criminal justice

Commentary

A 50-year-old California mass murder case forever etched in my consciousness

Fifty years ago, two drifters murdered nine people in the bedroom of a home near Lodi. The memory of it never fades.

By

Dan Walters

• November 6, 2023

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announces the creation of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention within the California Department of Justice at a press event in San Francisco on Sept. 21, 2022. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Commentary

Rob Bonta praised fentanyl murder case but ducked California legislation on deadly drug

California Attorney General Rob Bonta praised Placer County's prosecution of a fentanyl supplier responsible for the death of a teenage girl, but was AWOL when the Legislature was considering bills to address the fentanyl crisis.

By

Dan Walters

• October 22, 2023

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón speaks during a press conference in Commerce on Sept. 26, 2022.

Commentary

Los Angeles DA race more likely a referendum on George Gascón than progressive politics

George Gascón's re-election bid for one of the most influential criminal justice jobs in Southern California and beyond is more likely to come down to his poor performance in office, rather than a referendum on progressive politics.

By

Jim Newton

• October 19, 2023

An empty jury box in a courtroom at the Santa Barbara County courthouse in Santa Maria on Jan. 30, 2005. Photo by Spencer Weiner, Los Angeles Times via AP, Pool

Commentary

Why California courts need to pay low-income jurors more than $15 per day

California courts give low-income jurors $15 per day. As a result, people with financial hardships are excused, leading to juries that often fail to reflect local demographics. A bill on the governor's desk would expand a San Francisco pilot program and up the rate to $100 in four new counties.

By

Guest Commentary

• October 3, 2023

Police officers stand guard near a crime scene in Los Angeles on March 8, 2023. Photo by Ringo H.W. Chiu, AP Photo

Commentary

Is crime rising or falling? In Los Angeles, the answer is both, and leaders are struggling to respond

Crime is complicated, and addressing it requires investment, coordination and thoughtful strategy. L.A.’s law enforcement leaders do not inspire confidence.

By

Jim Newton

• September 7, 2023

Illustration of Attila Colar's multiple licenses and text from the federal indictment. Illustration by Adriana Heldiz, CalMatters; iStock

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

Health

Some of California best-paid employees will get bonuses of $40,000 or more in new contract

California prisons are badly understaffed when it comes to doctors and psychiatrists. A new contract attempts to boost retention with substantial bonuses.

By

Kristen Hwang

• September 6, 2023

An officer walks to his car at the Alameda Police Department in Alameda on Aug. 28, 2023. Photo by Semantha Norris, CalMatters

Justice

A California city offered a $75,000 bonus to new cops. These departments are trying to keep up

California cities are struggling to hire police in a tight labor market after the COVID pandemic. Some are raising by double digits and offering eye-catching bonuses.

By

Anabel Sosa

• September 5, 2023

Police officers stand guard Wednesday, June 15, 2022, near a crime scene where two police officers were shot and killed Tuesday at a motel in El Monte. Photo by Ringo H.W. Chiu, AP Photo

Commentary

California law treats some violent crimes as nonviolent, letting offenders off the hook

California law classifies some violent crimes, such as spousal abuse, as nonviolent for punishment purposes, and the Legislature has so far refused to make changes.

By

Dan Walters

• August 30, 2023

Guards and inmates in the yard at San Quentin State Prison on March 17, 2023. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Justice

As California closes prisons, correctional officers land a $1 billion contract with raises and more

Gov. Gavin Newsom has closed two state prisons and he has plans to shut two more by 2025. A new contract for correctional officers offers new perks to the guards who stay.

By

Byrhonda Lyons

• August 29, 2023

Criminal Justice