Environment

Economy

How future-proof is Gavin Newsom’s master plan for California?

As Gavin Newsom delivers his first State of the State speech, how do his plans prepare California for that dream—not just next year, but 5, 20, 30 years from now?

By

Matt Levin

• February 11, 2019

Sen. Bill Dodd (D-Napa), Aug. 9, 2018. Photo by Robbie Short for CALmatters

California Wildfires

Sen. Bill Dodd proposes California wildfire warning center

Sen. Bill Dodd wants to establish a California wildfire warning center that would allow officials to turn off power and better position firefighting crews during extreme heat and high winds.

By

Judy Lin

• February 4, 2019

An emergency operations center stands ready at San Diego Gas & Electric in the event of a threat or attack to the electricity grid in California. Photo by Peggy Peattie for CALmatters

Environment

Cyber-sabotage, wildfires, weather—a web of threats to the power supply could leave Californians in the dark

"We are always being attacked," one expert says. If computer hackers hijack California's electricity network, the entire state could be held hostage.

By

Julie Cart

• January 31, 2019

Politics

Gavin Newsom: Getting Things Done?

Our reporters are tracking California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s policies as he seeks to tackle big issues including housing, climate change, health care and more.

By

Ben Christopher

and

CalMatters Staff

• January 28, 2019

Capitol

PG&E just escaped blame for one huge disaster—but it’s still the utility California loves to hate

Mention Pacific Gas & Electric to Victor Porter, and the response is nothing like the bland non-opinion most Americans have of the companies that provide their electricity. “They have to pay,” said Porter, a 64-year-old artist who fled for his life with his partner and their dog when the towering Camp Fire swept down on […]

By

Judy Lin

• January 24, 2019

Agriculture in the Imperial Valley—an area known for high asthma rates and high level of air pollution. )The geothermal plant in the background releases steam and is not a culprit.) Photo by Olivier Hertel/Abaca/Sipa USA(Sipa via AP Images)

Health

What keeps families in one of the most polluted places in California?

California's Imperial County is emblematic of life for millions of people around the state who live under an umbrella of bad air quality or who have contaminated soil or lack access to clean water. The majority of these environmental hot spots are concentrated in low-income communities of color.

By

Elizabeth Aguilera

• January 23, 2019

Officials are racing to redesign California's outdated electricity system for a renewable-energy future. Image by gjp311/istock

Environment

As California enters a brave new energy world, can it keep the lights on?

California is casting off fossil fuels on its way to becoming a fully electrified state. But it's unclear whether the aging electricity grid can deliver.

By

Julie Cart

• January 16, 2019

Gov. Gavin Newsom presents his proposed $209 billion budget on January 10, 2019, in Sacramento. Photo for CALmatters by Laurel Rosenhall

Capitol

10 takeaways from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s $209 billion budget

A huge surprise surplus, a big push on affordable housing, help for college students, working poor tax credits, credit cards at the DMV, kindergarten potties.

By

Laurel Rosenhall

and

Judy Lin

• January 10, 2019

Climate Change

Big polluters get help from the state, renewing doubts about California’s climate goals

The state may not be able to cut enough greenhouse gases by 2030, says Mary Nichols, who chairs California's Air Resources Board.

By

Julie Cart

• December 14, 2018

View of theView of the Tuolumne River as it approaches the confluence with the San Joaquin. Dos Rios Ranch, with more than six miles of river frontage, is among sites in which floodplains are being restored. Photo via River Partners River as it approaches the confluence with the San Joaquin. Dos Rios Ranch has more than six miles of river frontage. Photo via River Partners

Environment

Let it flow: In about-face, state breaks and shifts levees to restore natural floodplains

A growing emphasis on reconnecting California floodplains to rivers so they can absorb floodwaters is a U-turn from past reliance on levees to protect cities and towns.

By

Alastair Bland

• December 4, 2018