California Legislature

Workers prepare outgoing shipments at an Amazon Fulfillment Center in Tracy on Nov. 30, 2014. REUTERS/Noah Berger

California Divide

A Silicon Valley lawmaker wants to protect workers from employer spying

A workplace tech accountability bill would force employers to tell workers they’re being spied on and would ban surveillance outside of work.

By

Levi Kalish

• April 19, 2022

Nathan Hochman, candidate for California attorney general, answers questions from CalMatters reporters.p

Politics

What would Nathan Hochman do as California attorney general?

In a 70-minute interview, Nathan Hochman, a Republican former federal prosecutor, vows to end a "spiral of lawlessness" in California as he runs for attorney general. Hochman is seeking to finish in the top two in the June 7 primary against Democratic incumbent Rob Bonta.

By

Ben Christopher

• April 19, 2022

Senator Brian Dahle, candidate for Governor of California, gives an interview to CalMatters in Sacramento on Apr. 5, 2022. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Politics

What would Brian Dahle do as California governor?

In a 90-minute interview, the farmer and state senator from Lassen County talks about crime, climate change and the cost of living, and vows to cooperate with Democrats.

By

Alexei Koseff

• April 18, 2022

Several efforts are underway to cut insulin costs in California. Photo by George Frey, REUTERS

Health

Plans to curb California insulin costs abound. Will anything get done this year?

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration is pushing a first-in-the-nation plan for California to partner with a drugmaker to produce cheaper insulin. It’s one of many proposed state and federal remedies to soaring insulin costs.

By

Ana B. Ibarra

• April 8, 2022

Commentary

Evolving pandemic science has outpaced need for vaccine mandates

A slate of five bills in the California Legislature requiring vaccination for COVID is discriminatory and unnecessary as the pandemic wanes.

By

Guest Commentary

• April 8, 2022

A 76 gas station in Sacramento on March 10, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

WhatMatters

California lawmakers recess as crises collide

California lawmakers are calling for urgent action on gas tax relief and crime, but it may take a while to see meaningful progress.

By

Emily Hoeven

• April 8, 2022

Alameda County health workers prepare syringes with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine during a distribution clinic at St. Rose hospital in Hayward on Jan. 27, 2021. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

WhatMatters

Strict COVID vaccine bills could face uphill battle

Vaccine bills, including one to pull state funding from law agencies that oppose public health orders, are facing headwinds.

By

Emily Hoeven

• April 7, 2022

Seriyah Harris, 11, organizes candles at a candlelight memorial for her father Sergio Harris, 38, who was killed in a mass shooting, in Sacramento. on Tuesday, April 5, 2022. Photo by Rahul Lal for CalMatters

WhatMatters

California eyes citizen lawsuits over illegal guns

Lawmakers advance a California gun control bill to allow citizens to sue manufacturers and distributors over illegal and "ghost" weapons.

By

Emily Hoeven

• April 6, 2022

Cattle graze as the Tamarack fire burned due to drought conditions and gusty winds on July 17, 2021. Photo by Ty O'Neil/SOPA Images/Sipa USA

Environment

Report to California Legislature: Prepare for sweeping effects of climate change

From housing and health to transportation and education, the Legislative Analyst’s Office provides a litany of sobering climate change impacts for California legislators to address as they enact policies and set budgets.

By

Rachel Becker

and

Julie Cart

• April 5, 2022

San Diego City Council President speaks at a San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council drive-in rally in San Diego. on Nov. 3, 2020. Sam Hodgson/The San Diego Union-Tribune via AP

Politics

Why is so much special interest money flowing into a California special election?

Big labor and big business are spending big bucks in a special election for a San Diego seat in the state Assembly. The campaign, now headed to a June 7 runoff, previews battles to come in the 2022 campaign.

By

Ben Christopher

• April 4, 2022