CALMatters | Mountain View 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:

Prison inmates are down, but costs still going up

Under pressure from federal courts, California has sharply reduced numbers of inmates in state prisons. However, "corrections" costs are still rising and California is now spending $75,000 per year per inmate.

Sun, May 20, 2018 12:01 am

President Trump endorses John Cox for governor—hoping to keep Congress in Republican hands

President Trump threw the California's governor's race into a tizzy today with his surprise endorsement of Republican San Diego businessman John Cox—despite the fact that Cox acknowledges he didn't vote for Trump. The announcement undercut Trump-boosting GOP candidate Travis Allen—and complicated Democratic contender Antonio Villaraigosa's hopes to emerge a victory in California's top-two primary.

Fri, May 18, 2018 4:49 pm

California fights the Trump administration on abortion rule

Washington plans to deny certain funds to groups that provide abortions or make referrals for the procedure. California leads a coalition that supports a Planned Parenthood effort to head off the new rule.

Fri, May 18, 2018 2:55 pm

Dan Walters Commentary Roundup 05/18/2018

A collection of commentaries by Dan Walters over the past week.

Fri, May 18, 2018 9:16 am

Chilly reception awaits Cristina Garcia

Good morning, California. CALmatters’ editor Dave Lesher and I spent a great Thursday evening as guests of CALmatters’ supporter Lenny Mendonca at his Half Moon Bay Brewing Co., talking politics with a crowd of engaged Californians at his regular Brews & Views. Cristina Garcia’s imminent returnAssemblywoman Cristina Garcia and Speaker Anthony Rendon last year.Assemblywoman Cristina […]

Fri, May 18, 2018 4:30 am

Investigation finds Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia violated sexual harassment policy—but only with vulgar language

On a leave of absence from the Legislature since she was accused of sexual harassment in February—and facing intensifying attacks in her re-election campaign—Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia jumped back into the fray Thursday, sending out a press release saying she’d been “exonerated.” Not quite.

Thu, May 17, 2018 7:29 pm

Democratic dread: Party tries to keep California’s odd election rules from denying them the U.S. House

California Democrats know exactly the trouble they’re in: They have too many candidates, it's too late to back down, and they risk cancelling each other out. Now the party's scrambling to try to ensure this quirk in election rules doesn't cost the party its opportunity to retake the House of Representatives.

Thu, May 17, 2018 7:10 pm

Tesla is on guard for unfriendly legislators

“@realDonaldTrump is lying on immigration, lying about crime and lying about the laws of CA. Flying in a dozen Republican politicians to flatter him and praise his reckless policies changes nothing. We, the citizens of the fifth largest economy in the world, are not impressed.” — Gov. Jerry Brown tweeted, with a Pinocchio emoji, referring to […]

Thu, May 17, 2018 4:30 am

Lots of candidates, lots of uncertainty

With dozens of candidates for the U.S. Senate and governor this year, handicapping the June 5 primary election is difficult. The biggest unknown is whether Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom will have the luxury of a Republican opponent in November, or will face fellow Democrat Antonio Villaraigosa.

Thu, May 17, 2018 12:01 am

What a $500,000 home looks like around California–and how it shapes where we move

The median price of a California single family home is now well over half a million dollars. That’s more than double what the average house costs in the rest of the U.S. Put a more nauseating way, you could buy two “average” non-California houses for the price of one California house. Can’t decide between the […]

Thu, May 17, 2018 12:01 am

Billionaires vs teachers union: Charter school fight amps up race for California governor

Charter school supporters may be an effective counterbalance to the prevailing influence public-employee unions have long exerted on Democratic politics in California. But the billions in campaign donations by pro-charter tycoons also points to the outsized sway personal wealth can have on elections.

Wed, May 16, 2018 9:04 pm

Trump hosts California Republicans, exploring how to undercut California’s sanctuary law

The Orange County anti-sanctuary uprising takes the national stage today, as a coalition of politicians are in Washington to talk Republican political strategy with President Trump.

Wed, May 16, 2018 12:10 pm

What’s next for aid-in-dying law?

Good morning, California. “It has simply become too difficult and too costly to run a manufacturing business in Sonoma Valley,” Price Pump President Bob Piazza said, explaining why he’s moving his company founded in 1932 in Emeryville to Boise, Idaho — North Bay Business Journal. Death-with-dignity law in jeopardyBrittany Maynard, who spent her final days […]

Wed, May 16, 2018 4:30 am

Jerry Brown once again shuns tax reform

Gov. Jerry Brown once again is warning about the heavy impact of recession on the state budget. However, he continues to shun reforming the state's tax system to reduce revenue volatility and therefore lessen the impact.

Wed, May 16, 2018 12:01 am

Crowded, crumbling classrooms—will one-time cash infusion be enough to fix the University of California?

As state funding has decreased and enrollment has soared, University of California campuses are struggling to deal with many instances of overcrowded lectures, deteriorating buildings and delayed construction. Now the governor's offering $100 million for upgrades. UC says it's not nearly enough.

Tue, May 15, 2018 7:27 pm

Auto mileage and emissions: Will Washington and California be negotiating?

News reports say federal officials are to negotiate auto emission and fuel-efficiency standards with California. But the state's air regulators haven't heard from Washington yet.

Tue, May 15, 2018 4:22 pm

Test yourself: What does half a million buy you in other parts of California?

Tue, May 15, 2018 2:58 pm

Trump administration plan could deter legal immigrants from health care, other services

Applications for green cards could be passed over if the immigrants who submitted them use such federal programs as Medicaid, food stamps, tax credits or subsidized Obamacare insurance.

Tue, May 15, 2018 11:38 am

Video: Would candidates for governor force the mentally ill to get care?

The top candidates hoping to be the next governor of California all agree on this: The state is failing those who suffer from mental illness. Watch to see how they say they'll fix the state’s broken mental health system.

Tue, May 15, 2018 11:13 am

Don’t bet on sports wagering yet

Good morning, California. “I had this very nice new wool pantsuit. Put it on. Went to the floor of the Senate Monday afternoon.” – former Sen. Rebecca Morgan. Speaking to the Public Policy Institute of California in Sacramento Monday, Morgan recalled that cold day in 1989 when she became the first woman to wear pants […]

Tue, May 15, 2018 4:30 am

Seeking to help people in need

Good Monday morning, California. “Just 63 nutria have been killed so far. The largest was a pregnant female weighing 24 pounds.” — San Francisco Chronicle, detailing California Department of Fish & Wildlife efforts to eradicate the giant rodents native to South America before they occupy and damage the Delta. Can California finally house mentally ill? […]

Mon, May 14, 2018 4:30 am

Jerry Brown holds the line in last budget

Despite a surge of revenues, Gov. Jerry Brown holds the line on spending in his final budget. He says state overdue for recession and needs to build reserves to cushion impacts.

Mon, May 14, 2018 12:01 am

Sometimes nice guys do finish first

California’s Republican elite – yes, Virginia, there was once such a thing – gathered in the Capitol on Dec. 15, 1980, to cast the state’s 45 presidential electoral votes for Ronald Reagan. After the formalities, attendees lingered in the state Senate chambers, savoring the moment and believing that Reagan’s election was a harbinger of their […]

Sun, May 13, 2018 12:01 am

An ungiddy governor proposes stashing most of state’s surplus—and spending on one-time expenses

Nothing good lasts forever. That was the familiar message reverberating from Gov. Jerry Brown on Friday as he unveiled his updated version of the 2018-19 state budget—his 16th budget in his final term as governor.

Fri, May 11, 2018 5:29 pm

How to spend $9 billion-plus

Good Friday morning, California. “We have been in a very long drought. It is my hope that it starts to rain soon,” Sen. Kevin de Leon, a Los Angeles Democrat, told me, praying money will rain on his underfunded campaign against Sen. Dianne Feinstein. Don’t forget your mother. Mother’s Day is Sunday. What to do […]

Fri, May 11, 2018 4:30 am

Gimme Shelter podcast: Housing in the governor’s race

Housing has become a major issue in California’s race for governor. With the June primary less than a month away, Matt and Liam dive into each of the candidate’s plans to solve our affordability crisis. First, the Avocado of the Fortnight takes Matt to an extremely hot property in San Jose (2:50). Then a discussion […]

Thu, May 10, 2018 4:36 pm

Rebelling against California’s ‘sanctuary’ law—from inside California

The city of Los Alamitos went further than other California localities, voting in an "unprecedented" move not to comply with California's sanctuary policy. Now will the "Resistance State" be able to counter the resistance against it?

Thu, May 10, 2018 11:44 am

The only city in California to solve veteran homelessness is on a mission to go bigger

There are around 40,000 homeless veterans in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More than 11,000 of them live in California.

Thu, May 10, 2018 12:00 am

Gretchen Carlson’s #MeToo Sacramento moment

Good morning, California. “Pesticides classified as human carcinogens or likely human carcinogens were applied to nearly 9.2 million acres statewide in 2016. That’s more acreage than the entire land area of each of nine states.” – Fairwarning.org. Gretchen Carlson stumps in Sacramento. Will it help? Gretchen Carlson speaks at a press conference held by Assemblywoman […]

Thu, May 10, 2018 4:30 am

Brown’s inconsistent education policies

During his first stint as governor four decades ago, Jerry Brown exhibited a willingness to change his mind – or at least his position – on issues large and small at the drop of a hat. He implied that the trait was a virtue and evidence of a superior intellect, quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson’s aphorism, […]

Thu, May 10, 2018 12:01 am

Lead paint makers balk at huge bill for toxic cleanup—instead they want you to pick up the tab

After losing in California courts, three lead paint companies are asking voters to overturn the ruling that says they must pay to clean up toxic lead paint in older homes.

Wed, May 9, 2018 6:17 pm

Gavin Newsom’s fondest wish

Good morning, California. “Has he endorsed her? No. No one on our team knew these were going out,” Dana Williamson, consultant to Gov. Jerry Brown, said of Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia’s campaign mailers suggesting Brown endorsed the Bell Gardens Democrat. Garcia is running for reelection, but is on leave pending an investigation into sexual harassment allegations against […]

Wed, May 9, 2018 4:30 am

California’s economy now globe’s 5th largest

California was in a bragging mode last week because the state’s economy has climbed in global rankings to 5th place behind only the United States as whole, China, Japan and Germany. It’s a remarkable factoid, certainly, that one American state generated so much economic production – $2.7 trillion last year – that it could rank […]

Wed, May 9, 2018 12:01 am

What’s important for land, sea and air in California’s fight with Trump

The punch-counterpunch sparring between the Trump administration and the state of California over rollbacks of federal environmental regulations is often described as a war of words, with neither the president nor Gov. Jerry Brown giving an inch. Some of the disputes are largely symbolic—foot-stamping gestures from Washington designed to resonate with the president’s core supporters […]

Tue, May 8, 2018 11:52 pm

Mixing it up: After last debate for California governor, will Gavin Newsom get his wish?

Tue, May 8, 2018 11:41 pm

The open secret about California taxes

California’s tax system, which relies heavily on the wealthy for state income, is prone to boom-and-bust cycles. While it delivers big returns from the rich whenever Wall Street goes on a bull run, it forces state and local governments to cut services, raise taxes or borrow money in a downturn. During the Great Recession, the […]

Tue, May 8, 2018 11:09 am

Brown’s lament as he honors fallen officers

Good morning, California. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions in Arizona and San Diego Monday announced a new border enforcement policy in which parents who cross illegally could be separated from their kids: “If you don’t like that, then don’t smuggle children over our border.” California Attorney General Xavier Becerra: “As a father, the last thing […]

Tue, May 8, 2018 4:30 am

VIDEO: Watch the candidates for governor on how they’d improve California schools

As our own Jessica Calefati has reported, California public schools tell a tale of two education systems. The achievement gap that separates well-off and needy students mirror the socioeconomic and racial disparities across the state. In 2017, 44 percent of white eighth-graders were deemed “proficient” or above on state math tests, while only 10 percent […]

Mon, May 7, 2018 1:15 pm

California Republicans struggle in age of Trump

Good Monday morning, California. “He then slowly inhaled the Pineapple Thai. It was the first time he’d had cannabis, he said, since 1979. ‘Somebody said I’m overdue,’ he laughed.” — Leafly, quoting Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer at his West Hollywood fundraiser last week. The Los Angeles Democrat chairs the Assembly Public Safety Committee, which hears bills […]

Mon, May 7, 2018 4:30 am

California sees slowing population growth

It’s time for some fun with numbers, dissecting a new state report on population trends. The big number is 39.8 million. That’s the state Department of Finance’s latest calculation of California’s population as of Jan. 1. It’s doubtless a little low, since California has a very large number of residents who fly below the official […]

Mon, May 7, 2018 12:01 am

Balancing act: How California Republicans hope to survive in the ‘resistance state’

Party leaders say they've found the secret to winning this year: Keep it local.

Sun, May 6, 2018 6:51 pm

California Republican Party won’t endorse in race for governor

The results are in. Delegates of the California Republican Party have cast their votes to endorse a candidate in the governor’s race. And their choice is…no one. Businessman John Cox and Assemblyman Travis Allen were both competing for the party’s seal of approval. To get it, either one would have needed the support of more […]

Sun, May 6, 2018 12:12 pm

Internet purchases spark fight over sales taxes

Sales taxes, once the primary source of revenue for the state budget, now play second fiddle to income taxes. That said, sales taxes are still very important to local governments, particularly cities, and often affect local land use decisions – favoring tax-generating retail business over housing, for instance. However, consumer trends are changing, radically affecting […]

Sun, May 6, 2018 12:01 am

Republicans Cox and Allen play to the base as they seek party endorsement

The two leading Republican candidates for governor took the stage at the state party convention in San Diego this afternoon, touting their conservative credentials and seeking the party’s endorsement. John Cox, a businessman from Chicago, and Travis Allen, an assemblyman from Huntington Beach, were given 12 minutes each to make a case to the packed crowd […]

Sat, May 5, 2018 7:21 pm

WATCH: The California Republican Party convention in San Diego

Sat, May 5, 2018 2:35 pm

“I’m not running for president”: How the California Republican Party tries to put on a new face in the era of Trump

Bill Essayli says his candidacy “destroys the Democrat Party’s narrative.” That’s not because of his policy positions, though his campaign against Riverside Democratic Assemblywoman Sabrina Cervantes is built around his opposition to the recent increase in California’s gas tax. It’s also not because he’s 32, though the state’s Grand Old Party, which has assembled in […]

Sat, May 5, 2018 2:10 pm

One Republican skips the weekend party convention and heads for the border

Tim Donnelly is at the California Republican Party convention that opened today in San Diego, but he won’t be staying long. Tomorrow morning the arch-conservative candidate for Congress will be heading to the U.S.-Mexico border to “reinstate the Minutemen,” he said. In the mid-2000’s,the “Minutemen Project” was a movement of armed vigilantes whose aim was […]

Fri, May 4, 2018 8:42 pm

Politicians at play in Pebble Beach, San Diego

Happy Friday, California. Well-educated, high-earners are still moving to California. But with housing prices at an all-time high, there’s an exodus of low-wage workers, reports Next10, a nonpartisan group, with research by Beacon Economics. Putting ‘fun’ back in fundraising Democratic legislators will spend this weekend attending the 21st annual Speaker’s Cup, a golf and fund-raising […]

Fri, May 4, 2018 4:30 am

How California candidates use three words to sway voters

With pithy descriptions by their names on the ballot, candidates can tell voters a little more about themselves.

Thu, May 3, 2018 1:10 pm

Weed is mainstream, politically speaking

Good morning, California. House Speaker Paul Ryan may not care about California potholes and doesn’t have to pay the new gas tax for road repairs. But the Wisconsin Republican has given $50,000 to a proposed initiative to repeal the new 12-cent-per-gallon gasoline tax, evidently believing it will draw Republicans to the polls in November and […]

Thu, May 3, 2018 4:30 am