Every week, Zócalo columnist and fourth-generation Southern Californian Joe Mathews talks to Morning Edition host Chery Glaser about 21st-century California's people, politics, trends and idiosyncrasies.
All Episodes
Joe Mathews: To preserve our old theaters, have faith in churches whose beliefs you don’t share
CaliforniaIt’s an issue many communities across California are wrestling with: how to preserve historic buildings and landmarks that are part of their heritage without draining local government…
Joe Mathews: Exasperated by Newsom recall effort? Blame it on San Diego
CaliforniaYour airwaves are going to be increasingly filled with political speeches and rallies. These are connected to the campaign aimed at removing Governor Gavin Newsom from office.
Joe Mathews: Have we given up on Independence? Look to the California town bearing that name
CaliforniaCommunities across California are gearing up to celebrate the anniversary of the country's independence — with barbecues, picnics, parades, and fireworks.
Joe Mathews: Who needs a capital? Let’s keep California lawmakers close to home
CaliforniaDid you know California has had 6 state capitals in its history? Actually, seven, if you count both times Sacramento has held the distinction.
Joe Mathews: Why California’s decision to shut down schools for a year should be investigated
EducationJoe Mathews says, “If America needs a 1/6 commission, then California must have a 3/13 commission.”
Parking lots get a bad rap, but pandemic shows value of wide-open urban spaces, says Joe Mathews
Transportation"Have not parking lots provided great utility, even life-saving service, during the COVID plague?
California’s budget is bursting with new spending. Joe Mathews says we need to pump the brakes
Business & EconomyJoe Mathews says that focusing on the state budget, when it appears in good shape, obscures California’s systemic failures.
Joe Mathews on the fight over groundwater rights in the California desert
EnvironmentAll of California is officially facing drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor . And much of the state is in extreme or severe drought after the dry winter.
More from KCRW
UCLA critical care doctor suggests his patience is running thin for people who refuse to get vaccinated
Coronavirus“We've had multiple Intensive Care Unit nurses who were years and years into their career decide to retire early.
Can a fix for LA homelessness come from private citizens? Supervisor Kathryn Barger bets on new task force
HomelessnessSupervisor Kathryn Barger co-authored a motion with Supervisor Hilda Solis to create a blue-ribbon commission, saying the entire county needs to be brought to the table to study what’s…
The end of Project Roomkey leaves some unhoused people in limbo
HomelessnessProject Roomkey, a statewide effort to place medically vulnerable unhoused people in hotel rooms during the pandemic, is scheduled to close at the end of September.
