Infrastructure

Commentary

State should have info about broadband access, quality of service

SB 28 would provide two important tools to force transparency and ensure accountability from broadband internet providers.

By

Guest Commentary

• September 27, 2021

Commentary

Why California’s congressional delegation must lead on infrastructure bill

The bill would help promote drought resiliency, adjust to climate change and keep California’s food supply safe.

By

Guest Commentary

• September 21, 2021

Commentary

Temporary use of phased-out power plants could help keep the lights on

The state water board is considering a two-year extension for ocean-cooled power plants that are due to be shut down. Given the effects of the climate crisis, legislators should support it.

By

Guest Commentary

• July 27, 2021

Commentary

Don’t delay governor’s broadband plan

Lock in the details for a “middle mile” broadband infrastructure plan before June 15 to secure billions in federal funding.

By

Guest Commentary

• June 11, 2021

Commentary

How California can create a more equitable food system

State funds would allow California to support small farmers and ranchers who have been left out of publicly funded agriculture programs. This will help build resilience into our food system.

By

Guest Commentary

• June 8, 2021

Commentary

Broadband for all can revive post-pandemic economy

The state must increase grant funding to help communities invest in much-needed broadband technology.

By

Guest Commentary

• June 1, 2021

California Capitol, home of the Assembly and Senate. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Commentary

Divisive Oakland freeway may be demolished

A decades-long debate over the fate of Oakland's Interstate 980 freeway may be nearing an end as political figures call for its demolition.

By

Dan Walters

• June 1, 2021

Politics

Is this the year the California Legislature closes the digital divide?

Lawmakers have more money and political will, but the telecommunications industry could still stand in the way of broadband for all Californians.

By

Ben Christopher

• April 29, 2021

Mario Ramírez Garcia, 10, listen as his teacher addresses the class during distance learning in the bedroom he shares with his sister on April 23, 2021. According to their father, the internet connection at their Oakland home cuts out about twice a week, which is especially frustrating to the kids when they are taking tests. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

California Divide

The wires may be there, but the dollars aren’t: Analysis shows why millions of California students lack broadband

As millions of Californians finish a frustrating “virtual” school year plagued by tech glitches, a CalMatters data analysis exposes affordability as a key barrier to broadband access, for rural and urban students.

By

Jackie Botts

and

Ricardo Cano

• April 28, 2021

Commentary

To keep the lights on, here’s how California should plan for the extraordinary

Long-duration energy storage technologies will be an integral part of California’s renewable energy and climate change planning.

By

Guest Commentary

• April 21, 2021