UC, Cal State Police Much Less Diverse Than The Students They Serve

March 13, 2021

At 32 of 33 UC and CSU campuses, police officers are whiter than the students — and in many cases, disparities are glaring

Bank Of America Sued Over EDD Unemployment Debit Card Fraud

January 16, 2021

A class-action lawsuit accuses Bank of America of exposing unemployed California workers to large-scale fraud and cutting off access to jobless benefits during the pandemic.

State Government

Will COVID Spur California To Ease Food Stamp Applications?

January 9, 2021

In a state that has long struggled to get federal food assistance to those who qualify, one senator is hoping that the third time’s a charm for his bill to ease application hurdles for CalFresh.

Can California Protect COVID-19 Vaccine From Cheaters And Fraudsters?

December 20, 2020

State leaders believe the rich and influential will have a hard time cutting in line to get the first precious doses of the vaccine, reserved for health workers and nursing homes.

A Bumpy Ride For California’s Amtrak As Pandemic Surges

December 20, 2020

Amtrak has lost a staggering $800 million, with California’s three routes losing 65-85% of passengers. Service has been cut back substantially.

Whack And Stack: PG&E’s Toppling Of Trees Creates New Hazards

December 19, 2020

In an attempt to prevent wildfires, the utility is removing vegetation from around power lines. But it’s leaving downed trees on people’s property that are “little fire bombs waiting to ignite,” one expert says.

State Government

High-Risk Inmates Aren’t Prioritized In State’s Early Releases

December 13, 2020

More than 7,500 prisoners sent home in the program — which aims to slow the spread of COVID-19 — would have been released within months anyway. Thousands with health conditions remain in prison, and the virus keeps spreading.

State Government

Poor And Diverse Voters Fuel California’s Record Ballots Cast

December 12, 2020

California’s decision to mail a ballot to every registered voter resulted in record ballots cast in the general election — but it was poor and diverse communities that fueled the increases.

COVID Tests Lagging: Slower Turnaround Times Creeping Back For Californians

December 11, 2020

The average turnaround time for COVID-19 test results rose 30% in November as people flocked to test sites before Thanksgiving. Pressure on labs is expected to intensify.

State Government

Playgrounds Stay Open: State Backtracks On Outdoor Play Area Ban

December 10, 2020

Amid pushback from parents and lawmakers, the state modified its strict new stay-at-home order that had closed outdoor playgrounds to slow coronavirus spread.