University Of California

College Beat

California is pressing universities to repatriate thousands of Native American remains and artifacts. How two campuses are succeeding.

Successive state audits of the University of California and the California State University found both systems have failed to comply with decades old state and federal laws mandating the return of Native ancestral remains and cultural artifacts, an act known as repatriation. Only UCLA and Cal State Long Beach have returned a majority of their collections back to local tribes.

By Amelia Wu and Helena San Roque • December 26, 2023

Higher Education

Year in review: California universities get more money

While the UC and Cal State systems received more money in 2023, they still face financial challenges. And they also must address labor strife.

By Mikhail Zinshteyn • December 21, 2023

WhatMatters

What big California bills are left on Newsom’s desk?

Gov. Gavin Newsom greenlit 56 bills Wednesday to help ease the state’s affordable housing crisis. And with three days left to take action, he’s gone through most major bills on other pressing issues as well. But there are still a handful of significant ones he has yet to decide. Perhaps the most contentious is Senate […]

By Lynn La • October 12, 2023

WhatMatters

California Legislature kills and weakens bills in final push

The final, frenetic week of the Legislature is as much about bills that don’t get through — or get watered down significantly — as those that do pass and reach Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk, or the big, last-minute deals: A reminder that CalMatters is tracking bills that are being sent to Newsom. Tuesday, that list […]

By Lynn La • September 13, 2023

Education

Why new UC Berkeley housing law, if approved, won’t clear the way to build dorms yet

Assemblymember Buffy Wicks proposed legislation to help get around a court's rejection of a UC Berkeley housing plan. But even if the law is approved, its fate is in the hands of the state Supreme Court.

By Mikhail Zinshteyn • August 30, 2023

WhatMatters

No deal yet on Newsom mental health plan

From CalMatters health reporter Kristen Hwang:  If Gov. Gavin Newsom was hoping amendments introduced to his mental health overhaul last week would sufficiently appease critics, Tuesday’s back-to-back committee hearings only revealed how much further he has to go to reach a compromise. The big idea: Newsom wants counties to prioritize behavioral health spending on homeless […]

By Lynn La • August 23, 2023

Commentary

California’s 63-year-old higher education plan could use a reality check

California adopted a master plan for its higher education system more than six decades ago, but its vision has never materialized. It's time to square the plan with 21st-century realities.

By Dan Walters • July 26, 2023

Commentary

UCSF study unpacks root causes of California’s homelessness crisis

California has the nation's worst homelessness crisis. A new UCSF study revealed how so many Californians lost shelter and what should be done about it.

By Dan Walters • June 21, 2023

Commentary

How California can simplify the financial aid process for undocumented students

California offers financial aid to undocumented students, but a new report found that only 14% took advantage last year. Consolidating the convoluted application process and expanding work opportunities so undocumented students could cover the gaps left by a lack of federal aid could help.

By Leo Rodriguez • May 25, 2023

WhatMatters

Will California make it easier to build big projects?

If the Legislature approves the sweeping proposals to reform a landmark environmental law that Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed Friday, industry groups and developers may have one less roadblock to face in constructing ambitious projects, including affordable housing and critical infrastructure.  But if the concerns of environmentalists go unaddressed, the state may set off a new […]

By Lynn La • May 22, 2023