Elections

gig work protesters carrying signs supporting AB-5, a bill that would change the employment classification for on-demand workers such as Uber and Lyft drivers, is posted in front of the California capitol on August 28, 2019. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Economy

Uber, Lyft and why California’s war over gig work is just beginning

A judge stayed an order that the ride-hailing giants must comply with California’s AB 5 contractor law, but legal arguments, a November ballot battle and big questions about organized labor loom large.

By

Lauren Hepler

• August 13, 2020

Then democratic presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris walks on stage during a gun safety forum, Oct. 2, 2019, in Las Vegas. Today, Joe Biden announced Sen. harris as his running mate. Photo byJohn Locher, AP Photo

Politics

Newsom’s pick? Here’s who might fill Kamala Harris’ Senate seat

Now that Kamala Harris is vice president-elect, California's governor will decide who replaces her. Let the lobbying kick into high gear.

By

Ben Christopher

• August 11, 2020

Economy

California Democrats divided over COVID-19 stimulus, millionaire tax to fund economic recovery

How should California dig itself out of a $54 billion deficit? A divide between state lawmakers over how to generate revenue mirrors a national reckoning in Democratic politics.

By

Lauren Hepler

• August 6, 2020

Elections

Critics demand fairer prop ballot labels and summaries, but lawsuits tend to flame out

State courts typically defer to the attorney general’s word choice — but a growing chorus of critics say California should place the job in more objective hands.

By

Ben Christopher

• August 6, 2020

Facing a dozen ballot measures on their November ballot, voters will be asked to decide the fate of hot issues from taxes to rent control, bail to privacy, and more. Photo via iStock

Elections

Props to you, Californians: A preview of what’s on your November ballot

California voters will directly decide the fate of 12 ballot propositions on their November ballot — from taxes to rent control, bail to privacy, and more.

By

Ben Christopher

• June 29, 2020

California is moving to an (almost) all-mail election for 2020. Image via iStock

Politics

California’s (mostly) all-mail 2020 election, explained

Now that the coronavirus has turned Election Day into a latent superspreader event, the state’s Democratic lawmakers are making the 2020 general election an (almost) all-mail affair. Here's what that might look like.

By

Ben Christopher

• June 25, 2020

Esteban Nunez visits the Capitol to advocate for voting rights for Californians on parole. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Politics

From prison to the halls of power: A politician’s son lobbies to let people on parole vote

In early March, before the pandemic closed the state Capitol to visitors, Esteban Núñez led former prisoners through the regal building where his father was once one of California’s most powerful politicians. He exuded know-how, his shiny loafers clicking across marble floors as they moved toward an elevator. Down a hallway. Into the office of […]

By

Laurel Rosenhall

and

Adria Watson

• June 22, 2020

California's governor wants a mail ballot issued to all state voters, with some in-person voting options. But a judge just issued a restraining order against one of two orders, suggesting Gavin Newsom has overstepped his authority. Photo via iStock

Elections

Courtroom win for Newsom’s vote-by-mail strategy as Legislature presses on

Gov. Gavin Newsom wants every registered voter to receive a ballot in the mail for the November 2020 election, but a judge just put one of his executive orders on hold.

By

Ben Christopher

• June 12, 2020

A group of progressive California lawmakers and district attorneys announce they will reject donations from police unions. Image via iStock

Elections

California progressive politicians turn away campaign cash from cop unions

Two state senators and a group of District Attorneys say thanks, but no thanks to campaign contributions from unions representing law enforcement officers.

By

Ben Christopher

• June 6, 2020

California is revisiting whether to restore affirmative action policies for public schools and universities, as well as state jobs and contracts. Image via iStock

Justice

Is now the time to bring back affirmative action in California?

Amid the nationwide debate about race and justice, the latest attempt to repeal California's ban on affirmative action programs.

By

Ben Christopher

• June 3, 2020