ab 5 - Page 4 of 6 - Latest News, Updates and Analysis

Nurses prepare to enter the testing area at a drive thru COVID-19 testing facility at Cal Expo in Sacramento on April 15, 2020. The nurses work in teams of four and take shifts throughout the day. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

WhatMatters

CA sends $457 mil for masks, then cancels

State claws back money from mask deal that went awry. Uber and Lyft sued by state, cities. State Supreme Court hears pension reform case.

By Emily Hoeven • May 6, 2020

WhatMatters

Newsom on coronavirus + PG&E’s record fine + A new drought, perhaps + Bernie Sanders’ loyalists

Newsom weighs in on coronavirus. PG&E hit with record fine for wildfires. California faces prospect of new drought after dry February.

By Dan Morain • February 28, 2020

California Assembly minority leader Marie Waldron speaks at a rally to repeal AB 5

WhatMatters

Dreaming in Salinas about a home + Gig economy battle ahead + The water fight to come

Salinas farmworkers saddled with poor living conditions. State again battles Trump over water policy. School bond contains break for developers.

By Dan Morain • February 24, 2020

A hand holding a fistful of hundred dollar bills. With California's 2020 primary fast approaching, outside spending on California legislative campaigns is ramping up. Photo via iStock

Capitol

Brace for the deluge: Special interests are spending millions to get the California legislators they want

Nearly half of all unlimited outside spending comes from old-guard industries: Oil and gas. Realtors. Car dealers. Also some rich folks.

By Ben Christopher • February 20, 2020

A sign in the hotel lobby directing attendees to the two-day technology and policy summit for lawmakers and tech-industry representatives hosted by Foundation for California’s Technology and Innovation Economy.

Capitol

Steak dinners, secret donors: How the Tech Caucus is courting Silicon Valley with charity

The Tech Caucus' foundation, co-launched by Assemblyman Evan Low of Campbell, woos Silicon Valley — but has stopped disclosing who actually donates to it.

By Laurel Rosenhall • February 20, 2020

Newsletters

Newsom’s homeless plan faces local opposition + Texas sues California

Newsom's homeless plan draws local backlash. Texas sues California over state travel ban. New worker law survives initial court challenge.

By Dan Morain • February 11, 2020

California is about to take juvenile detention away from adult corrections and treat youthful offenders under the state bureaucracy for mental health.

WhatMatters

Trouble at California’s online college + Big proposal for criminal justice + The disturbing story of Footnote 42

Online community college experiences growing pains. Uber and Lyft allowed to conceal drivers' safety records. Traffic fatalities involving cyclists rise.

By Dan Morain • January 29, 2020

Assemblyman Tyler Diep, Republican from Westminster, outside the California Capitol.

WhatMatters

U.S. Supreme Court sides with Trump against immigrants + Twists and turns in primary politics

U.S. Supreme Court sides with Trump with "public charge case." Legislation goes further to expose wayward cops. State Senate race draws cries of foul.

By Dan Morain • January 28, 2020

An oil derrick in Bakersfield, Kern County.

WhatMatters

Newsom’s new homelessness proposal, Democrats’ oil tax idea, and why people leave California

More money coming to fight homelessness. Uber changes rules for drivers in response to new law. Census data show why Californians are leaving state.

By Dan Morain • January 9, 2020

WhatMatters

Lawmakers get to it as tight — and politically awkward — deadlines loom

Deadlines loom for bills that stalled in 2019. Lawmaker wants to make housing a right. New worker-classification law takes effect.

By Laurel Rosenhall • January 7, 2020