State Government

Rules for thee: How California Legislature skirts its own laws

February 7, 2023

State legislators sometimes exempt themselves from the laws they pass, but this session, they could change course on an emblematic bill: To allow their own staffers to form a union.

Environment

California, other states reach impasse over Colorado River

February 2, 2023

Despite a federal deadline today, California — the largest user of Colorado River water — has refused to cut back as much as six other states proposed in a new plan today. Imperial valley growers have the most to lose.

State Government

California reparations task force zeroes in on who’d be eligible for compensation

January 30, 2023

California’s first-in-the-nation task force on reparations agreed residents should qualify for compensation. But should certain “vulnerable” former residents, such as foster kids or ex-prisoners, be eligible?

Environment

Race to zero: Can California’s power grid handle a 15-fold increase in electric cars?

January 18, 2023

Despite expecting 12.5 million electric cars by 2035, California officials insist that the grid can provide enough electricity. But that’s based on multiple assumptions.

Study: Paid family leave in California keeps women in jobs

December 20, 2022

For women with spouses who have serious medical issues, access to paid family leave reduces the likelihood that they leave work, according to a new study.

Pandemic catch up: What will it take for left-behind students to learn to read?

December 20, 2022

Teachers across the state are trying to help students who fell behind in their reading skills during remote learning.

California’s only HBCU aims to solve Black doctor shortage

December 19, 2022

Charles Drew University, the only historically Black university in California, will launch a new MD program next year. The goal is to train more doctors of color to help underserved communities in a state where only 3% of physicians are Black.

Environment

California approves far-reaching strategy for tackling climate change. So what’s next?

December 18, 2022

Here are six ways that Californians will be affected by the state’s new climate change blueprint.

‘Catastrophic staffing shortage’ hits California’s rural police first, and hardest

December 17, 2022

Sheriff ends daytime patrols in Tehama, reflecting officer shortage throughout California and national trend. Law enforcement blames low pay and tougher regulations; lawmakers and civil rights advocates disagree.

‘When they took the foundation, everything started crumbling’: California group fights eminent domain, racism

December 7, 2022

Where is My Land aims to help Black families regain property, sometimes decades after a government takes it. Though hundreds seek this help, founder Kavon Ward says her group focuses on a few cases at a time.