agriculture

Commentary

To restore California’s ecosystems, we must adopt smarter permitting

The very regulations that were intended to slow or prevent environmental degradation are now hindering work to expand ecosystem restoration. Successful smarter permitting efforts typically achieve better outcomes in restoring our water, lands, shores, fisheries and wildlife.

By

Guest Commentary

• August 17, 2021

People walk near boat docks as they sit on dry land at the Browns Ravine Cove area of drought-stricken Folsom Lake, currently at 37% of its normal capacity, in Folsom on May 22, 2021. California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a drought emergency for most of the state. Photo by Josh Edelson, AP Photo

CalMatters en Español

Newsom insta a todos los californianos a reducir el uso de agua en un 15%

En resumen La sequía extrema ahora afecta al 85% de California, por lo que el gobernador está buscando una acción voluntaria. Newsom expandió la emergencia por sequía a nueve condados más, principalmente a lo largo de la Costa Central y en el Área de la Bahía. Read this article in English. A medida que la sequía extrema […]

By

Rachel Becker

• July 13, 2021

Environment

Newsom urges all Californians to cut water use by 15%

Extreme drought now grips 85% of California so the governor is seeking voluntary action. Newsom expanded the drought emergency to nine more counties, mostly along the Central Coast and in the Bay Area.

By

Rachel Becker

• July 8, 2021

John Werner holds a handful of soil for a portrait in his soon-to-be pistachio grove near Visalia on June 10, 2021. He works as an educator to supplement his income from farming and is planning on planting pistachio trees soon. Photo by Shae Hammond for CalMatters

Environment

Tulare County’s never-ending drought brings dried up wells and plenty of misery

In the rural towns around Visalia, today’s dry spell is indistinguishable from the last one or the next one. Drought is a perpetual plight in the region, which is a hotspot for dry wells.

By

Julie Cart

• June 15, 2021

A Fresno-area politician wants California to prioritize struggling San Joaquin Valley farmworkers in a proposed pilot program that would put cash in the hands of some the state’s impoverished residents. Photo by Juan Esparza Loera

California Divide

Universal basic income for farmworkers? Some leaders are pushing for it

A Fresno-area politician wants California to prioritize struggling San Joaquin Valley farmworkers in a proposed pilot program that would put cash in the hands of some the state’s impoverished residents. State Sen. Melissa Hurtado, a Democrat from Sanger, issued a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom last week urging the state to prioritize California’s “displaced, underemployed, or unemployed […]

By

Melissa Montalvo

• June 14, 2021

Commentary

How California can create a more equitable food system

State funds would allow California to support small farmers and ranchers who have been left out of publicly funded agriculture programs. This will help build resilience into our food system.

By

Guest Commentary

• June 8, 2021

Commentary

Balance pain of drought on farmers and fishermen equitably

We need state water regulators to avoid repeating the mistakes of the last drought that hurt salmon, fishermen and women.

By

Guest Commentary

• May 21, 2021

An irrigation system seen from the road outside of Adin, a small town in Modoc County, in July 2019. In response to increased drought risk, farmers and ranchers in all 58 California counties will become eligible for loans to assist with loss of crops, trees, land and livestock. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

Environment

5 things you need to know about federal drought aid in California

The USDA declared California a natural disaster due to its severe drought, triggering aid for growers and ranchers who supply much of the nation’s food. Why has the federal government stepped in to help with California’s water woes?

By

Rachel Becker

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Julie Cart

• April 15, 2021

Environment

New study: California’s trailblazing diesel rules save lives

Researchers calculated that California’s rules reduced diesel exhaust by 78% compared to 51% for federal rules, leading to fewer deaths from heart attacks and lung disease.

By

Rachel Becker

• March 25, 2021

Laptop with wrench and screwdriver on screen. The state's Employment Development Department has been besieged by technical glitches as it staggers under the weight of jobless claims. Image via iStock

WhatMatters

California’s jobless claims site crashes as backlog grows

Tech glitches have struck California’s beleaguered unemployment department once again. The Employment Development Department’s website was unable to process claimants’ information over the weekend and was still plagued with difficulties Monday. “Some customers are experiencing issues using these services,” a pop-up on EDD’s benefits registration webpage read Monday. “We’re working to restore service as soon […]

By

Emily Hoeven

• March 23, 2021

Agriculture