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Chris Nichols
PolitiFact California Reporter
For the past dozen years, Chris Nichols has worked as a government and politics reporter at newspapers across California. Most recently, he covered the Capitol for the San Diego Union-Tribune. Previously, he worked at the North County Times in Escondido; the Lodi News-Sentinel and the Sonora Union-Democrat.
He is a native of sunny San Diego and long-suffering fan of the San Diego Padres and Chargers – but only if they stay in America’s Finest City. After obtaining his bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley, Chris left California to earn his master’s degree from the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism in 2004, but quickly returned home after realizing his heart was in the Golden State, not the Big Apple.
PolitiFact California: Fact or Fiction? A Look At Claims About SB 50, One Of California’s Most Controversial Housing Bills
January 21, 2020
California housing bill SB 50 would require cities and counties to allow higher-density housing near job and transit centers.
One Year In, Gov. Gavin Newsom Shows Bold Action, But California’s Homelessness Crisis Deepens
January 13, 2020
Newsom’s budget and legislative steps represent continued progress on his campaign pledge to address homelessness statewide. PolitiFact California continues to rate his promise ‘In the Works’ on our Newsom-Meter.
Here's What's In Governor Gavin Newsom's $222 Billion California Budget Proposal
January 10, 2020
California Gov. Gavin Newsom introduced his 2020-2021 budget proposal Friday, including a new fund to address the homelessness crisis, more money for Cal Fire to fight wildfires, and a plan to create a generic drug label for the state.
Demonstrators Protest SB50 As California Lawmakers Reintroduce Controversial Housing Law
January 7, 2020
Supporters say Senate Bill 50 would ease the state’s severe housing shortage. Critics, however, say it would strip local governments of land-use authority and spur gentrification.
California Election Officials Address Confusion Over No Party Preference Voting In State’s Presidential Primary
January 6, 2020
Unlike other elections in the state, a voter’s party makes a big difference in the presidential primary. Questions came up after No Party Preference voters received postcards asking which party ballot they want.
New California Laws Will Make It Easier To Build Granny Flats
January 3, 2020
One new law that goes into effect this month reduces fees local governments charge to build these small homes, also called accessory dwelling units or ADUs. Another speeds up the approval process.
California Landlords Can't Reject Tenants Solely For Using Vouchers Starting In 2020
December 18, 2019
Landlords will not be forced to rent to federal voucher holders, under the program formerly known as Section 8. They will still be able to use credit and background checks when deciding on rental applications.
California Firefighters ‘Spoke Out’ Against Trump? Claim In Biden Ad Is True.
December 18, 2019
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden attacked President Trump in a new digital campaign ad, which claims California firefighters "spoke out" against the president over his controversial tweet during the state’s deadly November 2018 wildfires.
What Do You Want To Know About California Politics? Ask PolitiFact California!
December 10, 2019
Do you have questions about politics or government in California you wish you could have help finding the answers to? PolitiFact California is here to help. Send us your questions, and we'll sift through them to find the truth.
Kamala Harris' Presidential Bid Is Over, But California Political Observers Still See National Potential
December 3, 2019
The U.S. Senator officially ended her Democratic presidential campaign Tuesday, but political consultants in California said Harris could still have a long and formidable career ahead.