Assembly

Commentary

Here’s an important part of the solution for the state’s housing crisis

There is a growing consensus that an important part of the solution to California’s housing crisis is duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes.

By

Guest Commentary

• September 3, 2020

Assemblymember Buffy Wicks walks across the floor during a vote carrying her 1-month-old baby on Aug. 31, 2020. Wicks was not permitted to vote remotely despite having a newborn. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Politics

Nail-biter for family leave bill reveals tough realities for working moms

Why did a lawmaker need to bring her newborn to the COVID-exposed state Capitol to do her job? To help pass a new family leave law.

By

Laurel Rosenhall

• September 2, 2020

Jamie Burson looks out the window of her motel room in Farfield on August 4, 2020. Burson has been living between her car and motels since being evicted in April. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

WhatMatters

Renters saved from eviction — for now

Good morning, California. It’s Tuesday, September 1. Newsom signs in nick of time Hundreds of thousands of California renters were saved from eviction — at least for the next few months — under a bill lawmakers passed and Gov. Gavin Newsom signed late Monday night, a day before the state’s eviction ban is set to […]

By

• September 1, 2020

Firefighters battle the CZU August Lightning Complex Fire in the backyard of a home Aug. 21, 2020, in Boulder Creek. Photo by Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP Photo

Environment

Wildfire funding bill dies in California Legislature

Too much opposition, too little time to address disputes over $3 billion in fees on utility customers for fire and climate change projects.

By

• August 30, 2020

plastic pollution

Capitol

Recycling bills would help stem the flow of plastic into the ocean

AB 1080 and SB 54 present bold and ambitious solutions that would address plastic pollution.

By

Guest Commentary

• August 29, 2020

recycling

Capitol

Bad policy is not the answer to California’s recycling woes

AB 1080 and SB 54 fail to address the structural issues to ensure materials actually get recycled.

By

Guest Commentary

• August 29, 2020

Capitol

Students succeed with support, not threats from probation officers

I wasn’t on probation and hadn’t been charged with a crime, but the probation officer made me feel like a “bad kid.” Gov. Newsom can change that.

By

Guest Commentary

• August 27, 2020

online marketplace

Capitol

Legislation would hurt small businesses that have turned to online sales

As a birthplace for innovation, California should promote and encourage online commerce for small businesses, not stifle it.

By

Guest Commentary

• August 18, 2020

Electric vehicles

Capitol

A plan to expand access to electric vehicles

An Assembly bill would establish a framework for “Electric Vehicle Memberships” that would provide a more affordable alternative to buying an EV.

By

Guest Commentary

• August 16, 2020

Capitol

Family businesses may be lost without more fixes to AB 5

Franchise owners and employees are seeking an amendment to AB 2257 that would clarify AB 5 and recognize the structure of franchisees.

By

Guest Commentary

• August 15, 2020