English – Page 15 – CalMatters

People look over forms and sign petitions at a Billionaire Tax Now booth in a conference hallway.

The billionaire tax could be defeated by two other tax measures. Here’s how

by Kristen Hwang September 24, 2026September 28, 2026

California voters will soon decide whether to tax billionaires — but even if a majority says yes, the measure could still lose to either of two billionaire-funded measures designed to cancel it out. The billionaire-backed group Building a Better California designed two countermeasures to undermine the wealth tax and create multiple ways to defeat it. […]

A close-up view of a person's hand holding a sign that reads "We wants answers! No more deaths!" and they stand at the front steps of a building surrounded by other people holding signs.

Commentary

Jail deaths have surged under California’s elected sheriffs. This reform offers accountability

September 24, 2026September 24, 2026 by Paul R. Parker

Counties pay out millions for lawsuits after jail deaths, but sheriffs run the jails. A bill awaits Newsom’s signature that could alter that balance of power.

Two people face each other while standing on a grass-filled sidewalk during an early evening. The person on the right wears a yellow safety vest and holds a piece of paper. The person on the left wears a flannel jackets while surrounded by belongings.

Homelessness

Cities often squabble over homelessness. A new California law forces one community to try something different

by Marisa Kendall September 24, 2026September 23, 2026

New legislation forces the city and county of Sacramento to collaborate on homelessness. Stakeholders say it could have repercussions California-wide.

A group of people gather near tables and booths in the quad area of a college campus during a rally. Some people pick up red t-shirts from a pile of clothing.

Higher Education

Fact check: Are Cal State faculty underpaid?

by Mikhail Zinshteyn September 23, 2026September 24, 2026

Overall, unionized staff and faculty compensation at the California State University is on par with national averages for similar public universities, but about a third of workers’ total salary and benefits are below national averages.

A person looks towards straight ahead while they sit in front of a desk at their home. The person has short brown hair and wears a gray button-down shirt. The walls of the room are decorated with various artwork.

Housing

How do you get a housing permit in California? He can hook you up, for a fee

by Ben Christopher September 23, 2026September 22, 2026

Tanner Blackman’s job is to push housing projects through Los Angeles’ famously Byzantine permitting process. With a torrent of state laws aimed at streamlining and speeding up approvals to combat the housing shortage, will the humble permit expediter profession survive?

A group of demonstrators holds signs outside a building, including one that reads “Block the Merger” and another opposing the Paramount merger.

Commentary

Deal allowing Paramount-Warner Bros. merger may not cure Hollywood’s troubles

by Dan Walters September 23, 2026September 22, 2026

Rising tax breaks haven’t stopped the decline of film and TV jobs in Southern California over the years. Two industry giants merging will likely add to it.

An aerial view showing various wooden homes amidst tall pine trees.

Economy

Insurers say they’re starting to write new California homeowner policies, but how many?

by Levi Sumagaysay September 23, 2026September 22, 2026

Insurance companies are starting to write new policies in California again after years of holding back as wildfire risk climbed higher. The state Insurance Department says that means outgoing Commissioner Ricardo Lara’s new regulations, intended to boost insurance availability, are working. Each time a company declares its plans to sell policies again, the department touts […]