Prisons

Capitol

California tries again to protect workers from indoor heat — except in prisons

State workplace safety officials plan to protect employees from indoor heat this summer. But due to cost concerns, a separate rule is in the works for state prisons that will take more time.

By Jeanne Kuang • April 18, 2024

Justice

California jails are holding thousands fewer people, but far more are dying in them

Gov. Gavin Newsom pledged to address a rise in jail deaths early in his administration. Since then, fentanyl overdoses and suicides have death rates at historic highs.

By Nigel Duara and Jeremia Kimelman • March 25, 2024

Justice

Who can fix California’s troubled jails? This board is gaining new power to review deaths

Law enforcement leaders hold a majority of seats on California’s jail oversight board. As overdoses rise, a new state law is adding seats for people with health and behavioral health expertise.

By CalMatters Staff • March 25, 2024

Justice

No parole for youth with life sentences, California Supreme Court rules

A Los Angeles man convicted of slaying an elderly neighbor in 1989 cannot seek parole under new state laws that were intended to give youth offenders a shot at freedom, the California Supreme Court ruled.

By Nigel Duara • March 4, 2024

Justice

As California closes prisons, the cost of locking someone up hits new record at $132,860

Locking up a California state prisoner for one year costs nearly twice as much as tuition at the state’s top private universities. The number surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, and remains high because of inmate medical costs and pay boosts for prison guards and other workers.

By Kristen Hwang and Nigel Duara • January 23, 2024

Justice

Friendlier prison guards? Why Gavin Newsom’s advisers want them at San Quentin

California correctional officers train like 'they are going to war' to work in state prisons. Gov. Gavin Newsom's plan to transform San Quentin could require a kinder approach.

By Nigel Duara • January 5, 2024

Justice

Year in review: California closes prisons and transforms others

As the state shutters prisons, Gov. Newsom wants to turn San Quentin into a model for rehabilitation. Attorney General Rob Bonta is trying to catch up on police shooting investigations.

By Nigel Duara • December 20, 2023

Commentary

San Quentin Prison is decaying and California would rather ‘transform’ it than fix it

California's whopping $14.4 billion prison budget and the governor’s $360.6 million price tag to "transform" San Quentin into a rehabilitation center seemingly overlook the existing problems with the prison’s infrastructure. Maintenance needs topped $1.6 billion in 2021, and the issues inside are slow to improve if they do at all.

By Kevin D. Sawyer • November 9, 2023

WhatMatters

What changes will California voters see in 2024 election?

The 2024 primary election is less than six months away, and, thanks to a series of measures over the last few years, the process will look a little different for voters.  For one, it’s the first presidential primary in which everyone can vote by mail. Because California’s top-two primary system — in which the two […]

By Sameea Kamal • September 20, 2023

Justice

He lied to win a California rehab contract. Now he’s convicted of exploiting parolees in his care

Attila Colar went to prison for lying to the government. After California gave him another contract as a provider in a rehabilitation program, a federal jury convicted him of fraud for using the personal information of Bay Area parolees and others to collect government COVID funds.

By Byrhonda Lyons • September 6, 2023