In summary
CalMatters’s brought its in-person voter event series to Redding, Chico, and South Lake Tahoe.
Last week, working alongside local newsrooms and community colleges, CalMatters brought together more than 100 voters in California’s far north to talk about this year’s city, county and statewide ballot propositions.
“I trust CalMatters to give unbiased assessments,” said Laura, from Anderson, California, who attended our event in Redding. “I learned a lot tonight because I did not realize these propositions were on the ballot.”
CalMatters launched VotingMatters, a series of over 30 events around the state to bring our 2024 Voter Guide to life, educating voters through trivia, quizzes, and our Props in a Minute videos.
While snacking on Thai fusion wraps and BLTs at the Shasta Bike Depot in Redding, a group of 50 friends and neighbors joined CalMatters and Shasta Scout to talk about the potential effects of Proposition 36, which would increase penalties for theft and drug trafficking. Bruce Ross, district director for state senator Brian Dahle, joined us to talk about local elections, including the controversial Measure P, which would prevent Shasta County from seizing private spaces like parking lots for redevelopment.
In Chico, CalMatters and North State Public Radio hosted a small and intimate event that brought together both landlords and renters to talk about Proposition 33, which would allow local governments to impose rent controls. After the conversation, NSPR gave participants a look into their studio and how they do their journalism.
In South Lake Tahoe more than 50 students and locals gathered for a session at Lake Tahoe Community College. Susan Blankenship, the city clerk, presented on local elections, particularly Measure N, a vacancy tax for properties in the city.
This week, VotingMatters is coming to the Central Valley:
- 9/23 at 12 pm – Stockton (RSVP here) – We’re teaming up with Stocktonia for a VotingMatters event at San Joaquin Delta College. Stocktonia reporters will cover local county and city races, while Delta College’s Office of Student Life and the Associated Students of Delta College will help register voters. Lunch will be served. RSVP is required and priority will be given to students.
- 9/24 at 12 pm – Sacramento (RSVP here) – We’re teaming up with CapRadio for a VotingMatters event at Sacramento State, in partnership with the State Hornet and Sac State Associated Students, Inc. Grab lunch with CapRadio reporters and student journalists. RSVP is required and priority will be given to students.
- CalMatters is also working with local partners to see if we can bring events to Merced, Fresno, and Bakersfield. Stay tuned!
Next week, VotingMatters is coming to the Los Angeles metro area:
- 9/30 at 7 pm – San Fernando – This event will be co-hosted with the San Fernando Valley Sun, at Bodevi Wine & Espresso Bar.
- 10/1 at 9 am – Los Angeles – VotingMatters will come to the Japanese American National Museum’s Democracy Lab for a breakfast session.
- 10/2 at 2 pm – San Bernardino – CalMatters is working with KVCR to bring an event to San Bernardino Valley College. Priority will be given to students, and details TBA.
- 10/3 at 3 pm – Los Angeles – Join us at the Los Angeles Public Library for an afternoon session.
Please follow our events newsletter as new sessions are constantly being added! For questions about specific events or how to have an event in your area, please contact dhu@calmatters.org.
Nevin Kallepalli of Shasta Scout contributed to reporting.
