assembly

Capitol

At California Capitol, lawmakers want info; protesters want to end coronavirus stay-at-home

Five weeks after Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered Californians to stay at home to slow the spread of the coronavirus, protesters gathered at the state Capitol to call for easing restrictions and lawmakers complained they haven't had a voice in managing the crisis.

By

Laurel Rosenhall

and

Emily Hoeven

• April 20, 2020

Electoral confusion in California's top-two primary. Image via iStock

Elections

In California primaries, sometimes the winning strategy is to help a foe

These days, campaigning doesn't just mean attacking all challengers. A sly boost for a favorite opponent can also prove useful.

By

Ben Christopher

• March 11, 2020

Gov. Gavin Newsom holds a press conference in the wake of the first COVID-19 death in California, a man who took a cruise from San Francisco to Mexico in February. The governor outlined measures being taken by the state to identify and test all other individuals who were on the same cruise ship as the deceased. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

WhatMatters

Super Tuesday updates + Prolonged vote counting + A COVID-19 patient dies as authorities try to contain the spread

Long wait begins as California counts votes. Coronavirus death leads to emergency declaration. California health officials defend needle-exchange program.

By

Dan Morain

• March 5, 2020

Speaker Anthony Rendon gives remarks following Gov. Newsom’s 2020 State of the State address. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Politics

Legislators’ charity use has prompted calls for reform — but not from the Assembly Speaker

The fundraising has generated criticism and a state investigation, but California Speaker Anthony Rendon isn't asking legislators to change their conduct.

By

Laurel Rosenhall

• March 2, 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

Assemblyman Phil Ting in the rose garden at the California Capitol. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

Environment

California’s Phil Ting tilts at windmills — ban gas-powered cars! — hoping to start a conversation

Ting may sometimes be the California Assembly’s Don Quixote, chasing seemingly impossible dreams. But he says it's a win to just get people talking.

By

Julie Cart

• February 20, 2020

Assemblyman Anthony Rendon smiles at his wife, Annie Lam, before he was sworn-in as 70th Speaker of the California Assembly

Capitol

‘Adjustments, for sure’: CA Speaker talks 2020 priorities, politics — and parenting

As California lawmakers return for a new year, Anthony Rendon (the Assembly leader, not the ball player) talks wildfires, housing, ballot measures, the gig economy, affirmative action, Gov. Gavin Newsom and supermajorities. And babies. And home runs.

By

Laurel Rosenhall

• January 5, 2020

Delegates at the California Democratic Convention in San Francisco snap selfies with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who's once again seeking the party's nomination for president. Photo by Elizabeth Castillo for CALmatters

WhatMatters

Newsom seeks more from PG&E, a $10 million dirty trick, and Bernie Sanders stumbles

Newsom rejects PG&E's reorganization plan. Dirty trick may have cost Pete Wilson's stepson an Assembly seat. Sanders stumbles with endorsement.

By

Dan Morain

and

Judy Lin

• December 16, 2019

Democratic Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon embraces former Assembly GOP leader Chad Mayes in December of 2016. Photo by Steve Yeater for CALmatters

Capitol

Fight or switch? One Republican legislator ditches GOP, the other gets primaried

As Republican Party popularity plummets in California, two moderate legislators —Chad Mayes and Tyler Diep — take opposite tacks to try to keep their jobs. Politicos will be watching.

By

Ben Christopher

• December 8, 2019

WhatMatters

Super-surge pricing, 2020 politics, Newsom’s second thoughts, and a public servant calls it a career

Gig companies threaten to take worker fight to voters. Democratic lawmakers eye 2020 ballot measures. Newsom rethinks air district board appointment.

By

Dan Morain

• August 30, 2019