Elections

A group of protesters advocating for rent control is gathered outside a building. They hold signs reading "STOP BEING GREEDY" and "THE RENT IS STILL TOO DAMN HIGH!" in bold letters. One person in the foreground wears sunglasses and holds a large sign high above their head, while others around them carry similar signs, showing unity in their demand for affordable housing.

Elections

This California proposition is drawing the most campaign spending

Proposition 33 on local rent control and the related Proposition 34 are attracting the most campaign cash by far of the 10 ballot measures. But the amount pales to what was spent on dueling sports betting measures in 2022.

By

Jeremia Kimelman

• October 29, 2024

A close-up and angled view of the "Beach Cities Health District" sign at the medical complex in Redondo Beach. The building is visible in the right corner, and the sky above is hazy and blue.

Elections

California voters could make it easier for cities to build fire stations and fix hospitals — right away

Proposition 5 would lower the threshold for local bond measures to pass. It could immediately benefit fire, hospital and housing measures in the 2024 election.

By

Cayla Mihalovich

• October 29, 2024

A group of people stand at an outdoor event, with one person in the foreground raising a small American flag on a stick. The person next to them holds a phone, recording or taking a photo. The attendees appear focused, observing something out of frame, possibly a performance or speech.

Elections

In the heart of Black Los Angeles, the future of Latino political power emerges

An Assembly election in South L.A. captures the shifting dynamics of ethnic political power in California. One candidate is biracial and pledges to build bridges between Black and Latino voters.

By

Alexei Koseff

• October 25, 2024

A rearview of a person standing at a podium. They are framed by a door and inside the room cameras and press face the person. American flags are visible at the side, inside the room. The photo is from a ground-level perspective. Lights reflect off the polished ground. The setting is a press conference.

Elections

Most California Republicans in Congress won’t commit to certifying the 2024 presidential election

Only one-third of the California GOP congressional delegation has pledged to accept the 2024 presidential election results. And only two incumbents in office in 2021 voted to certify President Joe Biden’s win over Donald Trump in the 2020 race.

By

Yue Stella Yu

and

Jenna Peterson

• October 24, 2024

An older individual stands in a grocery store near a display of pre-packaged fruit containers on ice, selecting a pack of watermelon and other mixed fruits. The person is wearing a floral shirt under a dark vest. Behind them are avocados on sale, with a price sign for $2.49 per avocado. A shopping cart with a pineapple inside is visible nearby, along with other fresh produce such as cucumbers.

Elections

How inflation concerns could doom California’s proposition to increase minimum wage

Opponents of Proposition 32 to increase the statewide minimum wage to $18 an hour are running ads focused on the cost of living. Proponents are not reaching out to voters very much. And polls show declining support.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• October 24, 2024

Two people sit spaced apart at a long, wooden table in a conference room with "Fair Political Practices Commission" displayed on the wall behind them. The room is lit by several ceiling lights, and the setup includes microphones and nameplates for each individual. The California state flag and the U.S. flag are positioned to the side, next to a sign for the FPPC. The individuals appear to be reviewing documents or taking notes. The overall atmosphere is formal and administrative.

Elections

Tool: Explore candidates and elected officials investigated for campaign law violations

Use our tool to search through investigations opened by the state’s campaign law watchdog. The data updates weekly.

By

Jeremia Kimelman

• October 24, 2024

Four people, a mix of lawmakers and officials, sit behind a dais in a conference hall with attendees.

Show Your Work

How we investigated California’s campaign finance watchdog

Despite inconsistencies and flaws in the Fair Political Practices Commission’s enforcement data, we found 15% of investigations took more than two years to resolve.

By

Jeremia Kimelman

and

Yue Stella Yu

• October 24, 2024

A student enters Stege Elementary School in Richmond on Feb. 6, 2023. Photo by Shelby Knowles for CalMatters

Education

Inland Empire schools propose $3.6 billion in bonds

In addition to voting on $10 billion in state school bonds, Inland Empire residents will consider bonds for 22 school districts.

By

Deborah Brennan

• October 24, 2024

Three detainees in orange and red jumpsuits talk on wired telephones lined up against a wall at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center in Adelanto on Aug. 28, 2019. Photo by Chris Carlson, AP Photo

Elections

California crime measure Prop. 36 could increase deportations

Ballot initiative would turn certain thefts and drug crimes into felonies, potentially helping expel some immigrants.

By

Wendy Fry

• October 22, 2024

A person in denim jeans, a brown sleeveless shirt and a blue baseball cap speaks into a bullhorn while addressing a crowd. The event is politically related and for canvassing purposes.

Elections

Why California Democrats believe abortion issue can win them back the U.S. House

Democrats are calling out Republicans on abortion rights in key California districts that could decide control of Congress, again. GOP incumbents say their views are being misrepresented.

By

Jeanne Kuang

and

Jenna Peterson

• October 21, 2024