Economy

Annelisa Luong is a Community Organizer at Chinese Progressive Association in San Francisco. Nov. 2, 2022. Photo by Mark Leong for CalMatters

California Divide

To fight wage theft California gets strong assist from worker centers

As California investigates businesses for wage theft, worker centers act as behind-the-scenes allies, helping convince employees to cooperate.

By

Alejandro Lazo

and

Jeanne Kuang

• November 15, 2022

A prep cook works in the kitchen of a San Francisco restaurant on May 14, 2020. Photo by Jeff Chiu, AP Photo

California Divide

A Workers’ Guide to Wage Theft: What to do if your boss steals your wages

If your paycheck isn’t right, the state or federal government could help, but it may take some research, records and patience on your part.

By

Levi Kalish

• November 2, 2022

The Chevron Oil Refinery in Point Richmond on July 19, 2019. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

Economy

California might levy a new tax on oil companies. Here’s what to know

Here are the basics of the new windfall profit tax Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed, and how similar taxes have worked in the past.

By

Grace Gedye

• October 26, 2022

A gas nozzle in a vehicle at a central Fresno gas station on Sept. 29, 2022. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Economy

Your questions about California’s gas rebate answered

Readers had questions about California’s gas rebate payments, including whether it matters how many cars you have and why it’s based on 2020 tax returns. We’ve answered some here.

By

Grace Gedye

• October 19, 2022

A gas nozzle in a van at a central Fresno gas station on Sept. 29, 2022. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Economy

This is how much money you’ll get from the California gas rebate

Here’s who is eligible for a 2022 gas rebate, how you will get it, when and how much you should expect.

By

Grace Gedye

• October 14, 2022

Mechanic Alex Esparza works on a catalytic converter of a vehicle at Van Ness Auto Repair in Fresno on Sept. 13, 2022. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Economy

California is a hotspot for catalytic converter theft. Will new laws make a difference?

A disproportionate share of catalytic converter thefts happen in California. Here’s what lawmakers are trying to do about it, and why one law-enforcement backed approach didn’t make it out of Sacramento.

By

Grace Gedye

• October 10, 2022

An iPad displays potential bets at the Golden 1 Center's Skyloft Predictive Gaming Lounge in Sacramento on March 19, 2019. Photo by Rich Pedroncelli, AP Photo

Economy

Fact checking ads for California’s sports betting propositions

The campaigns for Propositions 26 and 27 on this November’s ballot have made a wide variety of claims, especially about how the money gleaned from sports betting in California will get distributed.

By

Grace Gedye

• September 29, 2022

Betting odds are displayed at a hotel casino in Las Vegas. Photo by John Locher, AP Photo

Economy

Your guide to sports betting and everything else to know about gambling in California

Native American tribes have huge sway over what kinds of gambling can be done where in California, and sports betting is no different.

By

Grace Gedye

• September 7, 2022

Economy

Lawmakers approve groundbreaking internet privacy law for kids

A first-in-in the nation bill that would protect kids’ privacy online passed out of the California Legislature. Here’s what it does, and what happens next.

By

Grace Gedye

• September 6, 2022

Fast-food workers and other SEIU members marched to the Capitol to deliver postcards and petitions in support of AB257 to the Governor's Office on May 31, 2022. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters

California Divide

Newsom signs bill to regulate wages for fast food workers

The governor announced his decision on Labor Day. Supporters swayed moderate Democrats by removing a provision that would have put fast food corporations on the hook for labor violations at franchise locations.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• August 30, 2022