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Water pours from a pipe before being connected to a water tank near Madera on June 10, 2021. Photo by Shae Hammond for CalMatters

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California groundwater reform sets a dangerous precedent. Lawmakers should think twice

A bill seeking to curtail legal battles over groundwater management in California goes too far, says a water district leader in Kern County.

By David Saint-Amand • August 8, 2025

A group of people participate in a science-focused protest on a sunny day in Sacramento. Two individuals in the center hold signs that read "REAL PATRIOTS SUPPORT SCIENCE!" and "RESEARCH MAKES AMERICA STRONG." Others around them are walking, holding signs, or engaging in conversation. Palm trees, government buildings, and construction barriers are visible in the background. The atmosphere is lively and purposeful.

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Disrupted California dementia research shows why studies deserve better protections

After misapplied DEI cuts disrupted and almost derailed Alzheimer's research at UC Davis, a researcher at the school says this type of work deserves better protection.

By Charles DeCarli • May 30, 2025

The Fullerton Navigation Center, a homeless shelter in Fullerton on March 11, 2022. Photo by David Swanson, Reuters

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California’s homeless shelters aren’t for everyone. That doesn’t mean they don’t work

A formerly homeless man residing in Ventura makes the case for shelters in response to a recent CalMatters investigation.

By P. W. Robinson • March 27, 2025

A machine separating manure from waste water being fed into the digester at the Legacy Ranches near Pixley on Sept. 29, 2023. Several farms house digestors systems that feeds methane gas to the CalGren facility to produce renewable natural gas. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

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Sustainable farms need to come together, not cast blame over California methane program

Many California farmers have embraced sustainability and strive to curb their climate impact. Instead of casting blame over controversial programs, a Merced farmer says industry peers should be working together.

By Simon Vander Woude • May 3, 2024

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Fear of backlash shouldn’t deter California schools from LGBTQ inclusion

Californians are divided on how much to incorporate LGBTQ instruction at schools, but fear of backlash should not be an excuse for failing to follow the law, a trans former teacher argues.

By Stephanie Wade • April 9, 2024

Betting odds for Super Bowl LV are displayed on monitors at the Circa resort and casino sports book in Las Vegas on Feb. 3, 2021. Photo by John Locher, AP Photo

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Why adopting sports gambling in California has to involve tribes

When and if California legalizes sports gambling, the policy should honor the laws established in partnership with tribes decades ago, says Assemblyman James Ramos.

By James Ramos • February 16, 2024

Aerial view of the Golden 1 Center, home of the Sacramento Kings basketball team, and downtown Sacramento. Photo via iStock Photo

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The return of state workers helps, but Sacramento’s transformation is well underway

Downtown Sacramento faces many challenges, but the growing number of small businesses, hotels, homes and other major developments signal its transformation, says Mayor Darrell Steinberg.

By Darrell Steinberg • February 6, 2024

Sprinklers water a lawn in Sacramento on June 29, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

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It’s easy to criticize California water conservation. It’s a lot harder to offer solutions

As California officials craft new regulations for urban water conservation, critics who belittle the importance of these efforts are often deflecting, a water policy advocate argues.

By Mark Gold • January 31, 2024

Children play in a pee-wee football game during halftime of a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Dallas Cowboys in Los Angeles on Aug. 13, 2016. Photo by Ryan Kang, AP Photo

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Why California shouldn’t give up on the youth tackle football ban

As California lawmakers back off a controversial bill that would restrict youth football, a safety advocate who lost his son to suicide says state leaders should reconsider.

By Bruce Parkman • January 24, 2024

The sun sets over Valley Ridge Drive Oct. 26, 2023, in Paradise, empty lots, homes under construction and residences built after the Camp Fire line the street. Photo by Noah Berger, AP Photo

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Banning fire rebuilds is the nuclear option. Give California’s rural communities a chance

Some California residents are frustrated with rising insurance and utility costs, reviving questions about barring fire rebuilds altogether. A Magalia resident says that would be the nuclear option, especially given all the other forms of risk management available.

By Tace Higuchi • January 12, 2024