Elections

The state Capitol in Sacramento, Calif. on Aug. 22, 2022. Photo by Rahul Lal, CalMatters

Politics

‘Close to the line:’ California’s top campaign finance watchdog wants a deeper look at donor network

The Fair Political Practices Commission's enforcement staff declines to open an investigation into Govern For California, but its chairperson wants a broader review of the network’s fundraising model.

By

Alexei Koseff

and

Ben Christopher

• August 26, 2022

Sonja Shaw is running for a seat on the Chino Valley School Board in the Inland Empire. “I’m running because I want to make sure that parents have a voice on the board, and to preserve the rights of a parent,” Shaw said. “During the shut down, parents were pushed out, and we have had enough—these are our children, our future.” August 14, 2022. Photo by Pablo Unzueta for CalMatters

Politics

Back to school: California Republicans bet big on local board races

Shut out from winning statewide offices, the state GOP is seeking to capitalize on parents' anger to win local school board races in 2022 and motivate Republican voters. The party's "Parent Revolt" program is its most ambitious school board candidate recruitment and training program ever.

By

Sameea Kamal

• August 17, 2022

The state Capitol on June 24, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Elections

Force multipliers: How one donor network is pushing the envelope on California campaign money

Govern For California is using a network of local chapters to amplify the influence of its donors on legislative races. Among the biggest beneficiaries so far is Assemblymember Robert Rivas, who wants to become the next Assembly speaker.

By

Ben Christopher

,

Alexei Koseff

and

Jeremia Kimelman

• August 4, 2022

Elections

Is it too easy for write-in candidates in California elections?

In California elections, it only takes a handful of signatures and votes for legislative write-in candidates to get on the November ballot. Eleven made it this year, though some won very little support.

By

Sameea Kamal

• July 28, 2022

Fast-food workers protest for a $15 dollar hourly minimum wage outside a McDonald's restaurant in East Los Angeles on March 12, 2021. Damian Dovarganes, AP Photo

Economy

Want to vote on raising California’s minimum wage? Judge says not until 2024

A judge rules that a proposition to raise the California minimum wage to $18 an hour can't go before voters until 2024. The same judge gave backers of recalling Gov. Gavin Newsom more time to qualify, but in this case he backed the Secretary of State, who said proponents missed a key deadline to qualify in time for this November.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• July 22, 2022

A voting sign outside of a polling station in Los Angeles on June 7, 2022. Photo by Pablo Unzueta for CalMatters

Politics

California ballot measures: What you need to know

If it's an election year, it must mean California ballot measures for voters to decide. Here's why and how propositions are such a big deal.

By

Ben Christopher

and

Sameea Kamal

• June 30, 2022

A trash can full of plastic waste. Photo via iStock Photo

Environment

Deal pulls California plastic trash measure from ballot

A bill negotiated by environmentalists, the plastics industry and lawmakers is keeping a California recycling measure off the ballot. The bill sailed through the Assembly on Wednesday night and the state Senate on Thursday morning, and the proponents withdrew the initiative just before the deadline.

By

Sameea Kamal

• June 28, 2022

Elliot Lewis, CEO of Catalyst Cannabis Co., at one of their dispensary locations in Long Beach on May 27, 2022. Photo by Alisha Jucevic for CalMatters

Politics

California’s next cannabis battle may be coming to a city near you

Some California cannabis companies are going directly to voters to get around local officials opposed to dispensaries. The epicenter for the effort is in Manhattan Beach and three nearby cities in Southern California.

By

Alexei Koseff

• June 21, 2022

Voters fill out their ballots at a voting site at the Hamilton School gymnasium in central Fresno on June 7, 2022. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Politics

Topsy-turvy top-two: Is California primary system keeping its promises?

After 10 years, the top-two California primary system is under fire again, but the problems may have more to do with political gamesmanship. A strategy in a state Senate district appears to have backfired.

By

Ben Christopher

• June 13, 2022

Republican candidate for Controller Lanhee Chen outside of his office in Sacramento on Feb. 17, 2022. Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Politics

Chen controls California controller race, but for how long?

Republican Lanhee Chen leads the California controller primary, but faces an uphill battle to win in November and break 16-year GOP drought for statewide office. His likely opponent is Malia Cohen, who has the support of labor and the Democratic Party.

By

Sameea Kamal

• June 10, 2022