Voices Spotlight
Don’t clear the field in governor’s race by clearing out diversity
Most candidates urged to stay are white and backed by big money, but those urged to bow out are leaders of color with decades of public service. It’s an issue in this state of diverse voters. Read more.
Series Spotlight
License to Kill
Read our investigative series on how California routinely allows dangerous drivers stay on the road.
JUSTICE
Investigation
They were convicted of killing with their cars. No one told the DMV
A CalMatters investigation found that courts didn’t report hundreds of vehicular manslaughter convictions, prompting officials to belatedly take many drivers’ licenses.
INSIDE THE NEWSROOM
What goes into our reporting on California’s biggest issues – how investigative stories come together, what challenges journalists face, CalMatters’ latest plans and more.
Nonpartisan, independent California news for all
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Our journalists are here to empower you and our mission continues to be essential.
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We are focused on California issues. From the environment to homelessness, economy and more, we publish the unfettered truth to keep you informed.
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EDUCATION
About College Beat
College Beat is produced by the CalMatters College Journalism Network, a collaboration between CalMatters and student journalists from across California. Read more.
POLITICS
Project Spotlight
Digital Democracy
Check out CalMatters’ custom-built AI tool that tracks every word spoken in public hearings, every dollar donated to politicians, every vote cast and more.
HEALTH
Series Spotlight
No Deliveries
Explore why hospitals are shutting down maternity wards, what this means for parents-to-be with limited options, and whether anything can be done to protect access.
ENVIRONMENT
Series Spotlight
Lake Tahoe: A tarnished jewel
Lake Tahoe is an innocent victim — but there isn’t just a single villain. This series reveals the problems plaguing this alpine treasure.
ECONOMY AND TECHNOLOGY
Tech Spotlight
Why California backed off again from ambitious AI regulation
For the third year, the state delayed AI regulations for disclosing and appealing many automated decisions.
CALIFORNIA VOICES
Guest Commentary
With Californians paying sky-high gas prices, now’s not the time for new oil regulations
Proposed changes to state climate law may boost gas-pump prices by up to $1 a gallon by 2030. Also more refineries and jobs may leave California.
California shouldn’t bail out beleaguered foster family agencies
Agencies that put kids in foster homes sought $30 million for insurance, because abuse victims have won multimillion-dollar lawsuits against them.
California’s care for sickle cell patients finally works. We can’t abandon it now
The 12 clinics serving sickle cell patients reduced ER visits and hospital stays, saving CA taxpayers money. But a $15 million grant for the program has ended.
We want to hear from you!
Want to submit a guest commentary or reaction to an article we wrote? You can find our submission guidelines here. For questions, please email commentary@calmatters.org
DAN WALTERS
Santa Monica project points the way to easing California’s housing shortage
If wealthy Santa Monica can do it, will less well-heeled CA communities begin accommodating modular home and apartment construction?
CALIFORNIA DIVIDE
Inequality Insights
A statewide media collaboration to raise awareness about poverty and income inequality through in-depth journalism and community outreach. Sign up for our weekly newsletter.