Criminal Justice

Economy

As Gavin Newsom becomes governor, how he could shape California’s future—issue by issue

Now that California voters have given Gavin Newsom the job he has sought for eight years, he is about to discover that winning was the easy part. Here's his plans for California's most pressing issues.

By CalMatters Staff • November 6, 2018

Newsletters

How liberal is California, really?

California and the House fight. How liberal are CA Democrats? The impact of a law giving prosecutors less power. Behind the UC strike. A cholera monument.

By Dan Morain • October 26, 2018

Politics

California’s bill to end cash bail could make history—and splinter the left

Civil rights advocates who once led the charge for bail reform are now lobbying against it, saying it replaces one problem with another—and may perpetuate racial bias.

By Laurel Rosenhall • August 16, 2018

Newsletters

Who’s going to pay for the fires

California legislators confront the question of how to pay for fire damage. Should PG&E be relieved of costs related to devastating 2017 wildfires, and should the law be changed for future fires?

By Dan Morain • July 13, 2018

Justice

California may up its rehab efforts to keep ex-inmates from returning to prison

Gov. Jerry Brown wants to add millions in new spending on programs to help former inmates stay out of jail—a proposal generating bipartisan praise because of concern they are returning to prison in large numbers. But some say it still isn't enough.

By Sophia Bollag • January 24, 2018

Politics

From lyrics to legislation: Common comes rapping on California’s Capitol

After an artistic career that propelled him from the south side of Chicago to poetry nights in the Obama White House, the 45-year-old rapper Common is now working to influence state policy. A resident of Los Angeles, Common is trying to change the criminal justice system in California.

By Laurel Rosenhall • August 17, 2017