Katherine Ortiz is a reporter for CalMatters, where she covers the ways the tech industry influences the lives of everyday people. Previously, she worked for Business Insider, as well as the San Fernando Valley Business Journal, where she covered business, tech, and innovation stories across industries. You can also find her byline at publications including WitnessLA and LA Taco. Based these days in the Central Coast, Katherine is a proud graduate of Moorpark Community College, California Lutheran University, and the University of Southern California. When she isn’t filing records requests or combing through databases, you can find her walking her dogs on the beach or experimenting in the kitchen.
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CalMatters en Español
Cómo la Proposición 45 podría alterar las luchas en California contra los centros de datos
La Proposición 45, presentada como una medida a favor del desarrollo de viviendas, podría tener la consecuencia no deseada de facilitar la construcción de centros de datos, según afirman sus detractores.
Technology
How Prop. 45 could reshape California’s fight over data centers
Prop. 45, billed as a pro-housing development measure, may have the unintended consequence of making it easier to build data centers, opponents say.
By Katherine Ortiz • octubre 30, 2026
CalMatters en Español
Los californianos se rebelan contra los drones policiales tras su rápida adopción en todo el estado
En toda California, los departamentos de policía están expandiendo rápidamente los programas de "Drones como primera respuesta", lo que ha provocado una fuerte discusión pública sobre la vigilancia sin orden judicial y el abuso de poder por parte de las empresas.
By Katherine Ortiz • octubre 27, 2026
Technology
Californians revolt against police drones after rapid adoption across state
Across California, police departments are rapidly expanding "Drone as First Responder" programs, triggering intense public backlash over warrantless surveillance and corporate overreach.
By Katherine Ortiz • octubre 27, 2026
Technology
California cities pull the plug on data centers after state regulations don’t scale up fast enough
Despite seven new statewide laws regulating data centers, at least 26 resolutions, moratoriums, or bans on data centers have been passed or proposed in California since June.
By Katherine Ortiz • octubre 22, 2026
Technology
Newsom clamps down on California data centers as voters turn against the industry
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed seven data center bills into law on Monday, signaling a tide change toward regulation of the industry.
By Katherine Ortiz • septiembre 21, 2026
Technology
How Silicon Valley used Main Street’s outrage against California privacy law
Senate Bill 690 promises to stop abusive wiretapping suits against small businesses. Privacy advocates warn it also quietly shields tech giants from major lawsuits.
By Katherine Ortiz • septiembre 3, 2026
Technology
The data center backlash is here — and Big Tech is spending big to combat it
The public has turned against data centers, prompting a flood of legislation in California. Business interests are trying to blunt the backlash.
By Katherine Ortiz and Khari Johnson • agosto 28, 2026