California Governor

An individual stands outside a building, closely examining notices taped to a glass door. The signs include information in Spanish about unemployment benefits and COVID-19-related service changes. The person carries a white plastic bag and wears a shoulder bag while leaning forward, resting their hands near their chin.

Commentary

Tough love plan could end California’s unemployment insurance stalemate

An auditor's report lists ways to shore up unemployment insurance finances, but state politicians, businesses and unions are at a stalemate.

By

Dan Walters

• December 3, 2024

The podium before Gov. Gavin Newsom addresses the media to unveil his 2024-25 January budget proposal at the Secretary of State Auditorium in Sacramento on Jan. 10, 2024. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Commentary

California’s great debate resumes about how to cope with volatile swings in tax revenues

California's politicians have argued for two decades about how to deal with volatility. Should California increase rainy day reserves, or just avoid spending surpluses?

By

Dan Walters

• August 9, 2024

The Chevron refinery in Richmond is located behind a neighborhood on Feb. 21, 2024. Photo by Loren Elliott for CalMatters

Commentary

Texas scores a goal on California as Chevron moves headquarters to Houston

Chevron, California's oldest and most prominent petroleum company, is moving its headquarters to Texas and the political fallout is unavoidable.

By

Dan Walters

• August 6, 2024

Prospective employers and job seekers interact during during a job fair in the West Hollywood section of Los Angeles on Sept. 22, 2021. Photo by Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP Photo

Commentary

While Newsom brags about California’s economy, unemployment data tells a different story

California Gov. Gavin Newsom's brags about the state's economy, but its unemployment rate is still the highest in the nation. The fund that pays unemployment insurance benefits also faces an immense deficit.

By

Dan Walters

• August 2, 2024

The blue and yellow seal of the California Governor's office with the California state flag in the middle, sits on a podium.

Commentary

As Newsom finishes his governorship, would-be successors are multiplying

While Gavin Newsom serves out the last two years of his governorship and possibly awaits a chance to run for president, the field of would-be successors is growing.

By

Dan Walters

• July 24, 2024

An unoccupied recovery area and an abortion procedure room at a Planned Parenthood Arizona facility in Tempe on June 30, 2022. Photo by Matt York, AP Photo

Health

California clinics brace for fallout from Arizona abortion ban

Even before the ruling, confusion about abortion restrictions brought Arizona patients, and others, to California health care providers, straining some facilities’ staff.

By

Deborah Brennan

• April 10, 2024

High school senior Catalina Govea, 17, helps a fourth-grade student at Linden Elementary School in San Joaquin County as part of a youth apprenticeship program on March 5, 2024. Photo by Manuel Orbegozo for CalMatters

California Divide

These gigs offer paths to higher wages for young Californians. Now they’re facing budget cuts

California seeded a program to place thousands of young people in apprenticeships. Just as it’s starting, a state budget deficit may delay funding.

By

Alejandra Reyes-Velarde

• March 11, 2024

Gregory Montoya in his garage where he stores antique items that were severely damaged by recent floods in the Southcrest neighborhood of San Diego. March 8, 2024. Photo by Adriana Heldiz, CalMatters

California Divide

California extended time for flood victims to get state help. They have one more week to apply

California just began offering Disaster CalFresh benefits to San Diegans hurt by January storm. Some are seeking payment from the city.

By

Justo Robles

• March 11, 2024

California State Senator Steven Bradford (right) speaks during a Reparations Task Force Meeting at San Diego State on Jan. 28, 2023. Phot by Ariana Drehsler for CalMatters

California Divide

‘Just the beginning’: California reparations backers applaud bills, even without big cash payouts

Lawmakers introduced a package of bills designed to tackle some forms of reparations. The measures may face budget constraints and opposition.

By

Wendy Fry

• January 31, 2024

California Divide

‘A partner that never sleeps’: Surveillance towers extend Border Patrol’s California reach

The federal government is investing millions on border surveillance towers, while migrants in California face harsh conditions and delays in processing.

By

Wendy Fry

• January 30, 2024