Los Angeles

Commentary

Los Angeles DA race more likely a referendum on George Gascón than progressive politics

George Gascón's re-election bid for one of the most influential criminal justice jobs in Southern California and beyond is more likely to come down to his poor performance in office, rather than a referendum on progressive politics.

By

Jim Newton

• October 19, 2023

RedistrictingPartners, the consulting firm hired to help the Long Beach Independent Redistricting Commission, share insights on the newly drawn political lines in Long Beach, during a commission meeting held at city hall, on Oct. 20, 2021. Photo by Pablo Unzueta for CalMatters

Politics

Why California politicians will keep drawing their own election districts

Gov. Newsom vetoed the most sweeping bill to require cities and counties to create independent redistricting commissions. He cited budget concerns, but the bill's supporters aren't convinced.

By

Sameea Kamal

• October 11, 2023

The San Gabriel Mountains behind the city of Los Angeles, from Kenneth Hahn Park on Feb. 26, 2023. Photo by Mike Blake, Reuters

Commentary

Los Angeles neighborhoods choked by pollution need California to extend clean transportation program

In neglected areas such as South Los Angeles, the freeways that crisscross neighborhoods are choking residents with harmful pollution. A bill on Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk would extend a clean transportation program that can aid these communities.

By

Guest Commentary

• October 10, 2023

Guns for sale at Rifle Supply in Huntington Beach on Sept. 21, 2023. Photo by Alisha Jucevic for CalMatters

Commentary

As Los Angeles tries new gun laws, the Supreme Court stands ready to undo them

Los Angeles has passed restrictions and reduced gun deaths over the years, but its ability to innovate could be hindered as long as the Supreme Court emphasizes "historical tradition" over the effectiveness of new regulations.

By

Jim Newton

• October 5, 2023

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

Hate crimes were up 20% in California in 2022, with those against transgender, Muslim and Black people increasing especially sharply. But the state is also spending more than any other to combat such crimes, including a hotline, state commission and a new round of grants to community organizations.

By

Felicia Mello

• September 13, 2023

Police officers stand guard near a crime scene in Los Angeles on March 8, 2023. Photo by Ringo H.W. Chiu, AP Photo

Commentary

Is crime rising or falling? In Los Angeles, the answer is both, and leaders are struggling to respond

Crime is complicated, and addressing it requires investment, coordination and thoughtful strategy. L.A.’s law enforcement leaders do not inspire confidence.

By

Jim Newton

• September 7, 2023

A crowd of people gathered at City Hall in Downtown Los Angeles as part of a nationwide effort in support of abortion rights on May 14, 2022. Photo by Raquel Natalicchio for CalMatters

Commentary

In a post-Roe landscape, Los Angeles anchors California’s defense of abortion rights

Researchers predicted that as many as 9,400 people would seek out Los Angeles County for abortion care after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. No such rush has materialized, but the pro-choice consensus among L.A. leaders will establish the city as the nation's largest safe haven.

By

Jim Newton

• August 24, 2023

Medical personnel working in the nurse’s station in the Emergency Room unit of Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital in Hollister on March 30, 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Health

3 California hospitals declared bankruptcy this year. Health chains could keep them alive

Two of the three troubled California hospitals are especially vital to their communities because they’re the only emergency providers in their rural counties. Health care chains could keep them afloat.

By

Ana B. Ibarra

• August 14, 2023

Officials bring new blankets into St. Anthony's Croatian Catholic Church in Los Angeles on June 14, 2023. Forty-two migrants, including some children, were dropped off at Union Station around 4 p.m. Wednesday and were being cared for at the church. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the migrants were sent to Los Angeles because California had declared itself a "sanctuary" for immigrants. Photo by Damian Dovarganes, AP Photo

Commentary

Karen Bass sees bused migrants as humans. Greg Abbott sees them as pawns in his overstated crisis

Even with border encounters sharply down this year, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has so far sent seven buses of asylum seekers to Los Angeles to make a disgraceful and cynical point about the country's immigration debate.

By

Jim Newton

• August 10, 2023

Commentary

Why conserving the San Gabriel Mountains is so important to California Latinos

As California attempts to conserve 30% of state land and coastal waters by 2030, expansion of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument would be a significant step, especially for Latinos in the L.A. area who lack access to open spaces.

By

Guest Commentary

• August 4, 2023