CALMatters | Almanac Online |

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 wants to force insurers to reward homeowners for fireproofing homes

New rules proposed by California’s Department of Insurance would require insurers to take homeowners’ efforts to reduce wildfire risk into account when setting premiums. But they would still allow non-renewals.

Thu, May 26, 2022 5:30 am

After Texas shooting: A call to ‘advance our resolve’

Note: This is CalMatters political reporter Ben Christopher filling in for Emily Hoeven while she enjoys a well-deserved vacation. Buffalo. Boulder. Aurora. Las Vegas. Orlando. San Bernardino. Sutherland Springs. Poway. Parkland. Sandy Hook. At a press conference on Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom rattled off a list of towns that have become tragic metonyms of our […]

Thu, May 26, 2022 5:00 am

Protect cannabis tax revenue to bolster children’s welfare

Cannabis revenue has become a major funding source for state services to children and families living in poverty. The Legislature needs to back the governor’s long-term solution to protect it.

Wed, May 25, 2022 5:25 am

California advances gun control bills amid Texas school massacre

Note: My amazing colleague Ben Christopher will be guest hosting the newsletter through June 3. I’ll see you on Monday, June 6 — just in time for California’s primary election! As news traveled around the country Tuesday of a mass shooting at a Texas elementary school that left at least 22 dead — including 19 […]

Wed, May 25, 2022 5:00 am

Newsom, legislators given stark budget warning

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are busily deciding how to spend a budget surplus, but the Legislature's budget guru advises caution.

Wed, May 25, 2022 12:01 am

Monkeypox case confirmed in California: What you should know

Health officials are working to confirm California's first suspected case of monkeypox. Experts say it is not the next COVID-19.

Tue, May 24, 2022 2:40 pm

CalMatters grows its staff thanks to support from members and foundations

CalMatters continues to hire the best and brightest people to deliver more nonpartisan California news you can depend on.

Tue, May 24, 2022 8:00 am

Going electric: California car mandate would hit mechanics hard

Who loses and who gains as California cleans up its cars? Nearly 32,000 mechanics would lose jobs by 2040 under the proposed phaseout of new gas-powered cars. Electric companies would be the big winners.

Tue, May 24, 2022 5:28 am

Money wars: Special interests spend big in California primary

Independent expenditure committees funded by special interest groups are spending millions of dollars to make their picks in the California primary. In some races, they are clearly supporting or opposing candidates. In others, the strategy is more complicated.

Tue, May 24, 2022 5:25 am

California needs to put its money where its mouth is on public transportation

Unless the governor and Legislature address flaws in the way the state plans for and develops public transit and rail projects, California’s ambitious climate-related goals cannot be realized.