September 5, 2020

Earlier this week, the Legislature approved AB 826, which allows nonprofits, such as food banks, to distribute $600 prepaid grocery cards to each qualified adult regardless of immigration status. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

California Divide

Undocumented immigrants could qualify for $600 if Newsom signs pandemic assistance bill

Given overwhelming demand for pandemic relief, undocumented Californians hope the governor will authorize a second round of emergency grocery money. But it’s still not clear yet where funding will come from.

By Jacqueline Garcia • September 5, 2020

Tracy Tran and Steven Tran, owners of La Orquidea Salon and Spa pose for a portrait on Aug. 25, 2020, in Los Gatos. While most of the state’s businesses have been able to resume some activity, nail salons have remained largely closed under state and local health orders since the start of the pandemic. Photo by Dai Sugano, Bay Area News Group

California Divide

Coronavirus shutdowns are hitting Vietnamese-owned nail salons hard

Tracy Tran’s years of savings are gone. Most went into the nearly $13,500 monthly rent she says she’s been paying for her shuttered business since March, when coronavirus public health orders forced her to close. La Orquidea Salon and Spa has been sitting empty ever since on busy North Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos. So […]

By Laurence Du Sault • September 5, 2020

Capitol

We need to train and certify more peer supporters to save lives, I should know

Gov. Gavin Newsom has called for expanding the role of peer providers in mental health services; he now has the opportunity to sign SB 803 into law.

By Guest Commentary • September 5, 2020