Water

WhatMatters

Water, #MeToo, homelessness politicized, impeachment, and Trump’s dismal numbers

New water law has big implications. Central Valley struggles with unemployment. Newsom considers signing bills inspired by #MeToo movement.

By Dan Morain • September 27, 2019

WhatMatters

Tailpipe fight pits Trump against Newsom, plus gig workers, Janet Napolitano, and the end of a friendship?

Tailpipe fight pits Trump against Newsom. Battle over gig workers bill is far from over. Newsom veto may exacerbate Delta water tensions.

By Dan Morain and Ben Christopher • September 19, 2019

Environment

Demise of key environment bill could escalate California’s water wars

Some groups will likely paint the governor — who sees himself as an environmental warrior — as a politician who, when it mattered, sided with big business and Donald Trump.

By Julie Cart • September 18, 2019

Environment

On bill to blunt Trump’s environment aims, it’s farms or endangered species — and Newsom must choose

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office has been part of negotiations over air, water and endangered-species protections. The governor decries Trump's environmental rollbacks but also seeks harmony with farmers opposing the bill.

By Julie Cart • September 11, 2019

WhatMatters

Newsom’s labor dispute, pay equity, PG&E’s lobby fight, death on the streets, and Delta tunnel

Newsom disinvites labor leader from commission. First partner fights for pay equity. Ad blitz aims to sink PG&E bankruptcy bill.

By Dan Morain and Adria Watson • August 28, 2019

Newsletters

Taxes, guns, endangered species, and sex

Newsom embraces a Trump tax cut. Secretive food banks serve immigrants. Trump's environmental rollbacks aid prospects for California bill.

By Dan Morain • August 26, 2019

California Wildfires

Worried about wildfires, Californians ready to spend, vote to fight climate change

Californians want the state to lead the world in fighting climate change, according to a new poll — and many are ready to tackle the problem on the road, at the ballot box, and even with their pocketbooks. 

By Rachel Becker • July 29, 2019

WhatMatters

Fire, water, Ricardo Lara’s money, poking Trump, and Tom Steyer’s platform

Newsom expected to sign wildfire legislation. Bill would put plug in Mojave water-pumping project. Insurance commissioner to return campaign donations.

By Dan Morain and Barbara Harvey • July 12, 2019

Commentary

Stop raiding California’s cap-and-trade funding

Fabian Núñez: Important progress may be threatened by diversions of cap-and-trade funds for investments that are barely related to the original intent of AB 32. The last thing our state and the planet can afford is for cap-and-trade funds to be turned into a slush fund for pet projects that do little or nothing to improve our environment.

By Guest Commentary • June 26, 2019

Capitol

Why fighting for clean water with climate change money worries some California lawmakers

Combat climate change, or clean up the water? Legislators chose to dip into a greenhouse gas fund to fight California’s drinking water problem. The move alarmed environmentalists and legislators on both sides of the aisle — but it could soon become the norm.

By Rachel Becker • June 17, 2019