rob bonta

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In an alley south of San Francisco’s Market Street, surrounded by the scraps of disassembled weapons and flanked by the mothers of young men killed by gunfire — including the one memorialized on the mural behind him — Attorney General Rob Bonta announced his latest idea for tackling gun violence in California. But it wasn’t […]

By

Ben Christopher

• September 22, 2022

The California Republican Party calls Malia Cohen, the Democratic candidate for state controller, a chicken for not agreeing to debate her GOP opponent, Lanhee Chen. Photo via Twitter

WhatMatters

In big California campaigns, no room for debate

As Election Day approaches, you’re likely to spot Gov. Gavin Newsom popping up in plenty of television ads. You’ll see state controller candidate Malia Cohen on her various social media feeds. Attorney General Rob Bonta will be busy attending plenty of press conferences. But what are the odds that voters will catch any of these […]

By

Ben Christopher

• September 14, 2022

Capitol

Misfire: Behind the California concealed carry bill’s big fail

In a state known for its strict gun laws, a concealed carry bill failed in the final hours of the legislative session. Its supporters rolled the dice with a proposal that would take effect quickly, but that required two-thirds approval.

By

Ben Christopher

• September 2, 2022

A large circular emblem on the exterior of a stone building displays the seal of the California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General. The emblem features an image of a blindfolded figure holding a set of scales and a sword, with the inscription "Liberty and Justice Under Law." Green tree branches partially frame the top of the image, and a lamppost stands in the foreground. Security cameras are mounted on the building's facade.

WhatMatters

Concealed carry fiasco hangs over Capitol

A dispatch from me and CalMatters political reporter Ben Christopher: Legislative Republicans called Tuesday for an independent state audit to find out “what in the world happened” when the California Department of Justice briefly published the personal identifying information of more than 240,000 concealed carry weapon license applicants late last month. Assemblymember Jim Patterson, a […]

By

Emily Hoeven

• July 20, 2022

Sunset behind electrical lines outside of Bay Point along Highway 4 on Sept. 15, 2020. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Environment

California climate rules won’t be undercut by Supreme Court’s ruling, experts say

The Supreme Court’s decision to limit federal environmental protection rules will have little-to-no effect on California’s carbon-reduction policies, according to experts — and state leaders say they are doubling down on their climate commitment.

By

Nadia Lopez

• June 30, 2022

Revolvers for sale at a gun store in Oceanside on April 12, 2021. Photo by Bing Guan, Reuters

Capitol

California’s change to concealed carry permits would reduce wide variations among counties

Responding to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling, California legislators push a bill to restrict concealed carry permits. New numbers show a wide variation among counties in how many permits have been issued. But in publishing the data, the state Department of Justice exposed personal information of permit holders.

By

Ben Christopher

• June 29, 2022

San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin addresses supporters in San Francisco on June 7, 2022. San Francisco residents voted to recall Boudin in a heated campaign that bitterly divided Democrats over crime, policing and public safety reform. AP Photo/Noah Berger

Politics

Chesa Boudin recall is not a death knell for California criminal justice reform

While San Francisco voters recalled progressive DA Chesa Boudin, other criminal justice reform proponents did well in the California primary. The message sent by voters was far more nuanced than the national narrative.

By

Alexei Koseff

• June 9, 2022

Attorney General Rob Bonta during a confirmation hearing for the Supreme Court of California in San Francisco on March 22, 2022. AP Photo/Eric Risberg

WhatMatters

Could DA Boudin recall spell trouble for Attorney General Bonta?

Get ready for a lot more ads attempting to link Attorney General Rob Bonta to Chesa Boudin, the progressive district attorney whom San Francisco voters ousted Tuesday night in one of the most closely watched races in California’s primary election. But it’s unclear if such an approach will prove effective, given the two men’s sharply […]

By

Emily Hoeven

• June 8, 2022

Screenshot via SFPD OIS Virtual Town Hall

Justice

Attorney general candidates divided on new police shootings law

California law requires the Department of Justice to investigate police shootings of unarmed civilians. Not every candidate for attorney general thinks it’s working.

By

Nigel Duara

• June 6, 2022

Voters register and receive their ballots at the San Francisco voting center at City Hall on Nov. 3, 2002. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

WhatMatters

California’s primary is 1 day away. Do voters care?

I’m back from a vacation made all the more sweet by CalMatters’ showing at the California Journalism Awards! Many thanks to Ben Christopher for his incredible job guest-hosting the newsletter. ‘Twas the night before California’s primary election, when all through the state / Barely a creature was stirring, even with the high stakes. My adaptation […]

By

Emily Hoeven

• June 6, 2022