Joe Biden

Environment

Legacy of a clean-air czar: Clearer skies, bold alliances and bitter controversy

Mary Nichols has been pivotal in California’s war on smog. But as her tenure ends next week, activists say she didn’t do enough to protect low-income communities and they scuttled her candidacy for Biden’s top environmental post. Wounded but tenacious, she’s contemplating her next battles.

By Rachel Becker • December 23, 2020

Commentary

Asian American and Pacific Islanders are ready to lead

Asian American and Pacific Islanders have been notably absent from discussions for Cabinet appointments and in Gov. Newsom’s upcoming appointments.

By Guest Commentary • December 21, 2020

Commentary

Based on election results, you can throw out those old stereotypes

Future political campaigns will need to dive deeper into the new breed of no party preference voters – they will be the key to victories or defeats.

By Guest Commentary • December 15, 2020

WhatMatters

The scramble for vaccine priority

Good morning, California. It’s Tuesday, December 15. ‘Essential workers’ next Health care workers at a Los Angeles hospital were among the first Californians to receive the COVID-19 vaccine Monday, launching a fierce battle over who gets to be next in line. The state hasn’t yet specified which groups will follow health care workers and nursing […]

By Emily Hoeven • December 15, 2020

Elections

My vote wasn’t going to affect the outcome

CalMatters talked to a handful of the 4.3 million Californians who chose to sit out this year’s election to find out why, given 17.8 million set a record by voting in November. Gabe Kim, a college student at Humboldt State, said he doesn't feel ostracized for not voting.

By Freddy Brewster • December 14, 2020

Elections

He wanted Bernie for president so he didn’t vote

CalMatters talked to a handful of the 4.3 million Californians who chose to sit out this year’s election to find out why, given 17.8 million set a record by voting in November. Sergio Berrueta, a student at Humboldt State and a Bernie Sanders supporter, said he didn't like President-Elect Joe Biden or President Donald Trump so chose not to vote.

By Freddy Brewster • December 14, 2020

Commentary

What does poll show about vaccines, mask mandate and a replacement for Harris’ Senate seat

Even with vaccinations starting this week, people have a far different view of dealing with COVID-19 than the beginnings of shutdowns in March.

By Guest Commentary • December 14, 2020

WhatMatters

The vaccine arrives in California: Health care workers up first

Thousands of California health care workers may receive their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine today, marking a promising new chapter in the state’s battle with the pandemic even as deadly outbreaks flare up.  Portions of California’s initial allotment of 327,000 doses were slated to begin arriving at health care facilities Sunday night, with shipments […]

By Emily Hoeven • December 14, 2020

Elections

How Votebeat analyzed the election data

Editor’s note: Votebeat analyzed state and local voting data, using U.S. census data for context, to examine which voting blocs and counties drove the record ballots cast in the general election. Here is how we did the analysis. Statewide data on ballots cast, registered voters and voter turnout were obtained from the California Secretary of […]

By Phillip Reese • December 10, 2020

Elections

Poor and diverse voters fuel California’s record ballots cast

California’s decision to mail a ballot to every registered voter resulted in record ballots cast in the general election — but it was poor and diverse communities that fueled the increases.

By Phillip Reese and Lewis Griswold • December 10, 2020