Digital Democracy

César Chávez speaks at a podium, gesturing with both hands, with a microphone in front and a U.S. flag and blue curtain behind him.

Politics

California leaders lionized César Chávez. Now, they face a reckoning with his past

Leaders up and down California, many of whom were personally inspired by his life’s work, are grappling with multiple allegations of sexual assault by César Chávez.

By Ryan Sabalow, Jeanne Kuang, Nadia Lathan and Yue Stella Yu • March 18, 2026

A close frame of a person wearing a CHP police uniform, with straight brimmed hat. In the background, more officers in the same uniform are out of focus, but visible.

Digital Democracy

Why California cops and firefighters are pushing for a new perk on top of their pensions

Unions for California Highway Patrol officers and Cal Fire firefighters are asking the state for a new retirement option that would complement their CalPERS pensions. It might reduce some pension-related payroll costs to the state.

By Adam Ashton • March 5, 2026

Politics

These public documents are hidden from view. Two California lawmakers want to change that

The letters lobbyists submit to the Legislature are public documents, but they are hidden from view. Two California lawmakers want to change that

By Ryan Sabalow • March 3, 2026

A person speaks at a podium with a sign reading “Delivering for Veterans,” raising one hand while another person stands behind them. Flags are displayed in the background.

Digital Democracy

Newsom takes aim at veterans ‘claim sharks’ as he signs law banning fees for help with VA

Many veterans turn to private companies for help filing disability claims at the Department of Veterans Affairs and then face bills that run well into the thousands of dollars.

By Adam Ashton • February 10, 2026

Two people walk along a paved path between tall trees and large stone sculptures outside a multi-story office building with glass windows.

Politics

California union pushes work-from-home bill as Newsom calls state employees back to the office

The legislative proposal by the California union known as PECG would require state agencies to offer telework options “to the fullest extent possible” and mandate they disclose how much money they save by allowing remote work.

By Yue Stella Yu • February 6, 2026

Dave Lesher in the CalMatters newsroom on April 3, 2024. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters

Inside the Newsroom

CalMatters’ visionary co-founder, Dave Lesher, retires

Dave Lesher turned CalMatters into one of California’s most influential newsrooms — and launched new tools to make your government transparent

By Ryan Sabalow • February 2, 2026

Digital Democracy

My Legislator newsletter: Frequently Asked Questions, Answered

What the rankings and metrics in our My Legislator newsletter mean, along with answers to other common questions.

By CalMatters Staff • January 9, 2026

An overhead view shows three people standing and talking on a patterned tile floor inside an ornate building. Decorative light fixtures with glowing bulbs hang between wooden railings, casting warm light over the geometric floor tiles as the group gathers near the edge of a balcony.

Politics

What did California lawmakers talk about this year? These 10 bills sparked hours of debate

California lawmakers only spent just a few minutes discussing in public the hundreds of bills they introduce. But these 10 measures had hours of intense debate in 2025.

By Ryan Sabalow • December 29, 2025

A line up of electric vehicles at a Hyundai dealership in Fresno on Sept. 7, 2023.

Politics

New California laws rewrite car-buying rules with return policy and pricing reforms

California lawmakers let automakers opt out of recent changes to the state’s lemon law and approved a law giving used car buyers three days to return a used vehicle.

By Ryan Sabalow • December 26, 2025

A wide-view from above of a legislative room filled with lawmakers sitting at their desks. A large crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling. The room is decorated with beige walls, mint-color columns, gold fixtures and a lime green carpet.

Politics

California lawmakers found money for these pet projects even as they slashed the budget

California lawmakers faced a difficult budget year, but they still managed to put hundreds of millions of dollars in earmarks in the state budget to benefit their districts — and help them get re-elected.

By Ryan Sabalow • November 7, 2025