Wildfires

Environment

What to know as California’s peak fire months loom

The state's forests are clogged with 147 million dead trees — wildfire fuel — and late-winter rains nourished grasses and other highly combustible plants.

By Julie Cart • August 29, 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

Economy

How much could PG&E’s rates rise? What you need to know

In the past decade, PG&E rates have gone up 31% — faster than inflation — though not as much as San Diego Gas & Electric's.

By Judy Lin • August 22, 2019

WhatMatters

PG&E play emerges, Newsom visits Paradise, race tracks jockey for position

Battle over PG&E's fate continues. Newsom recollects first pet. Legislators eye more gun control bills, as gun rights supporters turn to courts.

By Dan Morain • August 22, 2019

WhatMatters

California’s lobbying boom, new firefighting tools, and the recycling crisis

California's lobbying industry booms, boosting a Newsom adviser. Firefighters get new tools. Officials face a garbage crisis.

By Dan Morain and Barbara Harvey • August 2, 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

Newsletters

Hedge funds fight for control of PG&E, as Newsom selects new electricity regulator

Wall Street players eye takeovers of Pacific Gas & Electric, San Diego Gas & Electric. New wildfire law was a long time in the making. PUC gets a new chief.

By Dan Morain and Barbara Harvey • July 15, 2019

California Wildfires

California’s new wildfire plan: 5 things to know

Is this a utilities bailout? Will it help prevent future fires? How will all this work? Here's a breakdown of the new plan California lawmakers are putting in place.

By Julie Cart • July 12, 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

Newsletters

Newsom’s fire plan, lack of mental health leadership, a transgender barrier to fall

Newsom eyes package to address wildfires crisis. Mental health services vary widely by county. Legislation focuses on school records for transgender alumi.

By Dan Morain • June 24, 2019