California

Health

Planned Parenthood sought a building permit. Then a California city changed zoning rules

In the Inland Empire, Fontana is the latest California city to block a Planned Parenthood clinic, saying it’s studying putting an entertainment hub there.

By Deborah Brennan • May 30, 2024

Justice

Are California police missing domestic violence murders? New bill would let families review cases

A state senator says there’s a “hidden homicide” epidemic of killers making domestic violence murders look like suicides or accidents. Her bill would give families a right to seek an independent review of death investigations.

By Ryan Sabalow • April 25, 2024

Politics

Pick a team, watch the Newsom-DeSantis debate

“This has been a long time coming,” Fox News host Sean Hannity says in a hype video. It sure has.  And many in the political world seem to be treating tonight’s long-awaited face-off between California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as a sporting event.  So we’ve got the political debate version of […]

By John Osborn D'Agostino • November 30, 2023

Politics

Where are the top U.S. Senate candidates raising their cash?

It’s the highest-profile race next year in California. This is where the leading candidates — Democrats Barbara Lee, Katie Porter and Adam Schiff — are raising the most money.

By Yue Stella Yu and Jeremia Kimelman • November 1, 2023

California Divide

Welfare: As US tightens work rules, California considers loosening them

State lawmakers want to loosen CalWORKs job requirements so people keep cash benefits. Congress’ debt limit deal could curb that.

By Jeanne Kuang • June 2, 2023

Inside the Newsroom

Kristen Go joins CalMatters as its next editor in chief

Kristen Go takes the reins from Dave Lesher, who is stepping aside to lead the Accountability Desk investigative journalism effort.

By Sonya Quick • May 8, 2023

California Divide

California’s fast food bill could link chains to wage theft and other workplace violations

Proponents say AB 257 could curb wage theft, but restaurateurs say it could raise costs and prices and fundamentally change relationships with fast food chains.

By Jeanne Kuang • August 17, 2022

WhatMatters

California schools face avalanche of changes

“Everything Everywhere All At Once” is the name of a 2022 film, but it could also describe the cascade of changes confronting California schools as they welcome students back to campus after more than two years of pandemic-disrupted education. Although many COVID restrictions have loosened — most schools have ended mandatory testing programs, made face […]

By Emily Hoeven • August 16, 2022

California Divide

Proposal to boost state minimum wage to $18 won’t go on ballot 

Had the California Living Wage Act proposal succeeded, it would have increased base wages to $16 an hour next January and $18 by 2025.

By Jeanne Kuang • July 1, 2022

California Divide

Reparations could include tuition, housing grants, California task force says

California’s first-in-the-nation task force to identify reparations said business loans, housing grants, tuition, wage and job protections could provide redress for African Americans.

By Levi Kalish • June 1, 2022