Explainers Archive - CalMatters

A voting sign outside of a polling station in Los Angeles on June 7, 2022. Photo by Pablo Unzueta for CalMatters

California ballot measures: What you need to know

by Ben Christopher and Sameea Kamal June 30, 2022July 1, 2022

If it’s an election year, it must mean California ballot measures for voters to decide. Here’s why and how propositions are such a big deal.

A voter casts their ballot at a voting site at the California Museum in downtown Sacramento on June 7, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

California primary results: Who is advancing to November?

by CalMatters staff June 7, 2022June 29, 2022

California protesters hold signs backing abortion rights during a march in Los Angeles in 2021. Photo by Elsa Seignol, REUTERS

How California created the nation’s easiest abortion access — and why it’s poised to go further

by Kristen Hwang April 21, 2022June 28, 2022

Sacramento Police Department officers stand watch behind crime scene tape at Arden Fair mall after a shooting killed two people in Sacramento on Nov. 27, 2020. Paul Kitagaki Jr./Sacramento Bee via REUTERS

California crime story: The numbers, explained

by Nigel Duara February 3, 2022February 3, 2022

Several new California laws will kick in for 2022. The state Capitol. Illustration by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters; iStock

Video

Eleven new California laws for 2022, explained in one minute

by Byrhonda Lyons and CalMatters staff December 28, 2021December 28, 2021

The Los Angeles Aqueduct Cascades in Sylmar, California in 2015. The aqueducts bring water 223 miles from the Owens River in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains, and 137 miles from the Haiwee Reservoir, and are a major source of water for Los Angeles. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson

Danger in Droughtsville: California’s urban water at risk

by Erica Yee December 21, 2021December 16, 2021

Josefina Pulido, center, cheers while holding a sign that read 'America needs unions' during a Service Employees International Union rally for higher wages at McDonald's in San Jose on September 4, 2017. Bay Area workers are joining the national 'Fight for $15' protest and are part of a nationwide union organized Labor Day action. Photo by LiPo Ching, Bay Area News Group

California Divide

What’s the role of unions in the 21st century?

by Grace Gedye, Jesse Bedayn, Melissa Montalvo, Jackie Botts, Nigel Duara and Erika Paz September 23, 2021September 30, 2021

The State Capitol in Sacramento, California, September 10, 2015. California Bills.

Newsom’s call: Governor’s final say on the top 21 bills of ’21

by CalMatters staff September 8, 2021October 12, 2021

Gov. Gavin Newsom prepares to speak at a press conference to announce a new requirement for all school teachers and employees to show proof of vaccination or to undergo weekly COVID-19 testing, at Carl B. Munck Elementary School in Oakland on Aug. 11, 2021. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

Gavin Newsom report card: What he has done, and what he hasn’t

by Ben Christopher and Sameea Kamal July 21, 2021July 21, 2021

A recall Newsom volunteer carries a sign during a petition signing event at SaveMart in Sacramento on Jan. 5, 2021. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

Who’s running in Newsom recall? Politicians, activists, Californians of all stripes

by Laurel Rosenhall and Sameea Kamal July 17, 2021September 3, 2021