CalMatters is your nonprofit and nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to explaining how state government impacts our lives.

Michael Lozano

Youth Journalism Initiative Manager

Michael Lozano leads CalMatters’ Youth Journalism Initiative amping California’s journalism education-to-industry pipeline. He has lead youth journalism programs since 2012, mentoring diverse youth to land their stories in major media. He also reports on immigration, elections, and community health for CalMatters, New America Media, the Long Beach Post, Los Angeles Public Press and more. He is based in Long Beach. Other languages spoken: Spanish. You can learn more about the Youth Journalism Initiative at www.calmatters.org/youthjournalism.

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Latest Stories

Justice

Behind the masks: Who are the people rounding up immigrants in California?

The presence of masked federal agents is an unnerving part of life in Southern California this summer. Here's a look at who's carrying out the immigration raids.

By Michael Lozano • July 17, 2025

Commentary

Earth Day contest highlights: California youth spotlight election-year priorities on climate

In an important election year, more than 70 high school students across California called on candidates seeking office to back a variety of climate solutions as part of CalMatters’ Earth Day op-ed contest. These are a few excerpts from finalists.

By Michael Lozano and Yousef Baig • April 18, 2024

Commentary

Earth Day contest highlights: California youth plead for change, sound the alarm

From brainy write-ups to passionate pleas for reform, here are selected excerpts from CalMatters' Earth Day op-ed contest.

By Michael Lozano and Yousef Baig • April 18, 2023

Elections

This activist says voting is just one tool to improve Black lives

Helen Jones knows her work to improve Black lives is a long term project. She firmly believes that voting is one way to ensure change.

By Michael Lozano • January 5, 2021

Elections

California’s election reform ignores obstacles for diverse voters

Despite election reforms designed to improve turnout in 2020, the gap between white and diverse voters remained significant.

By Michael Lozano • December 28, 2020

CalMatters en Español

La reforma electoral de California ignora los obstáculos para votantes diversos

A pesar de las reformas electorales diseñadas para mejorar la participación en 2020, la brecha entre votantes blancos y diversos siguió siendo significativa.

By Michael Lozano • December 28, 2020

Elections

Which California county voted the most? The least? Let’s compare

California voters are as diverse as its geography, from mountain ranges to valley farmland to forests and beaches. So a look at official voting results released this month shows notable differences in who turned out, how we voted, and where we voted. More than half of California’s record 17.8 million ballots cast came from just […]

By Michael Lozano • December 21, 2020

Politics

If he had a home, he might have voted

CalMatters talked to a handful of the 4.3 million Californians who chose to sit out this year’s election to find out why, given 17.8 million set a record by voting in November. Joseph wanted a home and time to study the propositions.

By Michael Lozano • December 15, 2020

Elections

Orange County staff planned election details down to the “I Voted” stickers

CalMatters talked to volunteer poll workers and full-time staff in the aftermath of November’s contentious election to see how their work differed from past elections. Election staff Tiffany Nevarez, Enedina Chhim and Roxana Castro say they enjoyed problem-solving their way past this year’s hurdles in Orange County.

By Michael Lozano • December 7, 2020

Elections

Between band gigs, he worked for democracy at home

CalMatters talked to volunteer poll workers and full-time staff members in the aftermath of November’s contentious election to see how their job differed from past elections. San Diego elections staffer Andrew Pates said his job motivation was “to work on the truth.”

By Michael Lozano • December 4, 2020