California Economy - CalMatters

Accessibility signs at the entrances of a business in Chinatown, San Francisco on Feb. 18, 2023. A recent court ruling has paved the way for more lawsuits to be filed related to ADA violations in California. However, some believe these complaints are targeting immigrant communities. Photo by Shelby Knowles for CalMatters

He’s filed more than 2,000 disability lawsuits in California. This case could set precedent

by Nigel Duara March 7, 2023March 6, 2023

He couldn’t find a parking spot for his specialized van at a San Diego lobster shop. The lawsuit that followed is a test of how California upholds disabled rights.

Joseph Felice (right) and Kim Payne wait in line to receive food at the Trinity County Food Bank distribution at the Trinity County Fairgrounds on Feb. 8, 2023. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Emerald Triangle communities were built on cannabis. Legalization has pushed them to the brink

by Alexei Koseff February 27, 2023February 27, 2023

Leann Greene at the Humboldt County Library in Garberville on Feb. 8, 2023. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

‘Dream big:’ Cannabis workers search for new futures as Emerald Triangle economy withers

by Alexei Koseff February 27, 2023February 27, 2023

A natural gas pipeline in Chino Hills State Park on April 21, 2021. Photo by Lucy Nicholson, REUTERS

Utilities commission explores ways to mitigate high natural gas prices

by Grace Gedye February 8, 2023February 8, 2023

Illustration by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters; iStock, Reuters

Would a wealth tax actually drive the rich out of California?

by Grace Gedye January 25, 2023January 25, 2023

Illustration by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters; iStock

Why you should file taxes even if you don’t owe any

by Grace Gedye January 13, 2023January 23, 2023

Illustration by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters; iStock

Here’s what you need to know about California’s new pay transparency law

by Grace Gedye December 21, 2022December 21, 2022

Hundreds of UC academic workers picketed for the 5th straight week at UCLA in Los Angeles on Dec. 14, 2022. The demonstration was held near the UCLA Meyer and Renee Luskin Conference Center where the UC Board of Regents was meeting. Photo by Pablo Unzueta for CalMatters

Higher Education

As UC strike enters second month, grad workers risk arrest pushing for raises

by Mikhail Zinshteyn December 15, 2022December 23, 2022

Illustration by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters; iStock

Study: Paid family leave in California keeps women in jobs

by Grace Gedye December 12, 2022December 12, 2022

The headquarters of California's Employment Development Department in Sacramento. The agency says it's made improvements that have made it better equipped to issue employment benefits if the economy goes south. Photo by Rahul Lal, CalMatters

Is California’s beleaguered jobless benefits agency ready for a recession?

by Grace Gedye December 5, 2022December 5, 2022