Scott Wiener

Gov. Gavin Newsom has a big decision to make — one that could have equally big implications for his national profile. Heading to Newsom’s desk is a controversial bill that would allow Oakland, San Francisco and Los Angeles to launch trial supervised drug injection sites through Jan. 1, 2028. The sites — which are currently […]

Red tape, red tape, red tape. That was the refrain that popped up repeatedly on Tuesday, when California lawmakers convened for two separate hearings on the two viruses for which Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared a public health state of emergency: COVID-19 and monkeypox. The key takeaway from the two hearings — which, ironically, took […]

As one of California’s public health emergencies appears to be subsiding, another is emerging. Los Angeles County public health officers, who had been poised to take the controversial step of reinstating a universal indoor mask mandate as soon as today, announced Thursday they would not proceed with that plan due to improving coronavirus infection numbers […]

California lawmakers pass a bill to allow youths 12 and older to get vaccines without parental consent, despite lots of controversy.

California Democrats welcome people in Florida and Texas opposed to their states' stances on abortion, LGBTQ rights and gun control.

An obscure committee examining California’s penal code saw more than half its recommendations go to the governor. Gov. Newsom signed all the bills.

In the latest episode of "Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast." CalMatters' Manuela Tobias and the Los Angeles Times' Liam Dillon are joined by former housing policy advisor Annie Fryman to tackle a crucial question: If housing is such a key priority for legislators, why can’t they get anything done?

Gov. Newsom and key legislators agree to extend statewide eviction ban through Sept. 30, to provide full back rent for tenants and landlords. The deal includes fixes to speed rent relief payments.

The state of California is paying itself $500,000 for administering Gov. Gavin Newsom’s vaccine lottery. The news, which I first reported Thursday, comes about a week after Newsom wrapped up a whirlwind series of events in which he gave away millions of dollars and other prizes to encourage Californians to get the COVID-19 vaccine. It’s […]

What is a skilled and trained workforce, and what could the labor requirement do to California affordable housing bills in the Legislature?