California Reopening

WhatMatters

What will become of Wine Country?

California’s Wine Country, one of the most famed and iconic tourist destinations in the state, is at a tipping point. Gone is the three-Michelin-starred Restaurant at Meadowood, home to the region’s most celebrated fine dining. Gone are sections of well-known wineries, including Chateau Boswell, Castello di Amorosa, Hourglass Winery and Spring Mountain Vineyard. Gone are […]

By Emily Hoeven • September 30, 2020

Coronavirus

Nail salons can reopen indoors, COVID tests now available to all

As California experiences a decline in test positivity and fewer hospitalizations, the state is easing restrictions on nail salons. And health officials say test results are now much quicker.

By Ana B. Ibarra • September 22, 2020

WhatMatters

Newsom expands worker protections

Good morning, California. It’s Friday, September 18. Three bills signed into law As California enters its sixth month of the pandemic and coronavirus outbreaks rip through garment factories, meatpacking plants, fast-food chains and strawberry fields, Gov. Gavin Newsom and other state agencies took action Thursday to expand worker protections. Newsom signed a trio of bills […]

By Emily Hoeven • September 18, 2020

WhatMatters

Last chance to avoid evicting renters

Good morning, California. It’s Monday, August 31. Legislative session ends today The fate of hundreds of thousands of California renters teetering on the brink of eviction — and of the landlords who depend on their rent payments — hangs in the balance of a cliffhanger vote lawmakers will take today. Their vote on a controversial […]

By Emily Hoeven • August 31, 2020

Economy

Indoor haircuts are back as California tries reopening again

Starting Aug. 31, hair salons and barber shops will be allowed to reopen statewide with precautions. Other industries, including nail salons and breweries, didn’t get as lucky under a new tiered state monitoring system.

By Lauren Hepler • August 28, 2020

WhatMatters

A pivotal week for California

Good morning, California. It’s Tuesday, August 25. Lots on the line This week will be decisive for California’s battles against crises ranging from wildfires to the pandemic to a looming eviction cliff. Here’s a look at what lies ahead. —Wildfires. More than 14,000 firefighters are fighting about 625 fires, including two of the three largest […]

By Emily Hoeven • August 25, 2020

Coronavirus

Amid pressures of pandemic, Newsom quickly accepts health officer’s resignation

Though Newsom wouldn’t cite the data glitch as the sole reason for Sunday’s resignation of Dr. Sonia Angell, director of the state Department of Public Health, the governor said it was appropriate for him to accept her resignation.

By Ana B. Ibarra • August 10, 2020

Coronavirus

Faced with dying Californians and withering businesses, Gov. Newsom steers a middle path. Can it last?

As coronavirus infections and deaths rise dramatically, the Democratic governor navigates pressure to both tighten restrictions and ease up on businesses.

By Laurel Rosenhall • August 6, 2020

CalMatters en Español

Opinión: Newsom podría haber errado en la reapertura en medio de la pandemia, pero ha aceptado asumir responsabilidades

Algo gracioso sucedió en nuestro camino hacia la reapertura durante la pandemia. Teníamos unas 100 millas por delante, y entonces el gobernador Newsom nos dijo que era seguro tomar un atajo.

By Guest Commentary • July 21, 2020

WhatMatters

Will Trump send federal police to Oakland?

Good morning, California. It’s Tuesday, July 21. Top California lawmakers push back Gov. Gavin Newsom and Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf lambasted President Donald Trump Monday for suggesting he might send federal agents into Oakland to quell civil unrest, ratcheting up tensions between California and the federal government.  Trump on Monday threatened to send federal law […]

By Emily Hoeven • July 21, 2020