Environment

Water

California ranchers intentionally violated an emergency water order. Now lawmakers want to triple the fines

The legislation would expand California’s authority to fine water scofflaws who keep pumping. Even if fines had reached $10,000 a day, “I'm not so sure we wouldn't have done it again,” one rancher says.

By Rachel Becker • June 9, 2023

A house burns on Platina Road at the Zogg Fire near Ono in 2020. Photo by Ethan Swope, AP Photo

Housing

State Farm won’t sell new home insurance in California. Can the state shore up the market?

Wildfires and expensive rebuilding wiped out profits among California home insurers. State Farm isn't the first insurer to retreat from the state, and may not be the last.

By Ben Christopher and Grace Gedye • May 31, 2023

Mono Lake on the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada on May 20, 2023. Photo by Sierra Farquhar for CalMatters

Water

L.A. has taken water from iconic Mono Lake for 82 years. Will California stop it?

Environmentalists say it's past time for California water officials to halt Los Angeles' diversion of Mono Lake's tributaries. But L.A. officials insist that water is a tiny but vital part of the city's water supply.

By Alastair Bland • May 30, 2023

Gov. Gavin Newsom addresses the media during a press conference announcing new gun legislation targeting the state's public carry laws on Feb. 1, 2023. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Housing

California Democrats sideline Gavin Newsom’s plan to build big things faster

Gov. Gavin Newsom rolled out a plan to speed construction of major public infrastructure and demanded quick votes from lawmakers. His Democratic allies put the proposals on ice.

By Marisa Kendall and Julie Cart • May 25, 2023

Anaplex, a metal-plating company, was shut down by air-quality officials in 2017 and 2018 because of hexavalent chromium emissions. Small amounts of hexavalent chromium, which comes from nearby metal-plating plants, were found in the air inside Lincoln classrooms in 2017 tests. Photo by Lauren Justice for Cal Matters

Environment

California becomes the first state to phase out toxic hexavalent chromium

The state Air Resources Board voted today to ban the substance known as chromium 6, giving platers several years to switch to an alternative the platers say won’t produce the same chrome shine.

By Alejandro Lazo • May 25, 2023

CalFire firefighter Bo Santiago lights a backfire as the Rocky fire burns near Clearlake in 2015. Photo by Josh Edelson, AP Photo

Wildfires

Firefighters’ mental health is at risk. A California bill could help

After unanimously clearing the Senate, a bill expanding first responders' access to workers’ comp for PTSD moves to the Assembly.

By Julie Cart • May 24, 2023

Jeff Dollente, a zanjero with the Imperial Irrigation District, opens a gate on the Redwood Canal north of El Centro on June 1, 2022. Photo by Mark Henle, The Republic via Reuters

Water

Colorado River deal: What does it mean for California?

Southern California growers agreed to use less water through 2026 and receive federal funds in return. But it's not a long-term solution to the Colorado River's water woes.

By Alastair Bland • May 22, 2023

A drone provides a view of water pumped from the Harvey O. Banks Delta Pumping Plant into the California Aqueduct at 9,790 cubic feet per second after January storms. The facility located in Alameda County and lifts water into the California Aqueduct. Jan. 20, 2023. Photo by Ken James, California Department of Water Resources

Environment

Gavin Newsom wants to make it easier to build roads, dams and more. What’s in his plan?

The governor's building plan would adjust an environmental law known for stalling housing, dams and other projects. One environmental group said, "we have never been more disappointed in a California governor than we are with Gov. Newsom."

By Ben Christopher, Alastair Bland, Julie Cart and Alejandro Lazo • May 19, 2023

Floodplains in the Yolo Bypass wilderness area near Sacramento on March 27, 2023. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Water

Newsom restores floodplain funds, adds $290 million to flood control budget

After widespread, bipartisan criticism, the governor revised his budget proposal to bring back $40 million to restore San Joaquin Valley floodplains.

By Alastair Bland • May 11, 2023

Gary Gragg examines the buds on a mango plant he is growing in the Sacramento Valley. Photo by Rahul Lal, CalMatters

Climate Change

Mangoes and agave in the Central Valley: California farmers try new crops to cope with climate change

The future of farming in California is changing as the planet warms, altering the rain and heat patterns that guide which crops are grown where. “We’re adjusting for survival,” one grower said.

By Alastair Bland • May 9, 2023