California Legislature

A close-up view of a person's right index finger pointing to writing on a small stack of redacted papers.

Commentary

California shouldn’t price the public out of public records. Democracy is at stake

A bill letting governments charge for public documents would let them base the cost on the time it takes to review and redact the information. It doesn't limit them.

By David Snyder • April 6, 2026

Rear view of a teenage boy sitting on bed as they look out a window.

Commentary

California shouldn’t bail out beleaguered foster family agencies

Agencies that put kids in foster homes sought $30 million for insurance, because abuse victims have won multimillion-dollar lawsuits against them.

By Richard Wexler • March 30, 2026

The dome of the California State Capitol rises against a deep blue sky, framed by dark, out-of-focus shapes in the foreground that create a narrow, tunnel-like view. Sunlight highlights the white columns and architectural details, while construction elements are faintly visible at the base.

Politics

Want government records? This California lawmaker wants you to pay more for them

Californians have a constitutional right to government records, but a lawmaker’s plan would allow higher fees to get them. She says it aims to discourage filers who abuse the system.

By

Yue Stella Yu

• March 26, 2026

A side view of a man on a bike next to homeless tents lined up along a sidewalk underneath a highway in Sacramento.

Commentary

Kids with no safe place to rest at night are becoming chronically homeless adults

Only 3% of the state’s homeless beds are reserved for youth, which feeds a pipeline to chronic homelessness. Most vulnerable: foster kids.

By Jevon Wilkes • March 23, 2026

A person stands in silhouette near a large window while talking on a phone. Outside, the yellow tower of the Tower Bridge rises above trees and buildings in the distance.

Politics

Pebble Beach golf, Maui resorts, European tours: How special interests woo California lawmakers

Why learn about policy in Sacramento when you can do it in Maui? Special interests spent at least $1.2 million sending lawmakers to luxury destinations last year and handing out perks.

By

Yue Stella Yu

and

Jeremia Kimelman

• March 20, 2026

Traffic on Highway 50 in Sacramento on June 30, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Commentary

If California forces state workers to commute, it passes up $225 million in savings. Can we afford that?

State workers must go to offices four days a week starting July 1. But if lawmakers let them telework, they’d save on gas and reduce carbon emissions.

By Wasim Ali • March 20, 2026