Cal Matters - SMDP (Page 7)

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

California businesses bear brunt of growing unemployment benefit debt

Companies owned by President Donald Trump have declared bankruptcy six times, a reminder that a corporation that defaults on repaying money it has borrowed is often forced into bankruptcy court.

By Cal Matters

/ 3 Oct 2025

California businesses bear brunt of growing unemployment benefit debt

California’s insurer of last resort was meant to cover ‘riot-prone areas,’ not climate disasters

Today, most think of the California FAIR plan as a safeguard against wildfire risk. Few are aware that the state’s insurance provider of last resort was created as a

By Cal Matters

/ 3 Oct 2025

California’s insurer of last resort was meant to cover ‘riot-prone areas,’ not climate disasters

California lawmakers keep dodging tough bills by not voting. Here are the worst offenders

There’s a green button for “aye” and a red button for “no” on Concord Assemblymember Anamarie Ávila Farías’ desk. She feels obligated to push one of those buttons for

By Cal Matters

/ 3 Oct 2025

California lawmakers keep dodging tough bills by not voting. Here are the worst offenders

The campaign over Gavin Newsom’s maps is one of California’s most expensive ever

With five weeks until election day, the fight over changing congressional districts in California to favor Democrats has already become one of the most expensive ballot measures in recent state

By Cal Matters

/ 3 Oct 2025

The campaign over Gavin Newsom’s maps is one of California’s most expensive ever