
CalMatters
CALmatters is a nonpartisan, nonprofit journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters. Environmental regulation, education, health care, criminal justice, economic inequality – the debates on these issues and others have a profound impact on the lives of 38 million Californians and beyond. Yet, mirroring trends across the country, there has been a significant decline in the number of journalists covering the Capitol in Sacramento. This has meant fewer eyes on decision makers, and a public that feels disconnected from its state government. Our team of experienced journalists, with the time and resources to dig deep, is committed to meaningfully informing Californians about the players, politics, and interests that shape the issues that affect their lives. Over the coming months, CALmatters will be working to unwrap key issues, while experimenting with the forms our stories take. To ensure we reach many Californians, we work with media organizations throughout the state that have long, deep relationships with their local audiences.
Good morning, California. It’s Wednesday, June 16.
For many, masks here to stay
Rome wasn’t built in a day — and neither did California reopen in one.
Flanked by minions, Smurfs and Transformers at Universal Studios Hollywood, a maskless Gov. Gavin Newsom drew $15 million worth of prizes in the state’s vaccine lottery and declared the Golden State open for business after 453 days of lockdowns. But the reality for many Californians on Tuesday — the first day fully vaccinated residents could forgo face coverings in most situations and many businesses could reopen at full capacity — was more complicated, reflecting the divide between urban and rural parts of the state.