California Budget

Politics

What’s behind all those DMV voter-registration snafus? ‘Motor voter’ may have launched with makeshift computer system

The DMV launched California’s new “motor voter” system in April without the proper computer program in place, advocates say, likely contributing to recent snafus and errors on more than 100,000 voter registrations.

By Laurel Rosenhall • October 15, 2018

Elections

Video: Newsom and Cox reveal how they would run California differently than Gov. Brown

See Gavin Newsom and John Cox explain how they would run California differently than Gov. Brown—and make decisions on climate change policies, housing, schools and crime. Plus: book recommendations and hardest thing they've done.

By Byrhonda Lyons • October 12, 2018

Elections

Eternal optimist: John Cox, distruster of politicians, keeps bidding to become one

In nearly half a dozen political campaigns, John Cox has embraced the persona of the anti-politician assailing a corrupt establishment. He's never come close to winning. But in 2018, the Republican iconoclast has finally become a contender.

By Ben Christopher • October 10, 2018

Education

Are California’s low test scores a cry for the state to take more responsibility?

California's test scores raise questions about whether Gov. Jerry Brown’s two signature education initiatives—the revamped education funding formula that provides far more money for each disadvantaged student, and his doctrine of subsidiarity, or local control—can survive when he's gone.

By Karin Klein • October 8, 2018

Elections

John Cox and Gavin Newsom meet for only scheduled debate, disagree about…pretty much everything

Candidates for California governor Gavin Newsom and John Cox squared off in their only scheduled debate. An hour. On the radio. At 10 a.m. On a federal holiday. Here's what you might have missed.

By Ben Christopher • October 8, 2018

Elections

Sen. Dianne Feinstein seeks sixth term: How her Washington virtues became California vulnerabilities

The very qualities that lead some in California to eye Feinstein as vulnerable—her political moderation, her non-confrontational temperament and her age—are viewed by many in Washington as assets.

By Marc Sandalow • October 5, 2018

Elections

Proposition 12: What to know about the animal cage measure, in under a minute

On the November ballot, Californians will vote on Proposition 12, a measure to give farm chickens, pigs, and calves a little bit more space. Learn about the measure in our minute explainer.

By Byrhonda Lyons • October 4, 2018

Newsletters

School test scores, #MeToo laws and CURES

California's school test scores, how the CURES opioid database happened, Jerry Brown's #MeToo bills, Orange County political money and teen pregnancy.

By Dan Morain • October 3, 2018

Elections

Proposition 10: What to know about the rent control measure, in under a minute

On the November ballot, Californians will vote on Proposition 10, a measure to bring back rent control. Learn about the measure in our minute explainer.

By Matt Levin and Byrhonda Lyons • October 2, 2018

Health

In California, saving teeth and money—one mouth at a time

State officials hope to improve dental care for low-income residents by signing up more dentists, paying them better and emphasizing prevention.

By David Gorn • September 14, 2018