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
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.
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.
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DAN WALTERS
After losing population in recent years, California is starting to grow again. Is that a good thing?
California has long experienced economic and population booms and busts. After several years of population decline, the state is beginning to grow again. Is that a good trend or a negative one?
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
Californians are divided on LGBTQ issues at schools, but there’s a path to parental support
While tremendous progress has been made on Californians’ attitudes, many are still uncomfortable with schools being a place for LGBTQ inclusion. If red states keep banning these conversations, California can help the nation see what a careful strategy looks like.
HOUSING
Commentary
The U.S. Supreme Court just gave California a major opportunity to lower housing costs
A recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on housing impact fees has given California lawmakers an opening to address a key barrier to construction: cost.
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
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California Republicans threaten to take money from campuses, students over protests
From CalMatters Capitol reporter Alexei Koseff: As campus tensions escalate over student encampments to protest the war in Gaza — with canceled classes, violent clashes and mass arrests in recent…