CBS News California Investigates
CBS News California Investigates is a statewide initiative committed to exposing systemic failures, empowering communities, and making government more accountable to the people it serves.
Led by national award-winning journalist Julie Watts, the project brings together the investigative resources of CBS News stations in Los Angeles, Sacramento, and the Bay Area, along with the CBS News Confirmed and CBS News Data teams.
Based in the State Capitol for direct access to lawmakers and regulatory agencies, Watts leads collaborative investigations that expose systemic failures, hold the powerful accountable, and highlight the real-world consequences of policy decisions.
Airing weekly across CBS platforms, these stories connect the dots between policies and real-world impact, translating complex issues through the lens of the people most affected by them—giving Californians the information they need to push for transparency, accountability, and change.
Whether uncovering gaps in consumer protections, exposing public safety and health concerns, or pushing for greater transparency from state agencies, the mission is clear: dig deeper, ask tougher questions, and shine a light where others won't.
Featured Projects
| 
| 
|
| 
| 
|
Featured Video Playlist
Our Mission
Launched in March 2024, CBS News California Investigates is a government accountability franchise focused on stories that start in local communities and reach all the way to the Capitol. We pair public records, data analysis, and source-driven reporting with a deep understanding of California's political and regulatory systems. The goal is not just to expose problems but to empower audiences with information and inspire solutions. From environmental oversight to public health, insurance, and education, each investigation is rooted in transparency and public service journalism.
We investigate policies, agencies, and power structures that too often operate in the shadows. Our work has prompted legislative hearings, new laws, formal investigations, and corporate recalls. We ask the tough questions on behalf of the people who don't have lobbyists or public relations representatives. And we hold leaders accountable not just for what they say, but for what they do. At its core, this work is about creating change through clarity and making sure Californians understand how decisions in Sacramento shape their everyday lives.
Julie Watts is a national award-winning investigative correspondent for CBS News, covering California, reporting weekly for CBS Los Angeles, CBS Sacramento, and CBS Bay Area. Based in Sacramento, she leverages her proximity to the Capitol to hold state agencies, lawmakers, and corporate stakeholders accountable by combining Capitol access with in-depth reporting on topics ranging from public safety and politics to environmental and consumer protection.
Julie's work has sparked legislative reforms, government investigations, and product recalls. Known for her ability to break down complex, often intentionally opaque policy, she tells high-impact stories through the eyes of the people affected — whether parents, patients, consumers, or survivors.
Press Clippings:
EDITOR & PUBLISHER CBS Stations announces CBS News California Investigates, naming Julie Watts as regional correspondent
THE INVESTIGATIVE REPORTERS & EDITORS JOURNAL: "Crunching legislative data with AI in California"
VARIETY: "CBS Invests in Statehouse Investigative Reporting With 'California's Fentanyl Fight' Special"
TV NEWS CHECK: CBS News California Investigates Debuts New Year's Day Special 'California's Fentanyl Fight: Politicians V. Parents'
NEWS BLUES: CBS O&O Stations in California Investigate How Lawmakers Oppose Fentanyl Fight
2025 Honors & Recognition:
National Edward R. Murrow Awards: Feature Reporting
SPJ Sigma Delta Chi Award: Regional Political Reporting
Poynter Journalism Prize: The Punch Sulzberger Prize for Journalism Innovation
National Headliner Awards: Second-Place, Cont. Coverage
Golden State Journalism Awards: First Place, TV Enterprise Reporting
Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards: Feature Reporting & News Series
Regional Emmy Awards: Political Reporting, Feature Reporting, Cont. Coverage, Investigative, Consumer, & Talent: Host
What happens when you skip jury duty? CBS News California investigates
It turns out not much happens when you skip jury duty in California. CBS News California investigates how that's impacting people's right to a fair trial.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signs law banning new Glock sales in California
Glocks are among the most popular handguns sold in California. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill that bans Californians from buying new Glock guns in the state.
What the candidates for California governor are saying about redistricting, immigration and other top issues
In this ongoing series, CBS News California Investigates correspondent Julie Watts presses candidates in the 2026 California governor's race on top issues including redistricting, immigration and homelessness.
California's redistricting plan sparks fierce debate in 2026 governor's race
Where do the 2026 California gubernatorial candidates stand on Proposition 50 and redistricting? Xavier Becerra, Chad Bianco, Ian Calderon, Stephen J. Cloobeck, Steve Hilton, Katie Porter, Tony Thurmond, Antonio Villaraigosa, Butch Ware, Betty Yee and Leo Zacky share their thoughts.
Palisades Fire victims frustrated by brush clearance citations
A KCAL News investigation revealed that more than 300 damaged or destroyed properties in the Pacific Palisades were cited for failing to clear brush.
California bill targeting loud streaming ads signed into law by Gov. Newsom
Believe it or not, an 8-month-old's sleep schedule is what led to a face-off between California lawmakers and the entertainment industry over loud commercials on streaming services.
We asked the candidates for California governor: What has Newsom done well?
Julie Watts interviewed every candidate for California governor ahead of next year's election.
Why didn't laws to protect kids online prevent alleged Roblox kidnapping?
CBS News California examined why and how a recent alleged kidnapping might have been avoided if the laws were working the way they were supposed to.
Denise Huskins, Aaron Quinn honored as "Witnesses of the Year" for role in Matthew Muller confessions
Never-before-released interrogations of Matthew Muller, the serial predator who kidnapped Denise Huskins in 2015, show his confessions to decades of other home invasions and sexual assaults.
Fact-checking Trump and Newsom's claims about California gas prices
President Trump and Gov. Gavin Newsom have made several different claims about California gas prices. Here's what we found.
Southern California community pleading for help after Trump Administration pulls funding
Residents in the Rancho Palos Verdes have been living in fear that one day their homes might slide down the edge of the slope. Just when they thought they were going to be receiving funds to help, it got ripped away.
Who investigates fireworks explosions like the one in Esparto, California?
After what happened in Esparto and the large response that followed, CBS News California looked back at another large fireworks-related explosion in California to get an idea of how the investigation in Yolo County may develop.
California moves to set nation's first smoke damage insurance standard
The California Department of Insurance has commissioned a task force to develop a first-in-the-nation smoke damage standard that could be the blueprint for a national standard.
California launches investigation into State Farm's handling of claims following LA fires
In an exclusive interview with CBS News California Investigates, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara announced a formal Market Conduct Examination of State Farm.
Troubling on-campus incident sparks concerns over LAUSD's move to defund police department | KCAL Investigates
Years after the Los Angeles Unified School District defunded its police department, a troubling event has once again sparked concerns that campuses are not as safe as they should be for students and their families.
