April 16, 2020

California senators wore face masks and grilled officials about Gov. Gavin Newsom’s $1.4 billion deal to buy masks and other protective gear — but got few answers during their first hearing on the state’s effort to stem the spread of coronavirus.

Throughout California, families sheltering in place are cut off from school, work and friends — lifelines the most vulnerable rely upon. Officials and advocates worry because domestic violence reports have surged and, with fewer eyes on kids, reports of potential abuse are down.

Neighbors are gifting toilet paper, buying groceries for the elderly and holding sing-alongs in the street at proper distances. Throughout California, people are watching out for each other as they stay home to slow the spread of coronavirus.

Newsom's coronavirus spending comes under scrutiny. Undocumented immigrants eligible for unemployment benefits. Voting by mail faces new test.

With empty grocery store shelves, the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that we should never be reliant on foreign countries for food that can be produced in the U.S.

Even when the coronavirus health threat recedes, California will face a severe recession that will hammer state and local government budgets.