Housing

A downward look of a spiraling flight of stairs. The floor is decorated with multi-color tiles.

Housing

Housing advocates still waiting for state-ordered stair report

California’s fire safety regulators were asked to study whether mid-rise apartments can go with a single staircase. They’re more than a month late.

By

Ben Christopher

• February 10, 2026

Mid-rise apartment buildings sit in the foreground as glass high-rises and two construction cranes rise behind them against a blue sky with large white clouds in downtown Los Angeles.

Housing

Los Angeles won’t be tweaking its ‘mansion tax.’ Now the debate is likely to go statewide

The ballot measure do-over was intended to ward off a statewide anti-tax crusade.

By

Ben Christopher

• January 27, 2026

Homelessness

Can AI help make homeless Californians healthier?

A California company is using AI to help diagnose homeless Californians. The technology promises better access to health care, but it also raises questions.

By

Marisa Kendall

• January 27, 2026

A modern white hillside mansion features a long turquoise swimming pool in the foreground, with lounge chairs lining the deck and expansive glass walls opening to outdoor living areas under a clear blue sky.

Housing

Los Angeles might tweak its ‘mansion tax.’ Here’s why that matters for the rest of California

The ballot measure do-over is intended to restart apartment development across Los Angeles and ward off a statewide anti-tax crusade.

By

Ben Christopher

• January 23, 2026

A person stands near a tent on the sidewalk of a street while they eat a bowl of soup. The street is lined with cars and surrounded housing buildings.

Homelessness

California counties must jump through new hoops to get homelessness funds

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration is pressuring local leaders to pass ordinances regulating homeless encampments, among other requirements.

By

Marisa Kendall

and

Ben Christopher

• January 16, 2026

People walk a long a beach nestled between the ocean and a bluff during a foggy day in Del Mar.

Politics

A Carlsbad homeowner is fighting a multi-million dollar fine over beach access and a pickleball court

Carlsbad homeowner John Levy is challenging a $2.4 million fine from the Coastal Commission over alleged beach access and environmental violations, arguing that while the underlying disputes are typical, the commission’s power to impose massive penalties without court oversight violates due process.

By

Deborah Brennan

• January 14, 2026

A wide view of houses under construction with wooden framing. A construction worker wearing a bright orange shirt can be seen standing in the roof of one of the houses.

Politics

Building homes is a top priority for California Democrats again this year. Voters could get a say

California Democrats are eager to advance a pair of bond measures to fund affordable housing construction, but lack enthusiasm for tenant rights protections as a controversial rent control measure bites the dust for a second straight year.

By

Yue Stella Yu

• January 14, 2026

California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at a podium indoors, pointing outward with one hand while standing behind a microphone. A presentation screen and gray wall are visible behind him as he addresses an audience.

Housing

Gavin Newsom joins Trump in blaming big investors for housing crisis

Gov. Gavin Newsom will propose regulating corporate landlords during his State of the State address Thursday, his office said. It’s a pivot toward populism for the governor.

By

Ben Christopher

and

Jeanne Kuang

• January 7, 2026

An aerial view shows a neighborhood undergoing rebuilding after a wildfire, with multiple wooden house frames under construction amid cleared, dirt-covered lots. Burned or sparse vegetation surrounds the area, while roads and scattered vehicles run between properties. Low mountains rise in the background under a clear sky.

Housing

After devastating fires, L.A. made one part of rebuilding easy. There’s much more to do

While few victims of last year’s fires are back in their homes, that’s not unusual following natural disasters; permitting changes appear to be helping.

By

Ben Christopher

• January 7, 2026

Gov. Gavin Newsom leaves the stage after addressing attendees at his inauguration for a second term at the Plaza de California in Sacramento on Jan. 6, 2023. Photo by Rahul Lal, CalMatters

Politics

Gavin Newsom’s legacy: Can he deliver on unmet promises in his final year as governor?

Under Newsom’s tenure, health care has been expanded, but his housing goals and homelessness pledges remain unfinished. Can he deliver before eyeing the White House?

By

Jeanne Kuang

• January 5, 2026