criminal justice

California is about to take juvenile detention away from adult corrections and treat youthful offenders under the state bureaucracy for mental health.

WhatMatters

Trouble at California’s online college + Big proposal for criminal justice + The disturbing story of Footnote 42

Online community college experiences growing pains. Uber and Lyft allowed to conceal drivers' safety records. Traffic fatalities involving cyclists rise.

By

Dan Morain

• January 29, 2020

Assemblyman Anthony Rendon smiles at his wife, Annie Lam, before he was sworn-in as 70th Speaker of the California Assembly

Capitol

‘Adjustments, for sure’: CA Speaker talks 2020 priorities, politics — and parenting

As California lawmakers return for a new year, Anthony Rendon (the Assembly leader, not the ball player) talks wildfires, housing, ballot measures, the gig economy, affirmative action, Gov. Gavin Newsom and supermajorities. And babies. And home runs.

By

Laurel Rosenhall

• January 5, 2020

California Republican Rep. Duncan Hunter,plans to plead guilty to the misuse of campaign funds at a federal court hearing Tuesday in San Diego

WhatMatters

Kamala Harris folds, Duncan Hunter pleads guilty, PG&E wants to hand out coolers

Kamala Harris ends presidential campaign. PG&E wants to give coolers to low-income residents during power shutoffs. Why it's hard to punish car burglars.

By

Dan Morain

and

Jackie Botts

• December 4, 2019

A BART train rides above a homeless encampment in West Oakland. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

WhatMatters

Trump administration signals a ‘crackdown’ on homelessness. Details TBD

Trump promises 'crackdown' on California homelessness. Aging guest workers still waiting for their pay. Former felons get right to sit on juries.

By

Dan Morain

• November 25, 2019

WhatMatters

How a Democratic effort to ensure abortion rights backfired, and a sharp rise in illegal pot seizures

Abortion rights law backfires. Seizures of illegal marijuana grows spike. Surgeon general finds common thread among mass shooters.

By

Dan Morain

and

Elizabeth Castillo

• November 5, 2019

WhatMatters

Newsom invites Warren Buffett to seek control of PG&E, a Democrat falls, and Trump challenges California

Newsom wants Warren Buffett to come to PG&E's rescue. Trump challenges state's sanctuary law. Greenhouse gas emitters face higher costs from Trump suit.

By

Dan Morain

• October 28, 2019

WhatMatters

What cities are in fiscal distress, a nonprofit faces allegations of gang infiltration, and black market vapes

Dashboard lists cities in fiscal distress. Report says Salinas nonprofit has been infiltrated by a gang. Toy district turns into black market for vaping.

By

Dan Morain

• October 25, 2019

WhatMatters

Newsom signs big charter school legislation in a Capitol kumbaya moment

Newsom signs charter school bill. Teen birth rates are a tale of two states. What role does 'toxic masculinity' play in mass shootings?

By

Dan Morain

• October 4, 2019

WhatMatters

Gloria Allred, #MeToo, a PG&E alliance, union wins, implicit bias, and vaping

Women's rights attorney comes under scrutiny in book on #MeToo movement. New alliance forms in battle over PG&E. Unions celebrate legislative wins.

By

Dan Morain

and

Jackie Botts

• September 20, 2019

U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris is campaigning for the White House as a "progressive prosecutor." Photo by Michael Brochstein/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images)

Elections

As D.A., Kamala Harris prosecuted a mentally ill woman shot by police. The jury didn’t buy it.

In pursuing the Democratic presidential nomination, California's junior senator touts her experience as a “progressive prosecutor.” The case of Teresa Sheehan illustrates that the reality is more complicated.

By

Laurel Rosenhall

• September 10, 2019

Criminal Justice