2024 - Page 13 of 178

The Bidwell Bar Bridge at Lake Oroville on Jan. 12, 2023. Photo by Andrew Innerarity, California Department of Water Resources

Commentary

California officials plan for a dry 2025 with grim water supply guesswork

The state Department of Water Resources made a low prediction of water supplies for agricultural and municipal users next year, though it's still too early to tell.

By

Dan Walters

• December 5, 2024

An overhead view of a person with blonde hair sitting in a chair looking at a computer on a desk filled with various papers.

CalMatters en Español

El sistema de beneficios de desempleo y discapacidad de California sigue roto. ¿Podrá alguien arreglar el EDD?

Los residentes desempleados se enfrentan a nuevas batallas contra el fraude. El sistema pierde dinero y se lleva a cabo una reforma tecnológica de mil millones de dólares.

By

Lauren Hepler

• December 4, 2024

Economy

California’s employment safety net is still broken. Will anyone fix it?

Out-of-work residents fight new fraud battles. The system bleeds money. And a $1 billion technology overhaul marches on.

By

Lauren Hepler

• December 4, 2024

A view through chain-link and barbed wire fences shows an outdoor space within a correctional facility. Several individuals are visible, some standing or walking near the fences and others seated at picnic tables in the background. The scene is set against a backdrop of tan hills, industrial buildings, and a clear blue sky, highlighting the enclosed and institutional environment.

CalMatters en Español

California le ha quitado dinero a los presos durante su liberación; pero ahora está poniendo fin a esa práctica

Las prisiones de California deben dar 200 dólares a las personas que salen de prisión para ayudarlas en sus primeros días de libertad. Muchos no recibieron la cantidad completa.

By

Cayla Mihalovich

• December 4, 2024

A close-up view of a construction worker using a nail gun on a wooden-framed structure.

Commentary

Housing reforms will help California tackle living costs. Berkeley might show us how

California has for years tiptoed around the housing crisis. Berkeley's reforms may be the way to resolve it.

By Rigel Robinson • December 4, 2024

Students look toward the front of a classroom while a professor stands and lectures.

Education

Black California students want more support. A new law names colleges that serve them best

A new law taking effect Jan. 1 creates a Black-Serving Institution designation for colleges and universities in California that excel in supporting student success. Campus presidents say the designation will help them recruit Black students and give them an HBCU-like experience in their home state instead of having to leave California for college.

By

Lylah Schmedel-Permanna

and

Jasmin Shirazian

• December 4, 2024

Justice

California shorted prisoners on money for their release. It’s ending the practice

California prisons are supposed to give $200 to people upon release to help them in their first days of freedom. Many did not receive the full amount.

By

Cayla Mihalovich

• December 4, 2024

A person wearing a blue suit stands up while clapping as other people face him and clap.

Commentary

California politicians suddenly discover inflation in aftermath of election

Democratic legislators this week acknowledged the need to bring down costs of living, days after Donald Trump's win the presidency largely on economic issues.

By

Dan Walters

• December 4, 2024

People wearing yellow and orange safety vest and white hard hats work on a trench to lay underground electric cables.

CalMatters en Español

Los californianos pagan millones por iniciativas de prevención de incendios forestales de las compañías eléctricas. ¿Son realmente rentables?

PG&E, SCE y SDG&E recibieron la aprobación estatal para cobrar 27 mil millones de dólares a los contribuyentes para iniciativas de prevención de incendios.

By

Alejandro Lazo

• December 3, 2024

Environment

Californians pay billions for power companies’ wildfire prevention efforts. Are they cost-effective?

After utility equipment sparked tragic wildfires, PG&E, SCE and SDG&E received state approval to collect $27 billion from ratepayers. As California electric bills soar, questions have emerged about oversight and costs.

By

Alejandro Lazo

• December 3, 2024