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We keep you informed about how decisions made by California politicians and officials shape your lives, and about the forces and players that influence those decisions. We also give you the tools to participate and vote.

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A hand-drawn illustration of a ballot going into an election box Here’s your 2024 California voter guide
Flanked by state lawmakers, Gov. Gavin Newsom shakes another lawmakers hand in celebration while seated at a desk at a Home Depot in San Jose. Which of these 2024 California bills did Gavin Newsom sign into law?
Flanked by lawmakers and gun safety advocates, Gov. Gavin Newsom signs new gun legislation into law at the Capitol annex in Sacramento on Sept. 26, 2023. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters Why Gavin Newsom’s gun control constitutional amendment hasn’t gone beyond California  
A memorial for seven farm workers killed while driving to work in Madera County. California lawmakers acted to regulate the vans that take farmworkers to the fields. However, few vehicles are covered under the regulations now, leaving it less clear who is responsible for workers’ safety. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local California cracked down after a crash killed 13 farmworkers. Why are workers still dying on the road?
People rallied at the Capitol in Sacramento in protest of proposed budget cuts on May 15, 2024. Photo by Renee Lopez for CalMatters What drives California’s budget decisions? A lot of politics, not as much data
A bill for every problem? Why California lawmakers introduce longshots
Book shelves lined up in the Fresno County Library Clovis Branch on July 31, 2024. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local As LGBTQ library material comes under fire, California may ban book bans
A security guard stands by the front entrance of a luxury retail storefront in downtown San Francisco on April 15, 2024. Retail theft has plagued the area, and numerous storefronts sit vacant. Photo by Loren Elliott for CalMatters California officials debate Prop. 47 changes to curb crime. On the street, the answer isn’t that simple.
Meet the Team
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Foon Rhee
Deputy Managing Editor
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Sameea Kamal
Capitol Reporter
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Jeremia Kimelman
Data Reporter
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Alexei Koseff
Capitol Reporter
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Yue Stella Yu
Politics and Campaign Reporter
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Lynn La
Newsletter Writer
Politics
Rise of the Business Democrat
HALF MOON BAY — It’s a lovely place to do business. Ocean waves crash into rocky cliffs. Pelicans flap along the shoreline. And on the golf resort overlooking it all, a powerful bloc of legislators hit the links recently with donors who paid up to $40,000 for the opportunity to join them. This was the […]
By • October 13, 2015
Politics
The juiciest job in Sacramento
Around the Capitol they’re known as “juice committees” – those that oversee lucrative industries, allowing politicians to foster relationships they can squeeze for campaign cash. These panels preside over business interests that fight obscure industry battles before the Legislature; think of lawyers vs. insurance companies, doctors vs. physical therapists, or card rooms vs. Indian casinos. […]
By • September 27, 2015
Economy
Democrats torn between shiny new ventures and old-school allies
Sharing. It sounds so simple, but as an economic trend, sharing is a divisive issue for Democrats. Tension over the so-called “sharing economy” has been on full display in Sacramento, with Democrats who control the Legislature facing mounting pressure. On one side are trendy tech ventures that are gearing up their political lobbies. On the […]
By • September 14, 2015