August 2020

California Wildfires

California residents didn’t want controlled burns near their homes. Some of those homes then burned in a wildfire.

By Kate Cimini • August 29, 2020

Capitol

Recycling bills would help stem the flow of plastic into the ocean

AB 1080 and SB 54 present bold and ambitious solutions that would address plastic pollution.

By Guest Commentary • August 29, 2020

Capitol

Bad policy is not the answer to California’s recycling woes

AB 1080 and SB 54 fail to address the structural issues to ensure materials actually get recycled.

By Guest Commentary • August 29, 2020

California Divide

Will Foster Farms plant in California stay open despite shutdown orders? Here’s what we know

The Foster Farms chicken plant in Livingston continued to operate, despite a Merced County Health Department order to shut down, according to a statement released by Foster Farms Friday morning. The Merced County Health Department ordered the Foster Farms Livingston Facility to shut down on Wednesday after officials said the company repeatedly failed to comply with COVID-19 […]

By Manuela Tobias • August 29, 2020

Commentary

Follow the trail of Kamala Harris’ rise to VP nomination back to Phil Burton’s influence on California politics

Those who can trace their political lineage directly, or indirectly, to Phil Burton include Nancy Pelosi, Gavin Newsom and Willie Brown.

By Guest Commentary • August 29, 2020

Health

Goodbye ‘banana smash’ cigarillos: Governor quickly signs bill to ban flavored tobacco

The new law, aimed at keeping flavored tobacco products away from youth, was cast by opponents as being discriminatory against African American smokers who favor menthol cigarettes.

By Elizabeth Aguilera • August 28, 2020

CalMatters en Español

Más esperas y menos autobuses: La pandemia empeora las deficiencias y los recortes de servicio

Los recortes en el servicio podrían ser sólo el inicio, advierten los organismos locales, ya que se enfrentan a una escasez sin precedentes de ingresos fiscales y de tarifas que amenazan también a las líneas de autobuses y de trenes el próximo año.

By Elizabeth Castillo • August 28, 2020

Housing

Newsom, lawmakers strike pandemic eviction deal. Here’s what you need to know

The proposed deal has some eviction protection provisions for tenants, but no rent forgiveness. Proponents of the bill insist that it’s a stopgap measure meant to help Californians in need until — they hope — federal aid comes through.

By Matt Levin • August 28, 2020

California Divide

Foster Farms processing plant in California ordered to shut down over COVID-19 outbreak

The Merced County Health Department ordered the Foster Farms Livingston Facility to shut down over the largest and most severe COVID-19 outbreak in Merced County, according to a statement released on Thursday by the health department. The shutdown order came Wednesday. However, late Thursday, Mike North, Merced County’s spokesperson, said county officials issued a 48-hour […]

By Manuela Tobias • August 28, 2020

Economy

Indoor haircuts are back as California tries reopening again

Starting Aug. 31, hair salons and barber shops will be allowed to reopen statewide with precautions. Other industries, including nail salons and breweries, didn’t get as lucky under a new tiered state monitoring system.

By Lauren Hepler • August 28, 2020