CALMatters | Palo Alto 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:

Frustration spurs California parents to run for school boards

Some parents who have been outspoken in their criticism of local school districts are finding allies in community members opposed to COVID safety protocols and other education policies. Buoyed by that support, they are now running to become school board members.

Thu, Aug 18, 2022 5:30 am

Who’s atop the food chain in California?

This is CalMatters political reporter Ben Christopher, filling in for Emily who is out sick. Feel better, Emily! Fast food workers and labor advocates wrapped up two days of marching, chanting and mariachi playing around the state Capitol on Wednesday, part of a years-long campaign for a legislative proposal that could transform California’s fast food […]

Thu, Aug 18, 2022 5:00 am

California’s fast food bill could link chains to wage theft and other workplace violations

Proponents say AB 257 could curb wage theft, but restaurateurs say it could raise costs and prices and fundamentally change relationships with fast food chains.

Wed, Aug 17, 2022 5:59 pm

Monkeypox resources are scarce in California’s Central Valley

While monkeypox vaccines are targeted to the state’s largest cities, where case numbers are highest, other communities are struggling to respond. In the Central Valley, public health officials are waiting for resources and trying to get information to residents seeking help.

Wed, Aug 17, 2022 5:30 am

Back to school: California Republicans bet big on local board races

Shut out from winning statewide offices, the state GOP is seeking to capitalize on parents' anger to win local school board races in 2022 and motivate Republican voters. The party's "Parent Revolt" program is its most ambitious school board candidate recruitment and training program ever.

Wed, Aug 17, 2022 5:25 am

Stopping pay for workers sick with COVID is misguided

California’s workplace safety officials are considering keeping in place the requirement to keep positive COVID cases out of the workplace, but throwing out the requirement to pay workers who are excluded from the workplace when sick.

Wed, Aug 17, 2022 5:25 am

School board races emerge as GOP election focus

“Red state governors, they talk a big game, don’t they, about providing parents with education choice,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a Monday video post on Truth Social, the social media company founded by former President Donald Trump. “But when it comes time to walk the walk, they’re absent.” The governor’s post — in which […]

Wed, Aug 17, 2022 5:00 am

California dodges Colorado River water cutbacks

When the federal Bureau of Reclamation issued mandatory reductions in diversions from the Colorado River Tuesday, California dodged the bullet.

Wed, Aug 17, 2022 12:01 am

Gimme Shelter: The limits of emergency housing vouchers in California

On this episode of “Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast,” CalMatters’ Manuela Tobias and the Los Angeles Times’ Liam Dillon sit down with Jack Lahey, homeless services coordinator in San Luis Obispo, to discuss the mixed results of a federal rental assistance program.

Tue, Aug 16, 2022 10:05 am

Colorado River water cut back — except for California

Two other states – but not California – face cuts to Colorado River water in 2023 as the federal government escalates its drought response. But a deal remains out of reach.

Tue, Aug 16, 2022 5:25 am