Digital Democracy

Water spouts out of a chrome water fountain and flows into the attached drain, continuing down. In the background is a view of a public playground on a sunny day, out of focus.

Environment

To fight cancer-causing ‘Erin Brockovich’ toxin, California may give water districts legal cover

Water bills are climbing as utilities clean up a chemical made infamous in “Erin Brockovich.” Should lawmakers give them cover from lawsuits while work continues?

By Ryan Sabalow and Brianna Vaccari, The Merced FOCUS • July 22, 2025

Folklórico dancers in brightly colored traditional dresses prepare to perform on a grassy field beneath power lines. One dancer in a magenta dress lifts their skirt with both hands, mid-pose, while others in yellow, green, and orange outfits sit or stand nearby. A crowd watches in the background, many smiling

Politics

We’re 10 years old today. Check out a decade of compelling CalMatters visual journalism

CalMatters has been reporting essential information to Californians for a decade. Here are some of the most impressive photos and visuals our journalists captured.

By CalMatters Visuals Team • July 18, 2025

The back of a toddler as they sit on the floor of a living room while they stare up at a television screen displaying cartoons.

Politics

Sick of loud ads on Netflix? A proposed California law would turn down the volume

After his staffer’s baby was woken up by a loud ad on a streaming service, a California senator took action to force streamers to turn down the volume on commercials. The entertainment industry is fighting it.

By Ryan Sabalow • July 11, 2025

Nancy Wiles holds her eviction notice on Dec. 4, 2023. Photo by Manuel Orbegozo for CalMatters

Politics

California lawmakers side with landlords to kill renter eviction relief

California Democrats were split on a proposal that would have extended an eviction grace period for tenants who fall behind on their rent. It’s the latest setback for progressive lawmakers seeking renter protections.

By Ryan Sabalow • July 3, 2025

A La Costa Canyon Mighty Mavericks' player scores a touchdown during a Pop Warner football game against the Valley Center Mighty Jaguars in Carlsbad, in 2012. Photo by Mike Blake, Reuters

Politics

California proposal would allow soft helmet pads in youth football leagues

Some California youth football leagues ban Guardian Caps. Three former football players in the Legislature think parents and children should have the option of wearing them.

By Ryan Sabalow • July 1, 2025

A courtroom where CARE Court hearings take place at the San Diego County Superior Court in San Diego on Oct. 9, 2023. Photo by Adriana Heldiz, CalMatters

Politics

California doesn’t have enough court reporters. Their unions are fighting substitutes

A shortage of court reporters is leaving many Californians with no way to appeal their cases in the justice system. Will a new union-backed bill solve the problem or make it worse?

By Ryan Sabalow • June 26, 2025

A person in a dark jacket holds a microphone and a large ceremonial check for $1,000,000 made out to Ekaterina Distler from "America PAC," while standing on a stage in front of a large American flag backdrop.

Politics

Elon Musk gave $1 million to Donald Trump voters. California lawmakers want to ban that

Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest man, gave out $1 million checks to gin up support for Donald Trump. California lawmakers want to ban big cash payments to registered voters.

By Ryan Sabalow • June 17, 2025

A line up of electric vehicles at a Hyundai dealership in Fresno on Sept. 7, 2023.

Politics

California car buyers face a 488% higher fee under a bill the Senate just passed

California lawmakers from both parties say the state is too expensive. So why did the California Senate vote to raise costs for car buyers by as much as $415?

By Ryan Sabalow and Jeanne Kuang • June 9, 2025

A protester holds a sign on the steps of the state Capitol calling on Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign bill AB316, which would require a human operator in all autonomous vehicles in Sacramento on Sept. 19, 2023. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters

Politics

Zombie bills: Why California lawmakers bring back legislation governors kill

CalMatters found dozens of examples of previously vetoed legislation returning in subsequent years. A twice-killed bill about driverless trucks exemplifies why.

By Ryan Sabalow • June 2, 2025

A view from behind of a row of people walking through a gated outdoor hallway while wearing blue inmate uniforms that say “Alameda County Jail” in the back. The Alameda County Sheriff Office seal can be seen on a wall in the distant background.

Justice

‘Relic of slavery’: California lawmakers are trying again to raise pay for incarcerated workers

Many people in California prisons and jails work for less than $1 an hour. Lawmakers are advancing two bills that could lead to wage increases for some of them.

By Joe Garcia • May 19, 2025