News

Amid pockets of rising student homelessness, California districts tap Covid funding to help families

June 4, 2023

The federal money helps identify more students who lack housing.

Health Care

Health care coalition jockeys over Medi-Cal spending, eyes ballot initiative

June 4, 2023

California Healthline has learned that a coalition of doctors, hospitals, insurers, and community clinics want to lock in a tax on health insurance companies to draw in extra Medicaid funding. It also wants to make the tax permanent.

Food and Sustainability

Congress created changes to food assistance. Here's what they mean

June 3, 2023

In an effort to avoid defaulting on the nation's loans, lawmakers created updates to SNAP, the nation's largest food assistance safety net. There are new work requirements as well as exemptions.

Health Care

California’s digital privacy battle: It’s police vs. civil libertarians, with an abortion twist

June 3, 2023

California is considering banning the use of “reverse search warrants,” which compel tech companies to disclose the identities of individuals based on the location of their phone and internet search history. Abortion activists call it vital.

State Government

Welfare: As US tightens work rules, California considers loosening them

June 3, 2023

State lawmakers want to loosen CalWORKs job requirements so people keep cash benefits. Congress’ debt limit deal could curb that.

State Government

Tax on short-term rentals like Airbnb could fund California affordable housing

June 2, 2023

A bill to tax Airbnb and other short-term rentals to fund affordable housing projects could be voted on by the Senate soon. The proposal has revived the debate over Airbnb and its role in the housing crisis.

Arts and Lifestyle

An experience for all: Sacramento area performing arts venues find new ways to take patrons with disabilities on the stage’s journey

June 2, 2023

The accessibility and accommodation services offered by Broadway Sacramento allow theater patrons with visual, hearing or mobility impairments options to help them fully appreciate the shows.

Race and Equity

‘It’s not for them to decide’: Elk Grove Maidu family on regulating tribal regalia at graduation ceremonies

June 1, 2023 | Janelle Salanga

In 2019, California enacted a bill which codified California high school students’ right to wear cultural or tribal regalia during graduation ceremonies. Still, families face procedural hoops to jump through — which a task force aims to rectify.

State Government

California Assembly advances bill to make tech platforms pay for journalism

June 1, 2023 | Nicole Nixon

News industry revenues have fallen as consumption shifts primarily to social media and other online platforms. A bill would require large social media companies to pay a monthly “journalism usage fee” to outlets.

Health Care

Public health officials urge mpox vaccinations ahead of LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations

June 1, 2023 | Kate Wolffe

In an open letter, California’s head of STD control urged doctors to be vigilant about mpox spread in their communities. Sacramento’s LGBT Community Center has events scheduled all month to increase vaccination rates.

Matchmaking, parenting classes: The Sacramento Zoo's baby orangutan came after of years of careful planning

June 1, 2023 | Vicki Gonzalez

Even orangutans can have trouble finding a mate. The Sacramento Zoo spent years encouraging a relationship between a female and male Sumatran orangutan before welcoming the baby primate.

State Farm won’t sell new home insurance in California. Can the state shore up the market?

May 31, 2023

Wildfires and expensive rebuilding wiped out profits among California home insurers. State Farm isn’t the first insurer to retreat from the state, and may not be the last.

State Government

California Senate approves bill to limit police stops for headlights, expired registration

May 31, 2023 | Nicole Nixon

Sen. Steven Bradford’s SB50 would prohibit police from pulling someone over for a minor infraction related to lighting, registration or license plates alone.

Sacramento groups denounce anti-semitic remarks made at City Council meetings

May 31, 2023 | Kristin Lam

The Jewish Federation of the Sacramento Region held a press conference following weeks of hateful comments at Sacramento City Council meetings.

Sacramento aims to reopen a public pool next summer. What do communities lose without access?

May 31, 2023 | Kristin Lam

Public pools serve as community resources, local leaders and residents said, but the city not prioritizing funding for them can take away opportunities.

State Government

Newsom and Democratic lawmakers at odds over billions in health care funds

May 30, 2023

Gov. Gavin Newsom is getting pressure from his political allies to begin spending money on health care that the state raised by fining Californians who go without health insurance. But Newsom says the state can't afford to.

Health Care

WellSpace’s ‘Crib’ program provides temporary alternative to hospital or jail for unhoused people in crisis

May 30, 2023

WellSpace’s Crisis Receiving for Behavioral Health (CRBH) program — known as “Crib” — debuted in summer 2020. The crisis center allows subjects up to recuperate from a mental health crisis or substance intoxication for up to 24 hours on site.

Environment

California becomes the first state to phase out toxic hexavalent chromium

May 30, 2023

The state Air Resources Board voted last week to ban the substance known as chromium 6, giving platers several years to switch to an alternative the platers say won’t produce the same chrome shine.

Sacramento 2024 mayor race: More candidates launch campaigns after Steinberg says he won’t run

May 30, 2023 | Kristin Lam

Voters will weigh in on the 2024 Sacramento mayoral election next March. The deadline for candidates to file paperwork to run is in December, but campaign announcements have begun.

Environment

How California’s record snowpack plays a part in wildfire season

May 30, 2023 | Manola Secaira

A wet winter brought record snowpack to California and might change how and where wildfires pop up in the state during warmer months.