Legislator Card

Capitol

California legislative staff’s wait for a union just got even longer

Legislative leaders declared support for a bill to let staffers finally form a union, but the newly amended bill wouldn’t allow one until 2026.

By Sameea Kamal • July 7, 2023

Housing

My house or my beach? How California’s housing crisis could weaken its coastal protections

The California Coastal Commission has broad authority to protect the state's shoreline. Now, some want to curtail its power over affordable housing proposals.

By Ben Christopher • July 6, 2023

Health

Why single-payer advocates are split on how to overhaul health care

Two proposals that would usher in single-payer health care have divided former allies in the fight for reform.

By Ana B. Ibarra • July 5, 2023

Commentary

How will raising bridge tolls affect San Francisco Bay Area’s economic recovery?

Tolls on San Francisco Bay Area bridges are rising sharply and that could affect the economy of a region still struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Dan Walters • July 4, 2023

Capitol

Robert Rivas takes charge as California Assembly speaker

After a prolonged transition, the Salinas Democrat was sworn in as Assembly speaker today, taking over from Anthony Rendon. They’re ideologically similar so the differences may be more in leadership style than policy.

By Alexei Koseff • June 30, 2023

California Wildfires

California’s firefighter union is poised to get a rare perk: Guaranteed raises, forever

After several years of devastating wildfires, California lawmakers want to give hefty raises to Cal Fire firefighters. The deal could tie the governor's hands in contracts.

By Anabel Sosa • June 30, 2023

California Divide

California gets reparations recommendations, as some bemoan Supreme Court’s ruling and Newsom’s absence

The first-in-the-nation state-appointed task force report contains hundreds of recommendations for reparation, including a proposal that the state apologize and make financial amends for slavery and decades of racist policies.

By Wendy Fry, Rya Jetha and Alexei Koseff • June 29, 2023

Housing

How Texas shrank its homelessness population — and what it can teach California

Texas recorded a 28% drop in homelessness since 2012, while California’s homeless population grew by 43%. What's behind the diverging trends, and what can California learn from programs in Houston, Austin and San Antonio?

By Marisa Kendall • June 28, 2023

Climate Change

Corporations and climate change: California may force large businesses to disclose climate impacts

Corporate reports would reveal top polluters and climate-related financial risks. But companies warn about faulty data and a “gold-plated exercise” if the two bills become law.

By Alejandro Lazo • June 27, 2023

Politics

She lost her home. She doesn’t want to lose her city council seat

An Ojai City Councilmember moved out of her district after losing her home and is in danger of losing her seat. She and her supporters say it’s a dramatic demonstration of California’s affordable housing crisis.

By Alexei Koseff • June 22, 2023