Digital Democracy

Two campaign signs for CalPERS board candidates are posted along a sidewalk; one in the foreground reads “Sam Hasan Akkad for CalPERS Board,” while another in the background promotes “Jose Luis Pacheco for CalPERS Board Seat B.”

Politics

California unions are pouring more money than ever into CalPERS elections. Here’s why

California unions are at odds and spending heavily in an election at CalPERS, the pension fund that provides retirement benefits to 2 million people.

By

Adam Ashton

and

Jeremia Kimelman

• September 19, 2025

Two hands with painted nails hold a heart-shaped photograph of a person smiling and wearing a baseball hat. The hands belong to a mother and a daughter, and the image has a feeling of "remembrance." The image is focused on the heart and the hands.

Mental Health

‘I will do it again’. Mom of California overdose victim pledges to keep fighting in Capitol

After a CalMatters investigation, lawmakers asked Christine Matlock Dougherty to testify on behalf of bills to regulate mental health insurance. They didn't pass this year.

By

Jocelyn Wiener

• September 9, 2025

A collage-style illustration in green and teal tones that shows an image of an airplane within a 3 by 4 grid. The certain boxes of the grid include cut outs of text from a boarding pass and California's Form 700 tax document. several dotted lines can be seen throughout the artwork.

Digital Democracy

How California legislators got more than $820,000 in travel in 2024

Last year, nearly 100 interest groups spent more than $820,000 to sponsor trips for 92 state lawmakers.

By

Jeremia Kimelman

• September 8, 2025

A collage-style illustration in orange and black tones that shows an image of an airplane within a 3 by 4 grid. The certain boxes of the grid include cut outs of text from a boarding pass and California's Form 700 tax document. several dotted lines can be seen throughout the artwork.

Digital Democracy

See what gifts, trips your state representatives disclosed in 2024

CalMatters created a tool that allows anybody to explore the assets, gifts, and travel disclosed by state lawmakers.

By

Jeremia Kimelman

• September 8, 2025

A bulldozer on the corner of 7th Street and Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica on May 24, 2023. Photo by Zaydee Sanchez for CalMatters

Housing

Breakthrough on California housing could put taller buildings in single-family neighborhoods

A powerful California construction union is no longer fighting a bill that would ease barriers to the construction of tall apartment buildings near train and bus stations.

By

Ben Christopher

• September 5, 2025

A parade of classic cars drives down a city street lined with spectators. Leading the line is a polished silver 1940s Pontiac with a “17” sign on the windshield and a California license plate. Behind it, a silver Chevrolet Impala and a green lifted pickup follow, along with a motorcycle rider to the right. Palm trees, utility poles, and auto shop signs line the background.

Politics

Classic cars will still need a smog test in California after lawmakers reject Jay Leno bill

California’s Assembly Appropriations Committee killed “Leno’s Law” that aimed to give classic car owners like him a pass from smog requirements.

By

Ryan Sabalow

• August 29, 2025

Technology

Three bills would protect California workers from AI management, but will costs stand in the way?

Several bills in the California Legislature would regulate how companies use AI to make employment decisions such as compensation, hiring, firing, or promotions, but they may be in jeopardy because of their associated costs.

By

Khari Johnson

• August 25, 2025

A young man in a gray jacket scans a bag of leafy greens at a self-checkout station in a brightly lit grocery store. Other shoppers use nearby kiosks, and bold black signs above mark the checkout lanes with letters. The background is colorful and slightly blurred, emphasizing the retail environment.

Politics

California grocery prices could rise if this self-checkout bill passes, grocers argue

Labor unions are trying once again to regulate self-checkout lanes at California stores. This year’s bill waters down a version that died last session, but businesses still warn it will increase costs and lead to consumer frustration.

By

Maya C. Miller

• August 13, 2025

A lawmaker in a white jacket stands with their arms in front of them at their wooden desk in the Capitol, amongst a group of other lawmakers doing the same.

Politics

California’s lawmakers love to talk, but these eight barely say a word

California lawmakers have spoken on average for more than six hours this year. Others have said comparatively little. How effective can you be if you stay silent?

By

Ryan Sabalow

and

Omar Rashad

• August 12, 2025

Politics

California may soon ban selling new Glocks like the one Kamala Harris owns

Gov. Gavin Newsom was just given his first handgun. A pending California bill would ban selling new Glocks like the ones Kamala Harris owns. Will he sign it?

By

Ryan Sabalow

• July 28, 2025