Digital Democracy

A close-up of a hand inserting a key into a voting console on a wooden desk, with red, blue, and yellow buttons labeled for different voting options.

Politics

California lawmakers keep dodging tough bills by not voting. Here are the worst offenders

In the California Capitol, lawmakers almost never vote “no.” These three Democrats have decided it’s OK to buck protocol and vote against their colleagues’ bills

By Ryan Sabalow • October 3, 2025

A lawmaker, wearing a navy blue suit, holds up a piece of paper with their signature while surrounded by other lawmakers who clap their hands.

Politics

Which of these 2025 bills did Gavin Newsom sign into law?

Gov. Gavin Newsom has hundreds of bills to sign or veto before the Oct. 13 deadline, on everything from oil drilling to immigration raids and antisemitism in schools.

By CalMatters Staff • September 29, 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

Visitors play the slot machines at the Valley View Casino & Hotel in San Diego County on July 1, 2019. Photo by Nelvin C. Cepeda, San Diego Union-Tribune/TNS via REUTERS

Politics

California’s tribes once again get lawmakers to attack a gambling competitor

After winning a costly legislative fight last year against rival card rooms, California’s tribes got lawmakers to ban a type of online sweepstakes.

By Ryan Sabalow • September 22, 2025

Two campaign signs for CalPERS board candidates are posted along a sidewalk; one in the foreground reads “Sam Hasan Akkad for CalPERS Board,” while another in the background promotes “Jose Luis Pacheco for CalPERS Board Seat B.”

Politics

California unions are pouring more money than ever into CalPERS elections. Here’s why

California unions are at odds and spending heavily in an election at CalPERS, the pension fund that provides retirement benefits to 2 million people.

By Adam Ashton and Jeremia Kimelman • September 19, 2025

Two hands with painted nails hold a heart-shaped photograph of a person smiling and wearing a baseball hat. The hands belong to a mother and a daughter, and the image has a feeling of "remembrance." The image is focused on the heart and the hands.

Mental Health

‘I will do it again’. Mom of California overdose victim pledges to keep fighting in Capitol

After a CalMatters investigation, lawmakers asked Christine Matlock Dougherty to testify on behalf of bills to regulate mental health insurance. They didn't pass this year.

By Jocelyn Wiener • September 9, 2025

A collage-style illustration in orange and black tones that shows an image of an airplane within a 3 by 4 grid. The certain boxes of the grid include cut outs of text from a boarding pass and California's Form 700 tax document. several dotted lines can be seen throughout the artwork.

Digital Democracy

See what gifts, trips your state representatives disclosed in 2024

CalMatters created a tool that allows anybody to explore the assets, gifts, and travel disclosed by state lawmakers.

By Jeremia Kimelman • September 8, 2025

A collage-style illustration in green and teal tones that shows an image of an airplane within a 3 by 4 grid. The certain boxes of the grid include cut outs of text from a boarding pass and California's Form 700 tax document. several dotted lines can be seen throughout the artwork.

Digital Democracy

How California legislators got more than $820,000 in travel in 2024

Last year, nearly 100 interest groups spent more than $820,000 to sponsor trips for 92 state lawmakers.

By Jeremia Kimelman • September 8, 2025

A bulldozer on the corner of 7th Street and Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica on May 24, 2023. Photo by Zaydee Sanchez for CalMatters

Housing

Breakthrough on California housing could put taller buildings in single-family neighborhoods

A powerful California construction union is no longer fighting a bill that would ease barriers to the construction of tall apartment buildings near train and bus stations.

By Ben Christopher • September 5, 2025

A parade of classic cars drives down a city street lined with spectators. Leading the line is a polished silver 1940s Pontiac with a “17” sign on the windshield and a California license plate. Behind it, a silver Chevrolet Impala and a green lifted pickup follow, along with a motorcycle rider to the right. Palm trees, utility poles, and auto shop signs line the background.

Politics

Classic cars will still need a smog test in California after lawmakers reject Jay Leno bill

California’s Assembly Appropriations Committee killed “Leno’s Law” that aimed to give classic car owners like him a pass from smog requirements.

By Ryan Sabalow • August 29, 2025