Cal Matters - SMDP (Page 11)

California’s two-tier economy mirrors Great Britain’s ‘Upstairs, Downstairs’ past

Forty years ago this month, I began a 9,000-mile tour of California, gathering data, conversations and observations about megatrends propelling the state into the next century. The result was

By Cal Matters

/ 13 Oct 2025

California’s two-tier economy mirrors Great Britain’s ‘Upstairs, Downstairs’ past

California expungement law offers a fresh start to rehabilitated people held back by a conviction

* At 15, I became a mom. Desperate to make money to support my baby, I got involved in drug sales and theft. I cycled in and out of the criminal

By Cal Matters

/ 13 Oct 2025

Inmate Jesus Robledo gives fellow inmate Luis Abrams a hair cut in the recreation area of their housing unit at the Tulare Co

Gerrymander duelists, Newsom and Trump, deserve scorn for partisan power plays

This week I, along with millions of other Californians, received a one-page ballot for the Nov. 4 special election. My initial reaction as I opened the envelope was anger, perhaps

By Cal Matters

/ 10 Oct 2025

Democrats wanted someone to ‘punch back.’ They got him when Newsom took on Texas

Californians should ignore the federal government’s false claims about our elections

It’s that time. This week, county election officials are mailing ballots to registered voters across California in preparation for the special election next month. This is, of course, just

By Cal Matters

/ 10 Oct 2025

The stakes for a redistricting war differ between Newsom and Californians

Does Prop. 50 divide California communities? Depends how you measure it

* There’s no question that the proponents of Proposition 50 have a partisan goal. By seeking to adopt a map to put more Democrats in power in areas currently represented

By Cal Matters

/ 10 Oct 2025

New California law expands Newsom’s mental health court. Will it help more people?

One of Gov. Gavin Newsom‘s marquee mental health programs may broaden its reach despite persistent questions about the number of people it’s helping and whether it’s achieving

By Cal Matters

/ 10 Oct 2025

‘Carrying fear’ while carrying a baby: Pregnant Californians deserve more maternity options

In 2018 I walked into my doctor’s office, newly pregnant and excited to hear my baby’s heartbeat for the first time. I left feeling ashamed of my body.

By Cal Matters

/ 8 Oct 2025

‘Carrying fear’ while carrying a baby: Pregnant Californians deserve more maternity options

Refinery fire spotlights California’s gas supply crunch and high prices at the pump

Thankfully, last week’s explosion and fire at California’s second largest refinery, Chevron’s El Segundo plant, was not an environmental catastrophe. But it could have serious economic and

By Cal Matters

/ 8 Oct 2025

Refinery fire spotlights California’s gas supply crunch and high prices at the pump

California is about to have a massive fight over taxes. Here’s why Los Angeles is the frontline

In 2022, the Los Angeles electorate voted to slap the sale of mansions and other high-value real estate deals across the city with a hefty tax. Locals have been debating

By Cal Matters

/ 7 Oct 2025

California is about to have a massive fight over taxes. Here’s why Los Angeles is the frontline

California braces for ‘devastating’ expected cuts to federal homeless housing funds

The latest blow in a seemingly endless barrage of bad news for the California agencies tasked with fighting homelessness looms: President Donald Trump’s administration is expected to deeply cut

By Cal Matters

/ 7 Oct 2025

California braces for ‘devastating’ expected cuts to federal homeless housing funds

If hate-fueled algorithms cause real-world harm, California tech companies should pay

Whether by design or by quiet submission to a rapidly-evolving digital landscape, the world’s largest social media companies have allowed their platforms to become factories of division, dehumanization and,

By Cal Matters

/ 6 Oct 2025

If hate-fueled algorithms cause real-world harm, California tech companies should pay

New California law restricts HOA fines to $100 per violation, giving homeowners a break

An ornate balcony or quirky garage door might be in reach for more Californians as homeowners associations across the state are being forced to govern without the power of exorbitant

By Cal Matters

/ 4 Oct 2025

Courts keep striking down California laws infringing on free speech, gun rights