Housing

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

The back of a person as they walk next to a row of tents lined up along a sidewalk underneath a freeway overpass.

Homelessness

California braces for ‘devastating’ expected cuts to federal homeless housing funds

Thousands of Californians could return to homelessness as the feds reportedly plan to disinvest from permanent housing.

By Marisa Kendall • October 6, 2025

A white mid-centurr home surrounded by palm trees against the backdrop of a mountain range on a cloudy day.

Housing

California is about to have a massive fight over taxes. Here’s why Los Angeles is the frontline

A low-tax advocacy group seems intent on making the Los Angeles “mansion tax” the face of their statewide tax-capping ballot measure campaign.

By Ben Christopher • October 6, 2025

A person walks by the sliding doors of a building with a sign that says "St. Vincent De Paul Village Family Health Center" on it. Two security guards can be seen standing nearby.

Homelessness

Newsom vetoes bill for sober homeless housing

The bill by a San Francisco Democrat would have allowed some state-funded homeless housing projects to require sobriety.

By Marisa Kendall • October 2, 2025

Aerial view of a suburban neighborhood with tan stucco houses topped with red tile roofs, palm trees in front yards, and a row of blue, black, and green trash bins lined up along the curb next to a parked white SUV.

Politics

New California law restricts HOA fines to $100 per violation, giving homeowners a break

Millions of California residents could get a break if they violate HOA rules under a new state law that caps fees at $100, without late fees or accumulating penalties.

By Nadia Lathan • October 2, 2025

A for rent sign in Sacramento on June 28, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Politics

Newsom to decide on renter protections tied to Social Security changes under Trump

Gov. Gavin Newsom will have to decide soon if renters can fight eviction if their Social Security checks are disrupted during President Trump’s second term

By Ryan Sabalow • September 29, 2025