California Divide

A group of people inspects a white SUV in an outdoor lot. One person lifts the hood to examine the engine, while another leans into the driver’s side window. A traffic cone is placed on top of the vehicle. The windshield has handwritten markings, and the setting includes metal buildings and a chain-link fence in the background.

California Divide

The DMV makes millions from auctioned cars, and doesn’t tell the owners

Since 2016, the DMV has collected more than $8 million from nearly 5,300 car sales, according to a CalMatters analysis.

By

Byrhonda Lyons

• March 4, 2025

Fast food workers rally at the state Capitol in Sacramento on Aug. 31, 2023. Photo by Rahul Lal for CalMatters

California Divide

California’s fast food council after one year: A few meetings, three staff members hired

The state’s fast food council has scarcely discussed any regulations other than another potential wage hike. Even then, it has agreed only to talk about the issue at another meeting.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• March 3, 2025

A collage-style illustration in maroon, pink and beige tones that includes three cut-out images. The image on the right shows a Black man holding a shovel while mining for gold. The center image shows the back of an incarcerated person while their hands are handcuffed. The image on the left shows two construction workers wearing hard hats and jumpsuits with the text “CDCR Prisoner” on the back. Cut-outs of white barbed wire can be seen on the upper right and center of the illustration.

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.

By

Joe Garcia

• February 13, 2025

An aerial view of burned structures and charred debris of what used to be a mobile home park along the Los Angeles coastline that was destroyed by the Palisades fire.

Housing

Mobile homes are some of California’s last affordable housing. Can they rebuild after LA fires?

Mobile home residents don't know when or if they will be able to rebuild their homes. Local, state, and federal decisions will affect the fate of some of California's dwindling lower-priced housing.

By

Felicia Mello

• February 12, 2025

An individual wearing glasses and a headband embraces two children on the steps of a home. One child, dressed in a gray shirt, is held in their arms, while the other leans in for the hug. Sunlight highlights their faces, and potted plants decorate the background near the entrance of the house.

Justice

‘It was just a regular morning’: Californians picked up in recent ICE raids include kids, volunteers

Interviews suggest some people swept up in Trump's immigration crackdown are dedicated to their families and communities — not hardened criminals.

By

Wendy Fry

• February 11, 2025

Two law enforcement officers walk with a person in handcuffs between cars in a parking lot. The person handcuffed is facing away from the camera while walking near a truck and other law enforcement officers.

California Divide

Trump’s executive orders on immigration are creating fear. What you need to know about them

A flurry of changes on immigration promises a dramatic crackdown. California pushed back in court last time, but may be in a tougher position now, experts say.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• February 10, 2025

Health

LA clinics lose funding for transgender health care as Trump executive orders take hold

A Los Angeles community health clinic is considering a lawsuit against the Trump administration over a rescinded grant that was meant to support services for transgender patients.

By

Kristen Hwang

• February 4, 2025

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

A person in a puffy jacket and cap stands by a chain-link fence, looking toward a busy parking lot filled with vehicles. In the background, a retail store is visible, and two other individuals are seen standing nearby.

Justice

As President Trump declares a border emergency on Day 1, California’s targeted immigrants lie low

Along the California-Mexico border, immigrants at risk of deportation are seeking to live undetected through an unprecedented crackdown. But a returning President Trump issued a barrage of Inauguration Day executive orders designed to pull the military into border enforcement and punish states such as California for sanctuary policies. Court challenges are coming.

By

Wendy Fry

• January 20, 2025

An individual wearing a red hoodie and cap uses a broom to clean a concrete walkway near a house surrounded by trees. A burned-out car is visible on the left side of the image, and debris from a fire is scattered around the property under a clear blue sky.

California Wildfires

As workers tackle the dangerous job of cleaning up after the LA fires, can the state keep them safe?

The LA fires have left domestic workers and day laborers jobless. They may soon be hired for wildfire cleanup work, where they can be exposed to ash and other toxins.

By

Jeanne Kuang

and

Alejandra Reyes-Velarde

• January 17, 2025

California Divide

Covering income inequality across the state