California Legislature

Politics

A defiant pep talk, a gas rebate: What Gov. Newsom offered in State of the State

Gov. Gavin Newsom gave a pep talk to Californians tired of COVID and worried about crime, homelessness and inflation. In his State of the State address, he pledged some relief from high gas prices, but mostly promoted the "California Way" of finding new solutions to big problems.

By Alexei Koseff • March 9, 2022

Politics

Will Gov. Newsom do more to reduce California inequality?

Gavin Newsom took office promising to tackle poverty. His administration has made progress on a number of fronts, but advocates say the state needs to do more to reduce inequality.

By Alejandro Lazo • March 8, 2022

Commentary

California must move forward with water projects

Californians need productive farms and a healthy environment, and we should be focused on projects that enhance the water supply for all.

By Guest Commentary • March 7, 2022

Commentary

Now, it’s the Legislature’s turn to prioritize access to legal cannabis

Newsom’s budget offers an opportunity to address California’s cannabis woes by providing local governments with a licensing framework.

By Guest Commentary • March 7, 2022

Commentary

Kaiser’s secret deal with the state exposes two problems

The deal sidesteps issues of lack of transparency that threatens other health plans and the chronic underfunding of Medi-Cal.

By Guest Commentary • March 4, 2022

Reader Reactions

Cutting enrollment at Berkeley would be detrimental on several levels

We call on lawmakers and the courts to avoid a dramatic reduction in the number of UC Berkeley students enrolled for this fall.

By Guest Commentary • March 4, 2022

Housing

How long are Californians waiting for rent relief?

A new study says that California has sent rent relief to only 16% of applicants, who are waiting months. The state disputes the analysis, but according to its figures, only 41% of applicants have been paid.

By Manuela Tobias • March 3, 2022

Commentary

Laws making it more difficult to own rental housing will worsen housing crisis

It’s crazy that we need a law to protect building owners who need to exit the rental market in rent control cities.

By Guest Commentary • March 3, 2022

Homelessness

California counted its homeless population, but can it track the money?

Volunteers fanned out across the state for the first statewide count of California’s homeless population since 2020. The number is expected to be higher, raising more questions about the impact of the state's increased spending.

By Manuela Tobias • March 2, 2022

Commentary

Seed funding needed for major water recycling project in Southern California

The Metropolitan Water District is collaborating with water districts in Nevada and Arizona to advance a large recycling project.

By Guest Commentary • March 2, 2022