In summary Unemployment insurance, the California program that supports workers who lose their jobs due to layoffs, has been dysfunctional during the last two recessions. It’s time to fix it. California’s recent political history is studded with episodes …
After twice spurning the Trump White House following NBA titles, the Bay Area’s Golden State Warriors paid a visit Tuesday to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. for a celebration of the team’s 2022 NBA championship. And prior to a few backslapping speeches by …
In summary To reduce gas prices, Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed a tax on the oil industry’s excess profits, but that won’t necessarily help. California lawmakers should instead take a closer look at how refiners use maintenance shutdowns for their benefit. …
In summary 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. Across the sun-cooked …
In summary A series of storms has dumped immense amounts of water on California, but the state needs some new plumbing to take advantage of such events and counteract the effects of drought. The rain and snow storms that have pummeled California for weeks …
To battle climate change and clean up its severe air pollution, California enacted a historic mandate to replace gasoline cars with zero-emission vehicles within 12 years. But can the transition really happen as quickly as the state requires? And what will …
In summary The recent agreement between striking graduate student workers in the UC system did little to solve their housing woes. Congratulations! You’ve accepted an offer to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of California. Your starting salary …
In summary Californians have largely forgotten the disastrous toll of deadly floods in the state’s past, and even larger floods are likely to occur. They will affect all Californians, and require greater investment in flood preparation, insurance and …
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 …
EN RESUMEN A pesar de que se esperan 12.5 millones de autos eléctricos para 2035, los funcionarios de California insisten en que la red puede proporcionar suficiente electricidad. Pero eso se basa en múltiples suposiciones, incluida la construcción de …
In summary Dianne Feinstein, who has been a U.S. senator from California for three decades, hasn’t yet said whether she’ll seek another term in 2024, but would-be successors are already standing in line. Metaphorically speaking, the ink is still wet on the …
In summary Gov. Gavin Newsom knows that the public’s patience on homelessness is wearing thin and is squabbling with local officials over what to do. Last week, a viral video showed the owner of a San Francisco art gallery using a water hose to spray a …
Programming note: The newsletter will take a break on Monday, Jan. 16 for the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. We’ll be back in your inbox Tuesday, Jan. 17. California’s projected $22.5 billion deficit means budget cuts are almost inevitable — much to the …
In summary Officials from California’s largest tribe are concerned about the lack of engagement so far by offshore wind companies, reviving worries over the historic extraction of resources without their involvement. Guest Commentary written by Since …
In summary Tax returns are used by the state government to send Californians money. But some of the people who could most use the money don’t get it — if their incomes are low, they may not be required to file taxes, and if they choose not to, they might …
EN RESUMEN El gobierno estatal utiliza las declaraciones de impuestos para enviar dinero a los californianos. Pero algunas de las personas que más podrían usar el dinero no lo obtienen: si sus ingresos son bajos, es posible que no estén obligados a …
President Biden signed a law banning nearly 4 million federal employees from having TikTok on their government phones, over national security concerns. This week, New Jersey and Ohio joined at least 20 other states in restricting access to TikTok, amid …
In summary Liam Dillon and Ben Oreskes of the L.A. Times interview Mayor Karen Bass about homelessness and housing problems in California. Please subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud and Stitcher. The housing crisis in California is inseparable …
In summary Newton’s addition to the CalMatters Commentary section is part of a larger effort to increase voices offering perspectives on statewide public policy issues. The CalMatters commentary section is continuing to expand, this time with the addition …
In summary A dozen days of wet and wild weather haven’t ended the drought, and won’t cure the driest period in the West in the past 1,200 years. The year 2023 began with a historic bang — record precipitation and disastrous flooding throughout much of …
