Una escuela chárter del norte de California, en apuros económicos, se declara en bancarrota
Highlands Community and Technical Schools fue acusada el año pasado de malversar 180 millones de dólares.
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Fed up with recalls, CA Democrats ask voters to change the rules
Was it the second question on the Gray Davis recall that sealed the Democratic governor’s fate? That’s the question that asked who should replace Davis if voters gave him the boot. State law barred him from competing on that question. And that made him practically roadkill for the international supercelebrity who…
He’s trying to break generational ties to gangs. Los Angeles police keep targeting him
LAPD launched an internal investigation after a swarm of officers allegedly profiled and detained young men the day they were set to graduate from a second-chance program.
Republican Hilton’s ‘Just try it’ ad courts liberals — and angers his own base
A suggestive new Hilton ad tries to seduce liberal voters into voting Republican — and instead infuriated his conservative allies.
Embattled Northern California charter school files for bankruptcy
Highlands Community and Technical Schools last year was accused of misspending $180 million.
‘Evaluators’ are supposed to keep AI from killing us all. No pressure
California and dozens of countries want mandatory AI audits, conducted by AI evaluators. Lawmakers are still learning about the job — and its pitfalls.
Las familias de California se están quedando sin tiempo para usar el beneficio de $120 por niño en alimentos
El programa federal envía el dinero a familias de bajos ingresos cuyos hijos son elegibles para almuerzos escolares gratuitos o a precio reducido, o que reciben MediCal. Los beneficios expiran progresivamente este otoño.
Los demócratas quieren cambiar las reglas de las elecciones revocatorias. Los votantes tienen la oportunidad de expresar su opinión con la Proposición 5
Tras el fracaso de la moción de destitución del gobernador Gavin Newsom en 2021, los demócratas contaban con la voluntad política y el impulso necesarios para exigir cambios en el proceso de destitución. El resultado fue la Proposición 5, que forma parte de la boleta de votación de noviembre.
Votantes de California deben decidir sobre cinco medidas fiscales este noviembre. Aquí te las explicamos todas
Los votantes de California no habían tenido que tomar tantas decisiones sobre política fiscal en las urnas desde 1994. Nuestro análisis muestra que los votantes rechazarán los nuevos impuestos.
What’s with all the taxes on the California ballot?
With the election less than a month away, California county elections officials are beginning to send out mail ballots today. Five of the 14 statewide ballot measures are related to taxes, and if that sounds like a lot, you’re not imagining things: It’s the most tax measures voters have been presented with during a…
Democrats want to change the rules for recall elections. Voters get their say with Prop. 5
Following the failed 2021 recall of Gov. Gavin Newsom, Democrats had the political will and momentum to call for changes to the recall process. What emerged was Proposition 5 on the November ballot, a measure to change the recall process.
California banned pay toilets to address inequality. Some would revive it on the same grounds
California was the first state to ban pay toilets. A pitched return of the policy in San Diego shows how privatization is the best government can think to do today.
Will Democrats’ midterm wave reach California’s Central Valley? Bernie Sanders rallies the vote
Many Democrats are hopeful that Randy Villegas, their congressional candidate in the traditionally conservative Central Valley, can prove that progressive ideas, like universal healthcare, are palatable outside of safe blue cities.
5 tax measures are on the California ballot. Here’s how to make sense of them all
California voters haven’t had to make so many decisions about tax policy at the ballot since 1994. Our analysis shows voters tend to reject new taxes.
Tech billionaires are spending millions to reshape California’s Legislature
Tech billionaires funding PACs have enjoyed recent growth in personal and corporate wealth and are spending it to handpick the California Legislature.
California families are running out of time to use $120 per kid benefit on groceries
The federal program sends the money to low-income families whose children are eligible for free or reduced-price school lunches or who receive MediCal. The benefits are expiring on a rolling basis this fall.
CalMatters wins another Online Journalism Award for “truly an online first investigation”
The contest recognizes innovative digital storytelling amongst major media outlets, international and independent news websites, and individuals telling stories online.
CalMatters wins another Online Journalism Award for “truly an online first investigation”
The contest recognizes innovative digital storytelling amongst major media outlets, international and independent news websites, and individuals telling stories online.
Doctors, insurers sue Newsom over health insurance premium increases
California lawmakers passed a healthcare tax in June that could increase premiums by $100 annually, but groups representing doctors and insurers say it violates the law.
Informe concluye que ningún fallo aislado causó los incendios en Los Ángeles. ¿Quién se encarga de solucionar los problemas del sistema?
Un informe de 723 páginas, ordenado por el gobernador Gavin Newsom, concluye que los incendios de Los Ángeles desbordaron un sistema que nunca fue diseñado para una conflagración impulsada por el viento.
Verificación de datos: ¿Podrían los legisladores de California extender el impuesto a los multimillonarios a todos los residentes?
Los opositores a la Proposición 40 afirman que el impuesto a los multimillonarios permite a los legisladores modificar la medida con una votación de dos tercios y aplicarla así a todos los residentes.
Fact check: Did Newsom’s mental health court hit his goal for helping Californians?
Gov. Gavin Newsom this week claimed a major victory for CARE Court, his program to provide mental health treatment to Californians with serious conditions. Did it really help 10,000 people?"
Newsom vetoes bill to stop DMV from keeping money after sales of towed cars
The bill was inspired by a CalMatters investigation.
No single failure caused LA fires, report finds. Who fixes the system?
A 723-page review ordered by Gov. Gavin Newsom finds LA fires overwhelmed a system never designed for a wind-driven conflagration.
‘High-ranking’ officer illegally snooped on officials with California police network
A whistleblower pointed state investigators to an unnamed, high-ranking law enforcement officer who was using California’s statewide law enforcement telecommunication network to find the home addresses and vehicle information of a deputy district attorney, a county supervisor and six of his employees. The officer’s…
Would-be Pelosi successors debate who’s more progressive in San Francisco congressional race
Regulating artificial intelligence emerged as a central issue in the first of two pre-election debates between the two Democrats vying to succeed former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
California colleges don’t have enough housing for students. Will these 4 new laws help?
Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a package of bills to reduce barriers and incentivize building affordable student housing in California. He has also signed a bill giving on-campus housing priority to students experiencing homelessness or who have been in foster care.
Fact check: Could California lawmakers expand the billionaire tax to everyone?
Prop. 40 opponents say the billionaire tax allows lawmakers to change the measure with a two-thirds vote.
Californians are in a sour mood but don’t want to change the political status quo
Californians are dissatisfied with the present and sour on the future, but the Democratic Party can comfortably expect to maintain its hegemony.
California will need more than a ‘kill switch’ to keep AI under control
After hundreds of AI “agents” participated in a cyber attack, industry leaders began seeking guardrails. California is beginning to set some.
New California reparations law requires companies to disclose past profits from slavery
Companies with more than $100 million in annual worldwide gross receipts will be required to search their records and submit sworn disclosures about slavery-related transactions.
Newsom vetoes high-speed rail oversight bill weeks after scathing audit of rail agency
The measure would have allowed the Office of the Inspector General that oversees the high-speed rail authority to hire more highly trained workers for audits and investigations.
CalMatters College Journalism Network program welcomes 2026-27 fellows
The program gives college journalists an opportunity to show the impact of state policy on their communities.
Lyft to pay $272 million in record-breaking settlement over drivers’ compensation
Thousands of Lyft drivers will be eligible to get paid for lost wages and benefits from 2016 to 2020, when they would have been considered employees under California labor law.
Get up to speed fast on Newsom’s last new laws and vetoes
It’s official: Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed and vetoed his last bills as California governor. Wednesday was the final day for Newsom to weigh in on 1,160 bills that were sent to him by state legislators. The governor, widely understood to be gearing up for a run for president, wanted the spotlight on some bills
Billionaire tax explained: What you need to know about Prop. 40
Proposition 40 would levy a one-time tax on billionaires. Some say the initiative opens the door to tax flight and more aggressive taxation. Others say there’s no way to predict the outcome.
Student math scores are abysmal. A new California law requires early testing for skill
A new math test will assess basic math skills for all K-2 students to help identify those who are struggling.
Neither LA mayoral candidate has a compelling answer to the affordability crisis
Beyond their ideas on how to curb housing prices, Mayor Karen Bass and challenger Nithya Raman have little to offer that would lower living costs in L.A.
New California law restricts undercover police operations targeting youth
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law limiting the use of so-called Perkins operations against young people. The undercover stings are under scrutiny at the California Supreme Court.
Hilton blames Democrats. Becerra blames Trump. Little was learned in governor’s race debate
"All you say is Trump, Trump, Trump," Hilton said on a question about immigration. "Trump, Trump, Trump," Becerra responded. So it went for an hour and a dozen issues.
In Becerra and Hilton’s only scheduled debate, Trump was the main character
In their only debate, Xavier Becerra repeatedly linked Steve Hilton to President Donald Trump — while Hilton accused him of dodging California's real problems.
California restricts parole for sex offenders after near-release of 2 convicted of molestation
People convicted of serious sex offenses must serve at least 25 years in prison and cannot receive parole until age 65 under a new California. Previously, some could earn parole at 50.
Newsom signs first-in-the-nation law to bolster struggling local news organizations
Gov. Gavin Newsom approved a novel tax plan to keep California’s shrinking newsrooms afloat. It provides incentives for companies to hire journalists.
On AI, Newsom gives labor most of what it demanded
The governor signed legislation to limit how workers can be terminated, overridden, or surveilled by artificial intelligence.
What bills did Gavin Newsom sign into law — or veto — in his final year leading California?
California lawmakers sent Gavin Newsom hundreds of bills in his final months as governor. Here's how he handled proposals to counter the Trump administration, lower the cost of living, crack down on data centers and boost retirement plans for public employees.
California bans child marriage after 9-year fight to outlaw the practice
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law prohibiting marriage for people under 18. Liberal civil rights organizations fought previous efforts to ban the practice.
Newsom signs anti-monopoly bill after bruising legislative battle
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1776 on Wednesday, modernizing state antitrust legislation. However, former supporters argue the bill was defanged after a multimillion-dollar lobbying effort by business groups.
Schools were confused about K-12 arts funding. A new law adds clarity
Some school officials were confused about how they could and could not spend their arts education money. A new law provides more guidance.
Why California’s poverty rate is second only to Louisiana
The rent, as we all know, is too damn high. So is California’s poverty rate. The two things are related. That’s the not-so-surprising finding of a new analysis published by the Pew Charitable Trusts: If California’s rents dropped to the national average, the state would slash its poverty rate by 30%. The child poverty…
Abortion pills to be offered at California community college health centers under new law
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law Sunday requiring California community colleges with health centers to provide access to abortion medication starting in 2029. A previous law already requires public universities in California to offer abortion pills.
California’s hallmark economic sectors are confronting threats to their survival
Economic turbulence is especially strong in California’s entertainment, technology and agricultural sectors and could have existential importance.
LA can make the Olympics cleaner and greener than the World Cup
LA28 Olympic venues should swap single-use plastic cups and utensils for washable, reusable items and let fans bring their own reusable bottles.
California high-speed rail fails to accomplish most of its legislative goals for 2026
California’s high-speed rail authority wanted state lawmakers to cut red tape and raise more revenue to keep the train project on track. Only one of the policies it advocated became law this year.
A new California law will prohibit sales of disposable vapes. Here’s why
Gov. Newsom signed a law prohibiting the sale of disposable vapes, a measure meant to prevent lithium battery fires at landfills and recycling centers.
New California law frees up funds for sober homeless housing
The new California law intends to free up state funds for housing that requires residents to stay sober.
Data from 911 calls at ICE detention centers must be disclosed under new California law
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law compelling the release of information about 911 calls from immigrant detention centers. It followed CalMatters' reporting about alleged rapes at one site.
Cómo los inmigrantes se ven excluidos de la posibilidad de comprar una vivienda en California, incluso cuando pueden permitírselo
Los sistemas estadounidenses de compraventa y financiación de viviendas a menudo ignoran los recursos financieros y el historial crediticio de los inmigrantes antes de su llegada a Estados Unidos, incluso en el caso de quienes compran al contado.
Newsom firma nuevas leyes para controlar a los agentes de inmigración ante incremento de la campaña de deportación de Trump
El gobernador Gavin Newsom firmó un paquete de leyes que buscan controlar a los agentes federales durante el programa de deportación de la administración Trump y mejorar las condiciones en los centros de detención. Es probable que varias de estas leyes sean impugnadas ante los tribunales.
Newsom signs new laws to rein in immigration agents as Trump’s deportation campaign escalates
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a package of laws that aim to check federal agents during the Trump administration’s deportation program and improve conditions in detention centers. Several likely will be challenged in court.
New CA law helps incarcerated firefighters land Cal Fire jobs
In moments of crisis, incarcerated firefighters provide a lifeline for California. They are often the frontline in our ever-growing list of destructive wildfires and even during floods or other natural disasters. Yet once released from prison, they struggle to get firefighting jobs, despite their qualifications. Gov…
Will Republicans help this underdog liberal unseat a longtime Democratic congressman?
Democrat Eric Jones focused his primary campaign on young progressive liberals. But to unseat longtime incumbent Rep. Mike Thompson, a traditional “Blue Dog” Democrat, Jones has recently pivoted to court centrists and even Republicans.
Would closing California’s corporate tax loopholes actually generate new revenue?
Public service workers unions celebrated Newsom signing a bill aimed at closing corporate tax loopholes, but some of the most obvious targets are relatively small.
Newsom vetoes Delta levees bill as El Niño winter looms
Newsom vetoed SB 872, saying money in the budget made it redundant. The state puts Delta levee repair costs at $3.3 billion.
Newsom vetoes insurance-claim bills: Is it ‘petty’ politics?
California governor rejects legislation sponsored by LA fire victims, who had spoken out against his wildfire-liability effort.
New laws make incremental tweaks to California’s mental health court, while bigger changes nixed
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two laws designed to help CARE Court better connect Californians with mental health care.
California’s San Joaquin Valley needs more doctors. New medical schools are years away
The San Joaquin Valley has fewer doctors than other parts of California and a long history of poor access to medical care. New medical schools could help increase the pipeline of new physicians, though it will take years.
How immigrants get locked out of buying a California home — even when they can afford it
The U.S. systems of home sales and financing often ignore immigrants’ pre-U.S. financial resources and credit histories, even for people buying with cash.
They fought wildfires while serving time. A new law gives them a shot at Cal Fire jobs
A new law will give incarcerated firefighters a leg up when applying to entry-level jobs with Cal Fire. ‘Hard-earned experience counts,” one advocate said.
New law tightens rules on explosive chemicals after Garden Grove scare
Sen. Tom Umberg’s law adds rules to cover methyl methacrylate, an explosive chemical; existing sites including GKN are exempt. CalMatters reported that the state’s accidental release program has long left explosive chemicals out.
Cal Fire firefighters stand to gain significant raise under law Newsom just signed
Cal Fire firefighters tend to earn less money than their counterparts in city fire departments. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law meant to narrow the gap.
Newsom signs two laws to address weaknesses in California’s public defense
The laws follow CalMatters investigations into failures in the state's public-defense system.
¿Qué hará el próximo gobernador de California con respecto a la atención médica? Estos son los planes de Becerra y Hilton
El demócrata Xavier Becerra y el republicano Steve Hilton afirman ser conscientes de la preocupación de los votantes por los costos de salud, pero sus planes carecen de muchos detalles.
Newsom firma nuevas leyes de control de armas, incluida una que exige a los propietarios tomar una clase de 4 horas
Algunos propietarios de armas en California consideran que la nueva ley que exige un curso de seguridad de cuatro horas es una especie de impuesto a la posesión de armas de fuego. Es una de las diez medidas de seguridad con armas de fuego que el gobernador Newsom promulgó el sábado.
How to decide on your 14 CA ballot measures? Take our quizzes
Fourteen propositions are on the November ballot, and whether you think that’s a few too many, it’s still important for you to know how you’ll vote. We’re here to help with a tool that we hope is as fun as it is informative: Quizzes. I chatted with Shelly Tan, a graphics reporter and illustrator on
Undercover jailhouse stings have value. California shouldn’t abandon them
Perkins operations have helped resolve some of California's toughest cases. Despite recent scrutiny, they remain valuable and effective when done correctly.
What will California’s next governor do about healthcare? Here are Becerra and Hilton’s plans
Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton say they’re mindful of voters’ worries about healthcare costs, but their plans don’t have much detail.
Other states are rolling out free childcare for all families. Why not California?
California has poured billions into childcare and preschool subsidies for low-income families, but extending those benefits to every family would be complicated.
Newsom signs new gun control laws, including one requiring owners to take a 4-hour class
Some California gun owners view a new law requiring people to take a four-hour safety class as a kind of tax on firearm ownership. It's one of 10 gun safety measures Gov. Newsom signed into law on Saturday.
New California law targets expensive ‘ghost tickets’ to concerts and sporting events
A new California law prohibits people from selling concert and sports tickets that they don't own. The measure pitted Live Nation against Stubhub as it moved through the Legislature.
Newsom firma cuatro nuevas leyes sobre la conducción bajo efectos del alcohol. Activistas exigen más en la próxima sesión
Una investigación de CalMatters ha descubierto que el estado tiene algunas de las leyes contra la conducción bajo los efectos del alcohol más laxas del país.
Aseguradoras dicen que están empezando a emitir nuevas pólizas de seguro de viviendas en California, pero ¿cuántas?
This article is also available in English. Read it here. Las compañías de seguros están comenzando a emitir nuevas pólizas en California después de años de reticencia debido al creciente riesgo de incendios forestales. El Departamento de Seguros del estado afirma que esto significa que las nuevas regulaciones del…
Newsom signs 4 new California DUI laws. Advocates want more next session
A CalMatters investigation has found the state has some of the weakest DUI laws in the nation.
Airbnb’s behind-the-scenes fight for access to CA coast
Locals in Pacifica have had enough of Airbnb. In recent years, the number of listings from the short-term rental platform increased 70% in the city just south of San Francisco that’s known for its crashing waves and coastal trails. The local police department has received more than a hundred reports of loud parties…
Tilting California voters toward raising local taxes often involves tricks, manipulation
Municipalities and school districts can't legally spend tax dollars pushing ballot measures. But many do anyway, calling its outreach "information".
Protecting California’s coastal waters helps heal the ocean — and its tribal caretakers
The Chumash community has asked California to protect more of the Pacific around the Channel Islands and to formalize a co-management framework.
He knows his community is going to burn again. Now he’s making sure they’re ready
As climate-fueled wildfires test water systems in new and devastating ways, this Lake County fire chief is racing to adapt
How Airbnb is fighting for its place on California’s coast
Residents of cities like Pacifica want to limit the presence of visitors and corporations. Companies like Airbnb want to keep their lucrative coastal listings. That tension has led to increased attempts to influence a small but powerful committee.