CALMatters | DanvilleSanRamon.com |

CALmatters is a Sacramento-based nonpartisan, nonprofit journalism venture committed to explaining how California's state Capitol works and why it matters. It works with more than 130 media partners throughout the state that have long, deep relationships with their local audiences, including Embarcadero Media (publisher of the Palo Alto Weekly, Mountain View Voice, Pleasanton Weekly and The Almanac in Menlo Park and their websites.)

Here are the most recent stories reported by CALmatters' team of journalists:

California homeless population grew by 22,000 over pandemic

The latest point-in-time count of California’s homeless population shows that it increased at roughly the same pace as previous years, although it appears to have disproportionately affected Latinos. Experts say homelessness interventions are paying off but “the inflow is killing us.”

Thu, Oct 6, 2022 5:30 am

California’s homeless population increased — again

It’s the white whale of California politicians and policymakers, the problem that only seems to intensify no matter how much attention and money are devoted to it: homelessness. About six in 10 Californians said the homeless population has grown in their community over the past year, according to a recent Public Policy Institute of California […]

Thu, Oct 6, 2022 5:00 am

California offers to reduce imports of Colorado River water

Imperial Valley farmers and Southern California cities would get 9% less water from the Colorado River than the amount allocated under their senior rights.

Wed, Oct 5, 2022 3:18 pm

Health care workers union is using ballot measures to remedy low wages amid a workforce shortage

The state’s health care workers union has placed measures on the ballot in two California cities that would raise the minimum wage at private facilities. Critics fear hospitals and other facilities would pass on the costs to consumers.

Wed, Oct 5, 2022 5:30 am

Legislature must remake water laws for a drier California

The principles under which California water rights were assigned during the 20th century simply don’t hold up in the 21st century. The Legislature must change the laws so that sinister legal decisions don’t burden California’s most vulnerable communities and native species with trying to survive with extremely limited water.

Wed, Oct 5, 2022 5:25 am

How can California workers transition to green energy jobs?

California likes to see itself as a leader in climate policy. But transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy also will mean a major reshuffling for workers. What happens to workers in the oil and gas industry whose jobs may disappear? Will California have people with the right skills to fill new jobs in the […]

Wed, Oct 5, 2022 5:20 am

After $440 million, both sports betting ballot measures are underwater

They say money can’t buy you happiness — and that was likely true Tuesday for the proponents of two dueling initiatives on California’s Nov. 8 ballot to legalize sports betting. After all the money raised by the four campaigns on both sides of Propositions 26 and 27 — nearly $441 million so far, nearly double […]

Wed, Oct 5, 2022 5:00 am

Republicans could tilt Assembly speakership feud

As the battle over speakership of the state Assembly becomes more intense, it resembles a similar intraparty squabble 42 years earlier.

Wed, Oct 5, 2022 12:02 am

Do Californians want state to become Sweden?

The 2022 session of the California Legislature saw the state move close to the Western European model of extensive public services and benefits.

Tue, Oct 4, 2022 7:33 am

What’s next for Fiona Ma as California treasurer?

In a nearly hour-long interview with CalMatters, state Treasurer Fiona Ma talks about her accomplishments on housing, her priority to fix up local fairgrounds, and what she's doing differently after a lawsuit from a former employee.

Tue, Oct 4, 2022 5:30 am