Kate Wolffe

Politics

Most California senators supported this ADA lawsuit bill. It died anyway

Sen. Roger Niello's proposal to give businesses more time to fix ADA violations before facing lawsuits won overwhelming Senate support. But it died without an Assembly hearing after judiciary chair Ash Kalra rejected the bill in favor of a competing approach.

By Kate Wolffe • July 9, 2026

Politics

As transgender troops leave the military, California seeks to help them start new lives

After a year of limbo, some transgender troops who opted to leave the U.S. military voluntarily are finally being released. A new California bill would protect those forced out with a less than honorable discharge.

By Kate Wolffe • July 2, 2026

Politics

California lawmaker rolls back new public records barriers after fierce opposition

Southern California Democratic lawmaker Blanca Pacheco’s bill would have added high fees to records requests submitted for a “commercial purpose” and allowed counties more avenues to deny records and take people to court.

By Kate Wolffe • June 30, 2026

Politics

Tech billionaires hire Democratic dealmakers in renewed push to build a Bay Area city

Following years of local resistance, tech billionaires are turning to the state to fast track their plan to build a new city in the Bay Area. They are lobbying for legislation to expedite environmental review of their project, enlisting political heavyweights to make their case.

By Kate Wolffe and Yue Stella Yu • June 25, 2026

Politics

California Democrats approve budget deal, opening negotiations with Newsom

State lawmakers’ budget plan would reject or delay many of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s social service cuts. Now, the budget negotiations begin in earnest.

By Yue Stella Yu and Kate Wolffe • June 15, 2026

Digital Democracy

The Board of Equalization has little power. Campaign donors still spent millions on it

Current state lawmakers dominated fundraising in races for California's little-known Board of Equalization, drawing heavily from interests with business before the Legislature.

By Kate Wolffe • June 15, 2026

CalMatters en Español

¿Quiénes van ganando en las elecciones estatales de California? Esto es lo que sabemos hasta ahora

Los dos candidatos más votados en cada contienda aparecerán en la boleta electoral de las elecciones generales, y los votantes tendrán la última palabra en noviembre.

By Kate Wolffe • June 3, 2026

Politics

Update: Who’s winning California’s statewide races?

Californians are voting on more than just the next governor. They’ll determine the general election candidates for eight other statewide offices.

By Kate Wolffe • June 2, 2026

CalMatters en Español

Las votaciones en California terminan el martes. ¿Los resultados? No los esperes pronto

California ha implementado nuevas normas destinadas a acelerar el recuento de votos, pero expertos electorales y funcionarios locales afirman que las elecciones reñidas aún podrían tardar semanas en resolverse.

By Kate Wolffe • June 2, 2026

Politics

California voting ends Tuesday. The results? Don’t expect them anytime soon

California has new rules meant to speed up ballot counting, but elections experts and county officials say close races could still take weeks to resolve.

By Kate Wolffe • June 2, 2026

Kate Wolffe

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