surprisingly buzzy cause. In Culver City, they have a test case.

By Ben Christopher • November 17, 2025

An aerial view of houses at the edge of a cliff overlooking a beach.

Politics

More housing on the California coast? Changes at this agency signal a pro-building shift

Three new pro-development appointees at the powerful Coastal Commission are trying to remedy its poor reputation among housing activists and Democratic leaders.

By Nadia Lathan • November 14, 2025

The Close to Home St. Mary's Center transitional housing in West Oakland on Jan. 12, 2023. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Homelessness

What veto drama and a Texas trip tell us about a potential shift in California’s homelessness strategy

California is under pressure to embrace more temporary homeless shelters and programs that require sobriety, at the potential expense of long-term housing.

By Marisa Kendall • November 7, 2025

The top edge of an orange public bus with the "Metro Local" words on it along side the bus route number, set against the background of palm trees on a sunny day.

Housing

Why California’s historic housing law gave activists a new reason to battle the bus

Opponents to dense housing developments in Los Angeles turned their attention to transit after Gov. Newsom signed a law encouraging construction near bus and rail lines.

By Ben Christopher • October 22, 2025

A white train in makes it's way down train tracks towards a station with a person waiting. The San Francisco skyline can be seen in the background.

Housing

Gavin Newsom signs law overhauling local zoning to build more housing

After weeks of waiting, California’s governor signed a bill that will allow mid-rise apartment buildings near major transit stops in California’s biggest metro areas.

By Ben Christopher • October 10, 2025

Aerial view of rolling golden hills with winding dirt trails and scattered trees, bordered by a residential neighborhood with houses surrounded by greenery. A freeway and roundabout cut through the landscape in the upper part of the image.

Housing

Why this wealthy Bay Area suburb is at the center of the next big fight over California housing

Los Altos Hills agreed to legalize some apartment buildings. State housing regulators agreed. Nearly two years later, the town wants the state to reconsider.

By Ben Christopher • October 8, 2025