Project Spotlight
Hidden Hazards: Toxic waste
Where do California’s millions of tons of toxic trash each year land?Often in poor communities, or out of state, or across the border.
California Voices
As PG&E bills soar, will California hold anyone accountable?
Lynem: More than 1 million customers are behind on their utility bills as lawmakers consider proposals to lower costs.
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CALIFORNIA VOICES
Guest Commentary
California restricts how police respond to protests. Why were bean bag shotguns used at UCLA?
A 2021 California law restricts when police can use rubber bullets, bean bag rounds and tear gas on protesters. A retired LAPD officer questions why less lethal munitions appeared to be indiscriminately fired into the pro-Palestinian encampment at UCLA last week.
Sustainable farms need to come together, not cast blame over California methane program
Many California farmers have embraced sustainability and strive to curb their climate impact. Instead of casting blame over controversial programs, a Merced farmer says industry peers should be working together.
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DAN WALTERS
California restaurants shouldn’t be shocked law banning ‘junk fees’ applies to them
California restaurant operators are apparently shocked that a new law prohibiting so-called “junk fees” will apply to their industry, saying it will adversely affect their businesses.
POLITICS AND THE CAPITOL
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
Commentary
Garvey effect: Schiff’s strategy sunk down-ballot Democrats but could lead to more GOP losses
Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff’s strategy to prop up Steve Garvey encouraged more conservative voters to cast ballots in March, helping Republicans advance to the run-off in numerous down-ballot races. While Schiff’s strategy was sharply criticized, the lack of competition may end up boosting Democrats in other key races.
At 90, California political icon Willie Brown still dominates every room he enters
As Willie Brown turns 90 years old, the California political giant reflected on his career, the state of politics and his induction into the California Hall of Fame. Many in the political realm still seek his counsel.
ECONOMY
Commentary
How I explained AI and deepfakes to Oakland elders using only basic Vietnamese
Despite a year of headlines about AI, immigrant communities, particularly seniors, have been outside the conversation, leaving them vulnerable to dangerous uses.
EDUCATION
Commentary
USC decision to deploy police on Gaza war protesters distorts public perception against students
A University of Southern California student says the actions and statements by administrators in recent weeks, including the decision to send police to arrest 93 pro-Palestinian protesters, has wrongly skewed public sentiments against their own students.
HOUSING
Commentary
California needs constitutional change if it wants to get serious about homelessness
A California woman who was previously homeless says a proposed constitutional amendment is a critical step to ensure the state has enough housing for every person.
HEALTH
Commentary
California schools aren’t equipped to handle mental health issues. That needs to change
The youth mental health crisis is well documented, yet most California schools lack the resources, training and capacity to identify concerns and respond. Greater investment, including funds to hire more school counselors, could make a difference.
EXPLAINERS
Explore CalMatters’ explainer “card decks” to discover the data-driven context you need to make sense of big issues confronting California.
ENVIRONMENT
Commentary
How California’s prized solution for methane gas is backfiring on farmers
The farm subsidies for a California program aiming to reduce methane gas emissions have skewed the market, making pollution as valuable as dairy in some cases, and eroded the ability for family farms to compete.
JUSTICE
Commentary
Repealing Prop. 47 is a misguided battle cry. It won’t make California safer
Approached in a calm, rational manner, the headline-making wave of shoplifting and other property crimes suggests more prevention programs are needed to address the root…
CALIFORNIA DIVIDE
A statewide media collaboration to raise awareness about poverty and income inequality through in-depth journalism and community outreach.
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Commentary
California foster youth and COVID orphans gaining a sense of hope from trust fund program
A California program providing trust funds, or “baby bonds,” for foster youth and COVID orphans is giving traumatized young people a chance to pursue their dreams just like everyone else.
COLLEGE BEAT
More Coverage
WHATMATTERS NEWSLETTER
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Did using hotel rooms put a dent in California homelessness?
Despite California spending $24 billion on housing and homelessness over the past five years, the number of unhoused people continues to rise and questions persist whether the billions spent have…