July 31, 2018

The storefront of a payday lender in Sacramento. Photo by Robbie Short for CALmatters.

Economy

Once again, California lawmakers won’t crack down on payday lenders

California now has more payday lenders than it does McDonald’s. While some states have restricted their operations, California's Legislature keeps burying bills that aim to crack down on predatory lending.

By Antoinette Siu • July 31, 2018

Brandon Miller waters the lawn in front of his Riverside home. Photo by Signe Larsen.

Housing

Where do people get money to buy California homes these days? Often, from mom and dad

Federal data shows first-time buyers in California increasingly rely on family for help.

By David Wagner and Aaron Mendelson, KPCC • July 31, 2018

Angela George’s newborn Mateo takes a nap in her arms. Her family planning has been affected by California's high housing and child care costs. These financial factors have affected the California birth rate. | Photo by Amita Sharma

Newsletters

How to prevent ‘megafires’

After touring the Carr fire devastation in Redding, Assembly Republican leader Brian Dahle added urgency to his call to thin forests to prevent fires. He has an ally in Assemblyman Jim Wood, a Democrat whose district was devastated by fire last year.

By Dan Morain • July 31, 2018