Who is CalMatters?
CalMatters is a nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom committed to explaining California policy and politics.
Support nonprofit, nonpartisan journalism in California.
THE CALIFORNIA DIVIDE
A statewide media collaboration to raise awareness about poverty and income inequality through in-depth journalism and community outreach.
ECONOMY
Commentary
How will a declining population impact California?
Governments that have built their budget strategy around property tax and sales tax increases could have long-term financial problems.
EDUCATION
College Journalism Network
The network brings together student journalists from across the state to collaborate on group reporting projects, pitch and write stories for CalMatters and our media partners, and receive training.
College Beat
College Beat is produced by the CalMatters College Journalism Network, a collaboration between CalMatters and student journalists across the state.
Commentary
Let’s aim toward an authentic ethnic studies discipline
Ethnic studies has become celebratory of heroes and holidays, and now it is being further diluted and reconstituted as “diverse studies.”
Put students first – return $12.5 billion in deferrals to schools
It is time for the governor and the Legislature to put money back where it belongs so schools can give students an equitable opportunity to learn.
ENVIRONMENT
Commentary
3 critical lessons California offers to improve restoration of land on a global scale
Scientists say the world has the next decade or so to avoid the most dire environmental scenarios, so we must invest in land restoration.
POLITICS AND THE CAPITOL
Commentary
Capitol attack is a calling to support the rule of law, defend our country
Attack calls us to remember what it is we love about this great country and to come together as a nation to support the Constitution.
COMMENTARY
My Turn
A time of reckoning for social media
Policymakers, tech leaders and others need to develop the safest internet environment possible while protecting free speech rights.
Being Indian American today: Kamala Harris as vice president is a huge step forward in our national journey
A drive for achievement and success is a quintessential Indian-American trait, and I’m delighted to rejoice in Kamala Harris’ accomplishment.
DAN WALTERS
California still lags behind in vaccinations
California sped up its vaccinations for COVID-19 last week, but the state still has one of the nation’s lowest rates of vaccine utilization.
We want to hear from you!
Want to submit a guest commentary or reaction to an article we wrote? You can find our submission guidelines here. Please contact Gary Reed with any commentary questions: gary@calmatters.org, (916) 234-3081.
HOUSING
Commentary
Look at Newport Beach’s total amount of affordable housing units built
Since 2013, Newport Beach has permitted 95 very low- and low-income affordable units, and construction of 78 low-income units is expected soon.
HEALTH
Commentary
Referendum against ban on flavored tobacco is a referendum against our kids
By upholding California’s tobacco flavor ban, we will help young people break free from tobacco and prevent more kids from becoming addicted.
JUSTICE
Commentary
More criminal justice reforms will create a just and safe California
Reducing California’s corrections budget is the right strategy, and efforts should be made to overturn extreme sentencing laws.
IMMIGRATION
Commentary
Latinx siblings step up to help younger brothers and sisters with school – they will need help too
Schools and educators can provide relief to older Latinx siblings by providing educational opportunities for their most vulnerable students.