‘Staggering solidarity’: How California’s summer strikes broke down wealth, class barriersAugust 9, 2023Showing solidarity with other social classes is a prominent union strategy in the so-called “hot labor summer” sweeping California. It’s too soon to say if the inter-union activity will get employers to bargain.
EducationDrones, tacos, and billboards: How California community colleges are trying to get students back to schoolAugust 6, 2023After a historic drop in enrollment during the COVID-19 pandemic, California community colleges are ramping up marketing efforts, spending more than $40 million in state and federal dollars to lure students back. Is it working?
Some of California’s best-paid public employees say they’re ready to strike. Here’s whyAugust 2, 2023Almost half of the jobs for doctors and psychiatrists in California prisons are unfilled. Now, their union says it’s ready to strike over pay even as the state faces a steep budget deficit.
Health CareCalifornia needs thousands of nurses, but leaders can’t agree on how to fill jobsAugust 1, 2023Some hospitals in Southern California have a nurse vacancy rate of 30%, stressing overworked staff and causing some to leave the industry earlier than they planned.
EnvironmentThe hidden cost of California’s hot workplaces: 20,000 job injuries a yearJuly 30, 2023A workers comp study says one day above 100 degrees can cause 15% more accidents, costing workers and employers millions. A new advisory panel may help the state improve its work heat rules.
State GovernmentCalifornians are smoking less: Why that’s a problem for these early childhood servicesJuly 23, 2023A new ban on flavored tobacco products is accelerating a decline in nicotine tax revenue that funds California’s early childhood services. Some programs are already making cuts.
Are major changes coming to your electric bill? 5 things to knowJuly 22, 2023California’s electric rates are among the highest in the country. Three big power companies propose charging fixed rates based on income, saying low-income customers will save money. Critics doubt it’ll work.
Cal State recently was forced to deal with several sexual harassment allegations. A new report finds it repeatedly fell shortJuly 19, 2023After several high-profile sexual harassment cases, Cal State needs more training, staff and outreach to students and employees, an outside firm concludes.
State GovernmentWhat happened to the big changes to California elections?July 15, 2023The most sweeping bills to change California elections got shelved in the Legislature. Instead, lawmakers are focusing on ballot measure language, local redistricting, voting integrity and campaign finance tweaks before the 2024 election.
Race and EquityCalifornia built a safety net for undocumented immigrants. Now deficits could leave some behindJuly 11, 2023As California gives immigrants access to more public programs, its poverty rate declines, some say. But budget and recession worries slow that progress.
