lgbtq - CalMatters

Assemblymember Anthony Rendon, a Lakewood Democrat, (left) works with Assemblymember James C. Ramos, a San Bernardino Democrat, during session at the state Capitol in Sacramento on Aug. 24, 2023.

It’s the final day for California Legislature to pass bills

by Lynn La September 14, 2023September 14, 2023

The legislative session that started Jan. 3 — and kept going and going, other than spring break and summer recess — is set to end tonight. Lawmakers are wrapping up after numerous rallies by state workers and advocacy groups, countless committee hearings and floor debates and a leadership change in the Assembly. But they still […]

A family visits booths. Somali Family Service, one of the groups receiving state anti-hate money, hosted immigrant families, including refugees and asylum seekers, at a resource fair in San Diego on Sept. 9, 2023.

California Divide

From films to counseling — how California is spending $90 million to fight hate

by Felicia Mello September 13, 2023September 15, 2023

Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez, a Ponoma Democrat, tracks bills during session at the state Capitol in Sacramento on Aug. 24, 2023.

More California ballot measures try to go around Legislature

by Lynn La September 7, 2023September 7, 2023

The state Senate Appropriations Committee session on suspense file day at the state Capitol in Sacramento on Sept. 1, 2023.

Ending the suspense: Child trafficking, fentanyl bills can still become law

by Alexei Koseff and Sameea Kamal September 1, 2023September 5, 2023

People show support for three statewide initiatives: schools to notify parents when their child requests to be treated as transgender, preventing biological boys competing against biological girls and prevent sterilization of children, at a press conference at the state Capitol in Sacramento on Aug. 28, 2023. Photo by Rahul Lal for CalMatters

As culture wars escalate, California officials push back on conservative school board policies

by Carolyn Jones and Alexei Koseff August 29, 2023August 29, 2023

People show support for three statewide initiatives: schools to notify parents when their child requests to be treated as transgender, preventing biological boys competing against biological girls and prevent sterilization of children, at a press conference at the state Capitol in Sacramento on Aug. 28, 2023. Photo by Rahul Lal for CalMatters

California parental rights and student privacy collide

by Lynn La August 29, 2023August 29, 2023

Polling workers empty a curbside ballot box in Santa Monica, June 2, 2022. Photo by Lucy Nichols, REUTERS

California’s high court upholds voting rights law

by Lynn La August 25, 2023August 25, 2023

Sonja Shaw is running for a seat on the Chino Valley School Board in the Inland Empire. “I’m running because I want to make sure that parents have a voice on the board, and to preserve the rights of a parent,” Shaw said. “During the shut down, parents were pushed out, and we have had enough—these are our children, our future.” August 14, 2022. Photo by Pablo Unzueta for CalMatters

Local school boards face off with CA leaders

by Lynn La July 24, 2023July 24, 2023

Gov. Gavin Newsom signs a bill on his proposed oil profit penalty plan in Sacramento on March 28, 2023. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr. , CalMatters

Gavin Newsom gets out his veto pen

by Lynn La July 17, 2023August 16, 2023

Final tally of votes stands 43 to 17 as Assembly Democrats vote for a second Assembly Public Safety Committee hearing, in regards to Senate Bill 14, during session at the state Capitol in Sacramento on July 13, 2023. SB 14 would make child trafficking a serious felony. The bill was blocked by the Assembly Public Safety Committee on Tuesday, but shortly passed in a second committee hearing later today. Photo by Rahul Lal for CalMatters

Child trafficking bill creates drama at California Legislature

by Lynn La July 14, 2023July 14, 2023