Santa Clara County Signal Booster Articles


Image caption: An updated primer from the CalMatters reporting team aims to help Californians understand their state government.
2022-2023 Primer: California Policy and Politics

CalMatters' expert journalists around the state created this guide to the state's efforts to meet the challenges of 2022 and prepare for 2023.

Image caption: Allison Leggett, a fourth-year student at Charles Drew University, on campus in the Watts region of Los Angeles on Dec. 7, 2022
Solving the Black Doctor Shortage

Charles Drew University, the only historically Black university in California, will launch a new MD program next year. The goal is to train more doctors of color to help underserved communities in a state where only 3% of physicians are …

Image caption: Lake Oroville, one of California's largest reservoirs, is only 59% of capacity as of Dec. 12 — despite recent rains and snow. The reservoir is shown here in May 2022.
Is California’s Drought Over? Water Providers Predict Shortages

Despite December storms, water supplies remain low in many areas. Some managers expect to impose severe restrictions on their customers.

Image caption: As lawmakers head back to Sacramento, two issues will dominate the calendar.
More Housing, Fewer Prisons: California's Game Plan

Hanging over the heads of California's newly sworn-in state lawmakers — and likely to be top of mind when they return to Sacramento next month — are the state's intertwined housing and homelessness crises. That was made clear Tuesday, when …

Image caption: Democratic candidate ,Jay Chen speaks with voter Ramona Mejia in Spanish while canvassing for voters at the 62nd Garden Grove Strawberry Festival on May 29, 2022.
Did CA Dems Cost their Party Congress?

The Democratic Party could regret its failure to better coordinate campaigns in California and spend more money on congressional races that helped determine control of the House of Representatives.

Image caption: Gov. Gavin Newsom explains why he withheld, then released, $1 billion for local governments to reduce California homelessness. The two sides met in Sacramento on Nov. 18, 2022.
About-Face: Newsom Relents; Releases $1 Billion for Homeless Plans

The governor threw communities into disarray two weeks ago by withholding $1 billion in homelessness funding for plans he saw as unambitious. But local officials said the assignment itself discouraged ambition. Now Newsom is yielding.

Image caption: A historical marker commemorates the Battle of Natividad, which took place in the Salinas Valley.
Point in Time

David Schmaltz outlines a pivotal point in California history in his Monterey County Weekly cover story on the Battle of Natividad.

Image caption: Gov. Gavin Newsom addresses the media after casting his ballot on election day at the California Museum in Sacramento on Nov. 8, 2022.
Will Newsom Put his Extraordinary Popularity to Use?

Gov. Gavin Newsom has won three gubernatorial elections with historic support. He should use his popularity to unite constituencies and improve some of California’s intractable problems.

Image caption: Felicia Gold casts her ballot at the California Museum on Nov. 8, 2022.
How California Could Count Every Vote Faster

California has expanded voting access and participation, but that can delay election results. Are there ways to count votes faster without undermining election security?

Image caption: Gases being released at the Marathon oil refinery in Martinez. Under the state's new climate change plan, refineries would capture carbon emissions and inject them underground.
California Revises Climate Change Strategy

A new version of California’s climate plan sets a more stringent—some say unrealistic—target for cutting greenhouse gases. It also relies on controversial carbon capture projects, which would be responsible for 15% of all cuts.

Image caption: The floor of the California Assembly.
The Most Diverse California Legislature Ever

While votes are still being counted, it appears that the next Legislature will include the most women and LGBTQ members ever. Advocacy groups are already celebrating, but how much difference will the diversity make in policy?

Image caption: Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks to the media at a Prop 1 celebration event at The Citizen Hotel in Sacramento on Nov. 8, 2022.
California Election Drama May Be Yet to Come

After months of anticipation and buildup, California's general election came and went — and so far, things don't look very different than they did before polls closed Tuesday night. But some of the races that could be among the most …

Image caption: Paul and Nancy Pelosi on a visit to Israel in February, 2022.
Pelosi Attack Illuminates 4 California Challenges

Friday’s attack on Paul Pelosi, husband to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, has cast a harsh light on intertwined, deeply ingrained problems facing the state.

Image caption: California Governor Gavin Newsom speaking with participants at a September Climate Commitment press conference in Vallejo, CA.
Is Gavin Newsom Campaigning for President?

California’s governor is spending more time and money on two ballot measures and a possible presidential run than his own reelection campaign.

Image caption: Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Cabazon is one of 82 tribal gaming operations in California.
A Guide to Gambling in the Golden State

In California, you can bet on a horse race, buy a lottery ticket, put money on poker in a card room and play slots at a tribal casino all in the same day.

Image caption: Assembly GOP Leader James Gallagher of Yuba City addresses the media during a press conference calling for a suspension of the state's gas tax on March 14, 2022.
California GOP Demands Emergency Action on Taxes, Crime

California Republicans are zeroing in on the three issues on which they say Democrats may be most vulnerable heading into the Nov. 8 election: The rising cost of living, crime and homelessness. On Tuesday, 26 of the 28 current Republican …

Image caption: A gas nozzle in a van at a central Fresno gas station on Sept. 29, 2022.
How Much Will You Get From the California Gas Rebate?

Here’s who is eligible for a 2022 gas rebate, how you will get it, when and how much you should expect.

Image caption: Sacramento City College in Sacramento on Oct. 3, 2022.
The Equity Gap: Community Colleges Won’t Reach Newsom’s Aspirational Goals

California’s community colleges aren’t on track to reach ambitious goals of closing the gaps in graduation rates between racial and ethnic groups. Its central office leaders doubt they’ll reach those goals, including new ones laid out by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Image caption: California Secretary of State Shirley Weber is interviewed at the CalMatters offices on Oct. 5, 2022.
What Would Shirley Weber Do Next as California Secretary of State?

In an hour-long interview with CalMatters, Secretary of State Shirley Weber talks about changing California's recalls for governor, increasing voter participation and other issues.

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Will Californians Get Even More Gas Rebates?

As California gas prices approach record highs — though costs could soon drop by as much as $1 per gallon — there's "9.5 billion reasons I think people should be appreciative that the state's recognizing the stress and strain that …

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