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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.

Editor's Picks
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