economic inequality

Inmate Jesus Robledo gives fellow inmate Luis Abrams a hair cut in the recreation area of their housing unit at the Tulare County Adult Pre-Trial Facility on Sept. 18, 2023. Last year the Tulare County set a record of eight inmate deaths in their facility. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Commentary

California expungement law offers a fresh start to rehabilitated people held back by a conviction

An estimated 1 in 5 Californians live with a conviction on their record. A 2022 law gives many of them a chance to expunge their record and make greater contributions to their communities.

By Joanna Hernandez • October 10, 2025

A person carries a large plastic bucket filled with produce on their shoulder while working in a field of green crops during harvest. Surrounded by others bending over the plants, the individual wears a long-sleeve shirt, hat, and face covering for sun protection. A tractor and trailer are visible in the background under the warm early morning or late afternoon light.

Commentary

California’s two-tier economy mirrors Great Britain’s ‘Upstairs, Downstairs’ past

The state's upper class espouses equality politics and social justice, while pushing policies that keep low wage workers living in poverty.

By

Dan Walters

• October 9, 2025

A row of brightly lit slot machines with empty black chairs lined up in front of them inside a casino.

Commentary

California leaders enable gaming monopoly, tribal inequity by legislating for the wealthy few

California's wealthiest tribes, preparing for digital gaming, are pushing a bill to effectively ban less wealthy tribes from offering online sweepstakes games.

By Charlie Wright • September 30, 2025

A consumer's PG&E bill from October, 2023. Photo by Manuel Orbegozo for CalMatters

Commentary

Newsom, lawmakers short on options to reduce California’s soaring electricity costs

Californians' power costs are among the nation's highest and could keep climbing. There’s precious little Newsom and legislators can do about it since they face chronic budget deficits.

By

Dan Walters

• August 14, 2025

A group of individuals stands or sits near a sidewalk lined with belongings, including bags, a stroller, and a green tent. One person looks at a phone, another carries a large bag over their shoulder, and some appear to be conversing or waiting. The background features a textured gray wall, and the scene conveys a sense of urban life and temporary shelter.

Commentary

California’s stubborn poverty crisis will hamper Newsom’s national climb

While Newsom is fond of touting California’s immense economic output, he rarely mentions its high rates of unemployment, poverty and homelessness, thanks largely to the state's high costs of housing, utilities and other necessities.

By

Dan Walters

• August 8, 2025

Physician assistant Brett Feldman checks his patient, Carla Bolen’s, blood pressure while in her encampment at the Figueroa St. Viaduct above Highway 110 in Elysian Valley Park in Los Angeles on Nov. 18, 2022. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Commentary

Californians should give their government more credit. Many states simply ignore their problems

An Arkansas native who relocated to California worries many citizens are internalizing the culture war disdain for the Golden State, and willing to tear down what makes California exceptional.

By DeAndre Evans • June 19, 2025

California Divide

Geologically rich but economically poor, Salton Sea communities want a say in their lithium future

The Salton Sea will soon become a major hub for California's renewable energy economy, prompting the legislature to take steps to ensure future investments benefit local communities that have long been left behind.

By

Deborah Brennan

• May 14, 2025

A stack of multicolored shipping containers, including brands like COSCO, Wan Hai, and tex, sits at the Port of Los Angeles. Above, a semi-truck carrying a blue container drives across a bridge, silhouetted against a light sky. The composition emphasizes the scale and flow of international freight transport.

Commentary

Having the fourth-largest economy doesn’t matter if Californians can’t afford essentials

Californians face high housing, health care and food costs. The trophy their leaders hoisting — surpassing Japan in gross domestic product — doesn't mean much to them.

By Aref Aziz • May 8, 2025

A weathered vintage-style sign reads “Welcome Salton Sea Beach” with a painted desert and ocean landscape. The sign features a red anchor-shaped arrow and a palm tree illustration. It stands along a quiet roadside with desert brush in the foreground and distant mountains and water in the background.

Commentary

California’s lithium future must include better recognition of overlooked Salton Sea communities

An effort to formally recognize the Salton Sea as an economic region was vetoed last year, but that has not stopped underinvested and underrepresented communities there from fighting for key infrastructure as lithium mining expands.

By Silvia Paz • April 14, 2025

A teacher sits at a table with a small group of students in a classroom, leading a discussion. A whiteboard behind them displays vocabulary words like “enough” and “jewelry.” The walls are covered with educational posters and a word wall. Empty desks and bins of supplies are visible in the foreground.

Commentary

Wide school disparities persist 54 years after California’s landmark funding decision

Several decades of fighting over how to "equalize" education funding have landed California back where it started, with an inequitable, taxpayer-funded public education system that can't close achievement gaps.

By

Dan Walters

• April 11, 2025

Economic Inequality