Covid-19

WhatMatters

Dianne Feinstein remembered as political icon, but also with personal stories

A California political who’s who gathered Thursday to honor Sen. Dianne Feinstein, whose unexpected death last week could reshape next year’s election. Members of Congress — including Reps. Barbara Lee and Adam Schiff, who are running to succeed Feinstein — flew from Washington, D.C., with Vice President Kamala Harris on Air Force Two to be […]

By Lynn La • October 6, 2023

Housing

Is California’s COVID-era rent relief program running out of money?

California’s COVID-era rent relief program, long saddled with delays, criticisms and legal woes, appears to be running out of money. What does that mean for the more than 100,000 renters still awaiting help?

By Ben Christopher • October 5, 2023

WhatMatters

Two Californians at the center of a historic day in D.C.

From CalMatters politics reporter Yue Stella Yu: Two Californians made history Tuesday in our nation’s capital — one starting a new job, the other losing theirs. Laphonza Butler took the oath of office as a U.S. senator, succeeding the late Dianne Feinstein and becoming the first Black and openly LGBTQ woman to serve in the […]

By Lynn La • October 4, 2023

WhatMatters

California lawmakers want to tax guns and ammo

With adjournment edging ever closer next Thursday, legislators are continuing to push through bills to beat the deadline.  On Thursday:  Gun tax: After years of failed efforts, the Legislature sent Gov. Gavin Newsom a measure to tax firearms and ammunition to fund gun violence prevention in California, CalMatters’ Alexei Koseff reports. Assembly Bill 28 by […]

By Lynn La • September 8, 2023

Justice

He lied to win a California rehab contract. Now he’s convicted of exploiting parolees in his care

Attila Colar went to prison for lying to the government. After California gave him another contract as a provider in a rehabilitation program, a federal jury convicted him of fraud for using the personal information of Bay Area parolees and others to collect government COVID funds.

By Byrhonda Lyons • September 6, 2023

WhatMatters

How to stay safe in California as COVID surges

Did you mask up during public gatherings over the holiday weekend? Or is the COVID-19 resurgence really not that bad? It can be confusing, explains CalMatters’ health reporter Kristen Hwang. Though testing data has become less reliable because access has decreased, we know that COVID-19 hospitalization rates have been steadily ticking upwards, and wastewater surveillance […]

By Lynn La • September 5, 2023

Health

California COVID cases are increasing, again. Here’s the latest on boosters and more

It’s a confusing time in the COVID pandemic. A new booster is on the way, but cases are rising and you might want more protection now.

By Kristen Hwang • September 1, 2023

Politics

California boards want to keep pandemic rules for public meetings. Critics call it bad for democracy

State boards are backing a bill to continue carve-outs from California’s open meetings law. An unusual coalition of good government, press, taxpayer and industry groups is fighting back.

By Sameea Kamal • August 23, 2023

WhatMatters

No deal yet on Newsom mental health plan

From CalMatters health reporter Kristen Hwang:  If Gov. Gavin Newsom was hoping amendments introduced to his mental health overhaul last week would sufficiently appease critics, Tuesday’s back-to-back committee hearings only revealed how much further he has to go to reach a compromise. The big idea: Newsom wants counties to prioritize behavioral health spending on homeless […]

By Lynn La • August 23, 2023

Commentary

California walks back decision to muzzle researchers testifying in pandemic education lawsuit

California's Department of Education tried to block academic researchers from testifying in a lawsuit alleging that the state's school closures damaged academic achievement, but finally backed down – partially.

By Dan Walters • August 23, 2023