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Commentary

High-priced jail phone calls: $15 to talk to your daughter

Research shows that the more people stay in touch with their families while in jail, the better they do when they get out.

By Guest Commentary • April 27, 2021

Commentary

Despite favorable poll, Newsom faces recall test

A new poll finds that just 40% of California voters now favor recalling Gov. Gavin Newsom, but six months is an eternity in politics.

By Dan Walters • April 5, 2021

Politics

Carrots, sticks and jabs: What will California do to win over vaccine skeptics?

With millions of vaccine holdouts, the state is holding off on tough measures — for now. But if events and ads aren’t enough, how far will legislators go?

By Ben Christopher • April 1, 2021

Commentary

As drought alarms sound, is California prepared?

Here are some priorities the State Water Board and the Department of Fish and Wildlife can tackle now to get ready for the next drought.

By Guest Commentary • March 16, 2021

Economy

California’s make-or-break reopening has arrived

As the state reshuffles vaccine distribution and reopening rules, lawmakers green-light a hard-fought plan to bring students back into schools. What does it all mean for economic recovery?

By Lauren Hepler, Ricardo Cano and Ben Christopher • March 4, 2021

Education

Tens of thousands of community college students still taking unnecessary remedial classes

A 2017 law started to phase out remedial courses at community colleges, but while there’s been progress, many students still end up taking classes experts say they don’t need.

By Mikhail Zinshteyn • February 19, 2021

Politics

The squeeze is on: Amid recall threat, Newsom faces single-payer dilemma

Gavin Newsom campaigned for governor promising single-payer health care in California. Three years later, is he ready to risk it?

By Ben Christopher • February 19, 2021

Coronavirus

Who’s getting vaccinated in California? A county-by-county look at racial data

Although data is incomplete, in nearly all counties, white people received the largest percentage of vaccine doses — even in counties with large Latino populations. Latinos are the biggest group vaccinated in Los Angeles and two other counties.

By CalMatters Staff • February 19, 2021

WhatMatters

Inside Newsom’s declining approval rate

Good morning, California. It’s Wednesday, February 3. Low marks for vaccine rollout Gov. Gavin Newsom’s approval rating has fallen from record-high levels notched earlier in the pandemic, according to two polls released Tuesday — potentially fueling the campaign to recall him from office. Around 54% of Californians approve of Newsom’s job performance, down from a […]

By Emily Hoeven • February 3, 2021

Commentary

Two polls differ sharply on Newsom

Two polls starkly disagree on whether California Gov. Gavin Newsom's popularity has plummeted or has held up well as he deals with COVID-19.

By Dan Walters • February 3, 2021