San Francisco

WhatMatters

In the past, homelessness barely registered as a political issue. Now, it’s a top concern

For the first time, California voters are ranking homelessness as the state's most pressing issue,

By

Dan Morain

• October 3, 2019

The Plaza Apartments in downtown San Francisco. Multiple tenant protection bills face key votes next week.

Housing

Watch: Panel on California’s housing crisis

Gimme Shelter co-hosts Matt Levin and Liam Dillon get answers from leaders in government, industry and philanthropy on the California housing crisis.

By

CalMatters Staff

• September 17, 2019

Photo of a hand holding an electronic cigarette with smoke. The hands-off approach by California lawmakers is at odds with the escalating public concern over the industry. Photo via iStock

Health

Vaping industry breathes easier: For now, California lawmakers won’t restrict its business

San Francisco-based Juul and other companies that produce and sell vaping products lobbied hard — and seem to have gotten exactly what they wanted out of the 2019 legislative session.

By

Ben Christopher

• September 10, 2019

A man'Data measurements pinpoint a man's face. California lawmakers may prevent police agencies from using facial recognition technology — at least for now. Photo via iStock

Capitol

Facing police opposition, California lawmakers limit bill to ban facial recognition

A bill that aimed to permanently keep police from using body cams with facial recognition now would ban it for only three years.

By

Laurel Rosenhall

• September 9, 2019

Larry Block owns Block Party, one of a handful of gay-owned and gay-centric shops left on Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood. He’s lived in WeHo since 1985, but worries the neighborhood is going too mainstream. Photo by Elizabeth Aguilera for CalMatters

Housing

Gentrification is changing California’s iconic gay communities

Experts say neighborhoods that emerged as havens for gay Californians are now feeling the effects of rising home prices, shifting cultural norms and new ways of connecting.

By

Elizabeth Aguilera

• August 14, 2019

A hand is seen pouring a mixed drink into two cocktail glasses at a wooden bar. The room is dimly lit.

Capitol

Mischief managed? Push for 4 a.m. last call gets a fresh shot with winemaker Gavin Newsom

A bill that would allow 10 California cities to extend last call at bars from 2 to 4 a.m. has a fresh shot at making it to the governor's desk. Will Sen. Scott Wiener's SB 58 get a friendlier reception from winemaker-turned-governor Gavin Newsom?

By

Adria Watson

• May 23, 2019

E-cigarettes use among middle and high schoolers rose 78 percent last year over the previous year. Federal data indicates more than 1 in 5 students now use them.

Capitol

Industry aims to extinguish bills that would make California first state to ban flavored tobacco

As legislation to outlaw the sale of flavored-tobacco products flounders in the California Legislature, health advocates blame the influence the tobacco industry has with key state lawmakers. Vaping has skyrocketed among middle and high schoolers, many of whom are attracted by the sweet flavors. E-cigarette manufacturers such as Juul Labs in San Francisco say their products are intended only for adults and help them quit traditional cigarettes.

By

Elizabeth Aguilera

• May 19, 2019

Newsletters

Drawing lines on privacy, wildfire, water and schools

San Francisco bans use of facial-recognition technology. PG&E's new CEO to face lawmakers today. Attorney general sues to stop raising of Shasta Dam.

By

Dan Morain

• May 15, 2019

View of theView of the Tuolumne River as it approaches the confluence with the San Joaquin. Dos Rios Ranch, with more than six miles of river frontage, is among sites in which floodplains are being restored. Photo via River Partners River as it approaches the confluence with the San Joaquin. Dos Rios Ranch has more than six miles of river frontage. Photo via River Partners

Commentary

New currents of cooperation on California’s wicked water problems

Difficult negotiations on how to efficiently and fairly share water among farmers, cities including San Francisco, and fish and wildlife have been underway since 2012 with little resolution in sight—until last month. With the leadership of the Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration, representatives of farmers, cities and conservation groups are having productive negotiations.

By

Guest Commentary

• May 14, 2019

Newsletters

Spring assortment: Scooters, speech, shopping, gardens, homes, wildlife

A wet winter turns to spring, two die in e-scooter wrecks, California comes for paper receipts, a pesticide verdict, mountain lions, falcon eggs, tweets.

By

Dan Morain

• March 21, 2019