Apr 21, 2022 · U.S. abortion rate continues to fall — but California's is a mystery. In the years immediately following Roe v. Wade, the abortion rate skyrocketed across the country, reaching a high of 25 per 1,000 women of childbearing age, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since that time, the rate nationwide has fallen by half. Aug 8, 2023 · Explainers. California is the first state to tackle reparations for Black residents. What that really means. California’s first-in-the-nation task force on reparations is handing lawmakers dozens of recommendations, including a proposal that the state apologize for slavery and racist policies, and make financial amends. California’s citizens redistricting commission is designed to be nonpartisan, but party politics will be influenced by its final congressional and legislative maps. Most studies say Democrats will still have the upper hand. by Sameea Kamal and Jeremia Kimelman December 1, 2021.According to state projections, by 2030 more than 9 million Californians will be over the age of 65. That is 3 million more than there are today. Within a decade, one out of every five of the state’s residents will be seniors. And despite increased cost of living, baby boomers don’t seem to be leaving California.Prop. 1, the only proposition on California ballots this March, asks voters to green-light a $6.4 billion bond for treatment beds and housing units catering to people with mental illnesses and addictions. It also would restructure some current funding to funnel more mental health money toward housing. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has championed …Jun 27, 2022 · Investing in abortion access. The state budget deal cemented Democrats’ commitment to supporting abortion access in California, investing $205 million to improve reproductive health care infrastructure and to ensure people seeking abortions can get to clinics. The agreement earmarked $40 million in one-time funds to subsidize the cost of ... May 12, 2023 · Alexei covers Gov. Gavin Newsom, the Legislature and California government from Sacramento. He joined CalMatters in January 2022 after previously reporting on the Capitol for The Sacramento Bee and the... More by Alexei Koseff. Gov. Gavin Newsom unveils his plan to cover a California budget deficit now projected at $31.5 billion, up from $22.5 ... In summary. Despite expecting 12.5 million electric cars by 2035, California officials insist that the grid can provide enough electricity. But that’s based on multiple assumptions — including building solar and wind at almost five times the pace of the past decade — that may not be realistic. Lea este artículo en español.Jan 10, 2024 · CalMatters reporters Julie Cart and Rachel Becker contributed to this story. Digging out: Newsom outlines plan to cover state budget deficit Gov. Newsom says the deficit is far smaller than what the Legislature’s analysts projected, and proposes only $8.5 billion in cuts by delaying spending and taking $13 billion from the state’s main ... A CalMatters series investigates what’s improved and what’s worsened since the last drought — and vividly portrays the impacts on California’s places and people. Researchers are applying lessons learned from the last drought to enable the $50 billion agricultural sector to sustain itself in a new reality, where water use will not be ...Gov. Gavin Newsom has amassed more than $14.2 million in a campaign war chest for his hallmark mental health initiative, which will appear on the March 5 primary ballot, a sum that eclipses the resources of the measure’s opponents. He’s drawing from longtime allies in health care, unions and tribes to fund the campaign for Proposition 1 ...Adam Echelman covers community colleges through a partnership with Open Campus. He joined CalMatters from the Modesto Bee, where he covered issues of equity across Stanislaus County. Previously, he served as the Executive Director of Libraries Without Borders, a national nonprofit organization committed to promoting access to …Speaker Rivas shuffles the leadership deck and YIMBYs win. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, right, talks with Assemblymember David Alvarez, a San Diego Democrat, during session at the state Capitol in Sacramento on Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by Rahul Lal for CalMatters. Assembly Speaker Rivas puts key allies into leadership posts …Dec 20, 2022 · The Legislative Analyst’s Office recently said in its annual forecast that Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Democratic Party-controlled Legislature are facing a $24 billion projected budget deficit for the next fiscal year. If the state enters a recession the outlook is even worse, with revenues predicted to fall short by $30 billion to $50 billion. Dec 20, 2023 · A report on the first-term experiences of 14 first-term legislators in the California Legislature, who faced challenges and surprises in the bill and budget process, the diversity and the politics. The report covers topics such as school boards, antiracism, pesticides, and the MCO tax. Rules for thee: How California Legislature skirts its own laws. by Sameea Kamal February 6, 2023. New California legislators stand to take the oath of office in the Senate chambers in the state Capitol on Dec. 5, 2022. Photo by Martin do …calmatters.org Is destination in sight for California public transit? The Legislature’s budget deal would offer California transit agencies a way to avoid service …Kimberlee Booth, center, of San Luis Obispo marches with other supporters following speeches at a rally in support of Prop. 1 at the state Capitol on Jan. 31, 2024. …The $9.5 billion in tax refunds, which CalMatters reported Friday, is part of a $12 billion relief plan that is central to a broader $300 billion budget deal that state leaders announced Sunday night. “California’s budget addresses the state’s most pressing needs, and prioritizes getting dollars back into the pockets of millions of ...A CalMatters analysis shows that California’s offshore wind projects carry a host of implications and uncertainties: Energy companies will need hundreds of millions of dollars in state subsidies or bonds to assist with the extreme costs of construction and operation. Each wind farm could cost about $5 billion to develop, construct and assemble.CalMatters’ journalists explain the most important issues in California. Enter your email address below to sign up for our free newsletters and receive reporting that helps you stay informed and engaged in your community. By signing up, you agree to the terms. Inequality Insights Your weekly must-read to stay on top of inequality, one of ...Making California an abortion ‘sanctuary’. California is pushing further still. In September, after the Texas law took effect, Gov. Gavin Newsom convened the Future of Abortion Council, a coalition of reproductive rights, health and justice groups, to explore how to make the state a “sanctuary” for abortion. More than 40 policy ...A CalMatters analysis shows that California’s offshore wind projects carry a host of implications and uncertainties: Energy companies will need hundreds of millions of dollars in state subsidies or bonds to assist with the extreme costs of construction and operation. Each wind farm could cost about $5 billion to develop, construct and assemble.Growers brace to give up some Colorado River water. The Colorado River’s water transformed the Imperial Valley desert into one of California’s most productive farm regions. But now growers will have to sacrifice 10% of their supply because of shortages in the river’s supply. by Alastair Bland January 17, 2023.Aug 21, 2017 · Over the past 10 years, California’s population grew by about 6.7%, while new housing grew by only 4.8%, according to data from the California Department of Finance. Population growth has slowed down significantly. In 2019, the state for the first time added more housing units than people. Gov. Gavin Newsom is surrounded by lawmakers as he signs into law his oil profit penalty plan in Sacramento on March 28, 2023. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters. It’s California’s most diverse Legislature ever, and one-fourth of lawmakers are new. But some things never change: Legislators wait until the last days of the session to ...CalMatters has carved out a leadership role as a trusted brand and “go-to” hub for in-depth news and information on statewide issues. Our work has led to changes in policy, new legislation and investigations and discussions at the Capitol, in political groups and beyond — and because of our collaborative approach, people across the state are more engaged …CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state. Unsolved Mystery of the Yuba County Five In 1978, five Yuba County men - Bill …From 2012 to 2019, at least 19 California hospitals stopped offering labor and delivery services. Six of those hospitals closed completely. In an accelerating trend, sixteen more closed their maternity wards from 2020 to 2022. So far in 2023, eleven more have announced maternity ward closures, including one hospital that completely closed.In a state dominated by Democrats for 15 years, he’d make an even more unlikely governor. As millions of Californains suss out what they’re supposed to think about him as they vote in the Sept. 14 recall election, Elder sat down with CalMatters reporters and editors for an hour-long interview.Mar 4, 2024 · California’s snowpack is now officially above average. On March 4, after a three-day blizzard battered the Sierra Nevada, the statewide snowpack reached 104% of average for that date. Even better news, the mountains are close to reaching their average for the entire winter. Even if no more snow drops by then, the snowpack is at 94% of average ... Sep 8, 2021 · Newsom’s call: Governor’s final say on the top 21 bills of ’21. The second year of the coronavirus pandemic in California was shaped by two political undercurrents at the state Capitol: a budget awash with cash, thanks to a booming stock market and federal aid, and a looming recall election asking voters to throw Gov. Gavin Newsom out of ... CalMatters interviewed several dozen California firefighters — including many high-ranking battalion chiefs and captains — as well as mental health experts and family members, revealing an expansive and unaddressed problem that suggests a broken and depleted fire service is operating in a state that seems in perpetual combustion.California voters in the March 2024 election narrowly passed Proposition 1, a proposal to fund new construction of housing and treatment facilities for people with serious mental health illnesses. Gov. Gavin Newsom championed the measure and called it critical in addressing the state's homelessness crisis.From 2012 to 2019, at least 19 California hospitals stopped offering labor and delivery services. Six of those hospitals closed completely. In an accelerating trend, sixteen more closed their maternity wards from 2020 to 2022. So far in 2023, eleven more have announced maternity ward closures, including one hospital that completely closed.The Redding factory emitted about 282,000 tons of carbon dioxide in 2020 — equivalent to about 55,000 gas-powered cars. Under pressure from state lawmakers, California’s cement industry is gradually taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint. But experts say the industry is one of the most difficult to decarbonize.The way California public schools teach math isn’t working. On national standardized tests, California ranks in the bottom quartile among all states and U.S. territories for 8th grade math scores. Yet for all the sound and fury, the proposed framework, about 800-pages long, is little more than a set of suggestions.Jan 31, 2022 · California’s environmental justice law is supposed to clean the air for 15 hot spot communities, home to almost 4 million people. But after more than 4 years and $1 billion, it’s still impossible to say whether it’s worked. Lea este artículo en español. The South Stockton classroom where Ashley Pearl Pana spent recess trapped indoors is ... California is eliminating its popular electric car rebate program — which often runs out of money and has long waiting lists — to focus on providing subsidies only to lower-income car buyers. The Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, in existence since 2010, will end when it runs out of money this year. In its place, the state will expand a program ...Jan 10, 2024 · Last year, Newsom proposed spending $297 billion; the final total in June was upped to $310 billion. About 70% of California’s total state spending would go toward public schools, colleges and health and social services — a trend that’s held steady since the 1970s, according to a CalMatters review of state budget data. Jan 26, 2024 · Demand has plunged 80%. by Julie Cart January 26, 2024. Ken Wells runs O&M Solar Services, a small residential solar company in South Los Angeles, where he works with disadvantaged communities. But a new state rate structure for rooftop solar has decimated his business. He had to lay off all 20 employees. Photo by Lauren Justice for CalMatters. California voters in the March 2024 election narrowly passed Proposition 1, a proposal to fund new construction of housing and treatment facilities for people with serious mental health illnesses. Gov. Gavin Newsom championed the measure and called it critical in addressing the state's homelessness crisis.Lea este artículo en español. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s announcement today that he will vacate his seat and not seek reelection sets off a tidal wave of speculation on who will represent a wide swath of California’s agricultural heartland. The timing of the announcement also puts McCarthy in a spot to be a political kingmaker ...Photo by Larry Valenzuela for CalMatters/CatchLight Local. With an estimated 171,521 unhoused residents, California is home to nearly one-third of the country’s entire homeless population. And local leaders and activists say Newsom’s current approach — handing out one-time grants every year instead of guaranteed ongoing funding — is ...CalMatters reached out to the administration at Cal Poly five times for an interview and was rebuffed each time. “Cal Poly recognizes the gap in its enrollment of Black students,” wrote Matt Lazier, a Cal Poly spokesperson, in a 1,300-word email, which CalMatters is sharing in full. Cal Poly “is eager to identify and implement additional ...Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters. The California Legislature is in the middle of an exodus this year. The combination of term limits, new districts and electoral opportunities elsewhere has resulted in …Where does California’s historic budget proposal rank compared to previous budgets, and just how big is $300 billion? $300 billion. That’s the price tag of the budget for the coming year, which the California Legislature approved this week. The surplus alone has reached a record-high $97 billion. And while the budget process is not final ...May 12, 2023 · Alexei covers Gov. Gavin Newsom, the Legislature and California government from Sacramento. He joined CalMatters in January 2022 after previously reporting on the Capitol for The Sacramento Bee and the... More by Alexei Koseff. Gov. Gavin Newsom unveils his plan to cover a California budget deficit now projected at $31.5 billion, up from $22.5 ... CalMatters found that Mitchell left federal prison in 2014 after serving a sentence for defrauding California’s Employment Development Department. A property owner in June filed a lawsuit against Mitchell and his business partner in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging they owe more than $77,000 in back rent for a site his nonprofit …Breakdown: California’s mental health system, explained. Mental health advocates have long described California’s fragmented mental health system with words like “struggling” and “broken.”. Evidence of its consequences can be found in our jails and prisons, our hospitals and clinics, our schools and colleges. The problem touches ...California’s snowpack is now officially above average. On March 4, after a three-day blizzard battered the Sierra Nevada, the statewide snowpack reached 104% of average for that date. Even better …Jun 27, 2022 · Investing in abortion access. The state budget deal cemented Democrats’ commitment to supporting abortion access in California, investing $205 million to improve reproductive health care infrastructure and to ensure people seeking abortions can get to clinics. The agreement earmarked $40 million in one-time funds to subsidize the cost of ... Jan 2, 2023 · Not to be outdone, Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature passed this new law that allows private citizens to collect $10,000 by suing those who make or sell illegal “ghost guns” or assault-style weapons. The U.S. Supreme Court, however, could throw out the Texas law and ones like it, including California’s. In summary. In the aftermath of George Floyd’s death in Minnesota at police hands, California stepped up with a plan: Put the state in charge of investigating police shootings of unarmed people. CalMatters is tracking these cases and, so far, the Justice Department is struggling to keep up. They were shot in lengthy standoffs or in seconds.Jan 10, 2022 · In 2012, California voters passed Proposition 28, which replaced term limits of eight years in the state Senate and six years in the Assembly with a lifetime term limit of a total of 12 years, in either chamber. That had ushered in a new era of job security for legislators and continuity for the Legislature as a whole. How college admissions are changing after the end of affirmative action. by Carolyn Jones and Mikhail Zinshteyn November 3, 2023. Maya Murchison at Eastlake High School in Chula Vista on Oct. 23, 2023. Murchison, a high school senior, says the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action has affected her college application …Charter schools are funded through the same formula, with some compliance differences. Note: The 2023-24 base grant is $10,951 for grades TK/K-3, $10,069 for …In March, the median price of an existing single family California home was $791,490, more than twice the national median of $375,700 . “When house prices go up, people leave,” said Dowell Myers, a demographer at the University of Southern California. Gov. Gavin Newsom said as much in a recent interview with UCLA’s Blueprint, naming …Jan 31, 2022 · California’s environmental justice law is supposed to clean the air for 15 hot spot communities, home to almost 4 million people. But after more than 4 years and $1 billion, it’s still impossible to say whether it’s worked. Lea este artículo en español. The South Stockton classroom where Ashley Pearl Pana spent recess trapped indoors is ... Dec 20, 2023 · A report on the first-term experiences of 14 first-term legislators in the California Legislature, who faced challenges and surprises in the bill and budget process, the diversity and the politics. The report covers topics such as school boards, antiracism, pesticides, and the MCO tax. Gavin Newsom calls for a ceasefire in Gaza. Gov. Gavin Newsom addresses the media during a press conference unveiling his 2024-25 budget proposal at the Secretary of State Auditorium in Sacramento on Jan. 10, 2024. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters. Gov. Gavin Newsom said today he supports President Biden’s call for a …CalMatters.org. 15,211 likes · 365 talking about this · 14 were here. Your nonprofit & nonpartisan state newsroom dedicated to explaining how government impacts our lives.CalMatters found that Mitchell left federal prison in 2014 after serving a sentence for defrauding California’s Employment Development Department. A property owner in June filed a lawsuit against Mitchell and his business partner in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging they owe more than $77,000 in back rent for a site his nonprofit …Charter schools are funded through the same formula, with some compliance differences. Note: The 2023-24 base grant is $10,951 for grades TK/K-3, $10,069 for …CalMatters’ journalists explain the most important issues in California. Enter your email address below to sign up for our free newsletters and receive reporting that helps you stay informed and engaged in your community. By signing up, you agree to the terms. Inequality Insights Your weekly must-read to stay on top of inequality, one of ...Adam Echelman covers community colleges through a partnership with Open Campus. He joined CalMatters from the Modesto Bee, where he covered issues of equity across Stanislaus County. Previously, he served as the Executive Director of Libraries Without Borders, a national nonprofit organization committed to promoting access to …In the aftermath of George Floyd’s death in Minnesota at police hands, California stepped up with a plan: Put the state in charge of investigating police shootings of unarmed people. CalMatters is tracking these cases and, so far, the Justice Department is struggling to keep up. by Nigel Duara November 10, 2022.Become a CalMatters member today to stay informed, bolster our nonpartisan news and expand knowledge across California. Donate. Gender- and race-based pay gaps persist across the U.S. In California, the average annual pay for women is $50,313 while men earn $57,457, according to Census Bureau data.Advocates theorize that may have contributed to a steady growth in enrollment; total payments to California families rose from $505 million in March 2020 to $1.4 billion in March 2023. Those emergency allotments ended in March, reducing benefits to 5.3 million Californians by a total of nearly $500 million a month.Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer in Los Angeles on Aug. 1, 2023. Photo by Lauren Justice for CalMatters. With the Legislature on its month-long summer recess until today, Jones-Sawyer worked from the district on a recent Tuesday. Under the watch of former presidents Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama, …Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer in Los Angeles on Aug. 1, 2023. Photo by Lauren Justice for CalMatters. With the Legislature on its month-long summer recess until today, Jones-Sawyer worked from the district on a recent Tuesday. Under the watch of former presidents Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama, …CalMatters asked 400 local law enforcement agencies across California for the most recent monthly reports they’d received regarding unlawfully armed people in their jurisdictions. About 80 departments indicated they were aware of the report but declined to provide a copy, citing various public records exemptions.Newsom also is expected to sign legislation sending a ballot measure to voters that includes two key provisions: a $6.4 billion bond to pay for 10,000 new treatment beds and supportive housing, and an overhaul of California’s 20-year-old law that funds mental health services with a tax on millionaires. A majority of voters in the March ...Dec 20, 2023 · A report on the first-term experiences of 14 first-term legislators in the California Legislature, who faced challenges and surprises in the bill and budget process, the diversity and the politics. The report covers topics such as school boards, antiracism, pesticides, and the MCO tax. Jan 12, 2022 · As much as 131,000 gallons and a minimum of about 24,696 gallons of crude oil spilled from the pipeline, according to the Coast Guard’s estimates. Martyn Willsher, president and CEO of Amplify Energy, said a ship’s anchor striking the pipeline was “one of the distinct possibilities” for the cause of the spill. According to CalMatters’ analysis of the data, of the 86,118 inmates who had been incarcerated at least 12 months prior to last June, 1,988 moved at least four times this past year and 32 moved eight times or more. Several of the inmates who moved the most frequently told CalMatters they were being treated for mental health conditions.California legislators introduce bills on guns, elections. Sen. Steven Bradford speaks during the first day of session at the state Capitol on Jan. 3, 2024. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters. While Day 2 of the California Legislature’s 2024 session wasn’t as eventful as the first, legislators wasted no time introducing new bills or ...Aug 21, 2017 · Over the past 10 years, California’s population grew by about 6.7%, while new housing grew by only 4.8%, according to data from the California Department of Finance. Population growth has slowed down significantly. In 2019, the state for the first time added more housing units than people. Mar 5, 2024 · Become a CalMatters member today to stay informed, bolster our nonpartisan news and expand knowledge across California. Donate The Yes on Prop. 1 campaign amassed a nearly $21 million war chest for the ballot measure, drawing support from law enforcement groups, major health care organizations and the mental health advocacy group NAMI California. Become a CalMatters member today to stay informed, bolster our nonpartisan news and expand knowledge across California. Donate Regulatory efforts include establishing minimum flows on the fiercely contested Scott and Shasta Rivers , and the long-delayed and controversial management plan for the Bay-Delta , the heart of the …CalMatters is a nonprofit news organization that covers California's elections, politics, justice, economy, education, housing, environment and health. Read …
Rep. Michelle Steel talks to her team while canvassing for registered Republican voters ahead of the primary for the new 45th Congressional district in Buena Park on May 28, 2022. Photo by Bing Guan for CalMatters Awakening a long-ignored electorate. Political engagement has historically been much lower than average among …. Joom
CalMatters covers quality of life issues, holds leaders accountable and explains state government to 39 million Californians. Learn about its mission, funding, diversity, ethics and accessibility.The way California public schools teach math isn’t working. On national standardized tests, California ranks in the bottom quartile among all states and U.S. territories for 8th grade math scores. Yet for all the sound and fury, the proposed framework, about 800-pages long, is little more than a set of suggestions.California legislators propose new slate of COVID-19 vaccine laws. An Oakland resident receives a COVID-19 vaccination at the La Clinica de la Raza community vaccination site in Oakland on Jan. 4, 2022. Photo by Martin do Nascimento/CalMatters. A group of California legislators has crafted vaccine laws that would be the most …A CalMatters analysis shows that California’s offshore wind projects carry a host of implications and uncertainties: Energy companies will need hundreds of millions of dollars in state subsidies or bonds to assist with the extreme costs of construction and operation. Each wind farm could cost about $5 billion to develop, construct and assemble.Adam Echelman covers community colleges through a partnership with Open Campus. He joined CalMatters from the Modesto Bee, where he covered issues of equity across Stanislaus County. Previously, he served as the Executive Director of Libraries Without Borders, a national nonprofit organization committed to promoting access to …Aug 15, 2023 · The plants had been slated to cease operations of those units by the end of 2020, but received a three-year extension amid rolling blackouts that summer. Now that extension has been extended again — through 2026. A fourth, the Scattergood Generating Station in Playa Del Rey, will receive a five-year extension to fill regional supply gaps ... Newsom also is expected to sign legislation sending a ballot measure to voters that includes two key provisions: a $6.4 billion bond to pay for 10,000 new treatment beds and supportive housing, and an overhaul of California’s 20-year-old law that funds mental health services with a tax on millionaires. A majority of voters in the March ...Photo by Loren Elliott for CalMatters. Elizabeth Funk is CEO of DignityMoves, a nonprofit advocating for tiny home shelter sites. More than two years ago the nonprofit got San Francisco’s only tiny homes village so far set up in mere months, with donated structures on a sliver of a city parking lot. Residents can stay as long as they …CalMatters commentary CalMatters columnist Dan Walters : The U.S. Supreme Court may have the final word on one of California’s signature gun laws. California must prioritize public safety: To protect the public and retailers, we must bring some consequences back into the criminal justice system, argues Assemblymember Vince …A new law is designed to end the “pink tax” on products marketed to women in California. Photo via iStock CalMatters politics intern Ariel Gans summarizes the new “pink tax” law.. Shoppers may have noticed that shampoos and other personal care products marketed to women sometimes cost more than very similar versions for men.2022 California election, propositions, Gov. Gavin Newsom and everything else about California policy and politics, our newsroom covers it. Our channel is all about explaining …Our reporters are tracking California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s policies as he seeks to tackle big issues including housing, climate change, health care and more..