Criminal Justice

Justice

Can’t afford bail? State Supreme Court offers relief for some defendants

The state’s highest court now says judges must consider a defendant’s ability to pay, but mass inmate release unlikely.

By Robert Lewis • March 26, 2021

WhatMatters

Newsom’s AG pick = new criminal justice approach

Good morning, California. It’s Thursday, March 25. Bonta a win for progressives By nominating Assemblymember Rob Bonta to be California’s next attorney general, Gov. Gavin Newsom is priming the state to take a significantly different approach to criminal justice — one that could help him shore up progressive support ahead of a likely recall election, […]

By Emily Hoeven • March 25, 2021

Commentary

L.A. district attorney’s special directives on sentencing are a reform the nation needs

By eliminating sentencing enhancements, we can incentivize positive behavior at maximum-security prisons like Pelican Bay.

By Guest Commentary • March 11, 2021

WhatMatters

Counties raise concerns as OptumServe gets bigger role in vaccination

Health care operations company OptumServe has quietly been assuming an ever-larger role in California’s pandemic response — including its vaccine rollout — despite numerous counties expressing dissatisfaction with its services. Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday announced plans to open 11 OptumServe vaccination sites to serve “some of the hardest-hit or most at-risk communities” in the […]

By Emily Hoeven • February 26, 2021

Politics

Who is Xavier Becerra? What his California record reveals about Biden’s top health pick

As his Senate confirmation hearings begin, a look at four different labels friends and foes apply to Becerra, the California attorney general nominated to head the nation’s sprawling network of public health and welfare agencies.

By Ben Christopher • February 22, 2021

Commentary

Fighting for justice for Asian Americans, united against hate crimes

For most Asian families, the Lunar New Year is a time for celebration. This year, with all the hate crimes, it became a time for mourning.

By Guest Commentary • February 22, 2021

Commentary

As hate crimes increase, what will California do?

California law considers all hate crime convictions, even felonies where the victim is injured as non-violent – Assembly Bill 266 would change that.

By Guest Commentary • February 18, 2021

Commentary

Fighting antisemitism is a communal priority

History has shown time and again that the targeting of Jews does not end with Jews. Antisemitism is a societal problem.

By Guest Commentary • February 12, 2021

WhatMatters

Will new school plan get kids back on campus?

Good morning, California. It’s Wednesday, February 10. Local control likely preserved Gov. Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers are primed to unveil this week an elementary school reopening plan — one that seems likely to preserve the current model of local school districts negotiating agreements with teachers unions, raising questions as to whether the deal will […]

By Emily Hoeven • February 10, 2021

Politics

As state attorney general job morphs post-Trump, who will be Newsom’s pick?

A look at top contenders to be California's top cop —  and chief enforcer of consumer protection, internet privacy and criminal investigations.

By Laurel Rosenhall • February 8, 2021