February 19, 2025

A group of officials and first responders walk through a fire-damaged area with a charred building in the background. One individual wears sunglasses, while others wear jackets or uniforms.

CalMatters en Español

Los políticos ascienden o caen en función de la respuesta a los desastres: Los incendios de Los Ángeles son la gran prueba para Gavin Newsom

El enfoque inquebrantable del gobernador Gavin Newsom en los incendios de Los Ángeles sugiere un político consciente de cómo la respuesta podría definir su legado.

By Alexei Koseff • February 19, 2025

Politics

Politicians rise or fall on disaster response. The LA fires are Gavin Newsom’s big test

Lea esta historia en Español Gov. Gavin Newsom has become a familiar sight around Los Angeles since the firestorm that swept through the region last month, leveling neighborhoods in Pacific Palisades and Altadena. In the first days of the disaster, he was spotted touring the wreckage. In the weeks after, he launched a recovery initiative […]

By Alexei Koseff • February 19, 2025

A person in a track jacket is standing in front of the front yard of a burned-down house in a neighborhood. The home is caved in with dark burned spots near the windows and on the door frames.

Health

California has known that disabled people need help in fires. After LA, can it better prepare for the next one?

California has known for years that it must pay extra attention to people with disabilities and limited mobility during natural disasters. Will it put the lessons of the L.A. fires to use for the next emergency?

By Ana B. Ibarra • February 19, 2025

CalMatters en Español

Las personas discapacitadas necesitan ayuda en caso de incendio. ¿Tras los incendios en Los Angeles, puede California prepararse mejor para el próximo?

California sabe desde hace años que debe prestar especial atención a las personas con discapacidades y movilidad limitada durante los desastres naturales. ¿Aplicará las lecciones de los incendios de Los Ángeles en la próxima emergencia?

By Ana B. Ibarra • February 19, 2025

Two elderly individuals hold hands, their wrinkled fingers intertwined. One person wears a pastel blue sweater and light pink pants, while the other wears a plaid long-sleeve shirt. Sunlight casts a warm glow on their hands, highlighting the gold rings on their fingers.

Commentary

Elders and caregivers in California deserve better than funding hurdles and shuttered programs

Programs helping Californians care for dementia or Alzheimer’s patients already struggle. Recent proposals to cut Medicaid money makes this bad situation worse.

By Courtney E. Martin • February 19, 2025

A fast food employee stands and talks to customers behind the restaurant counter with the menu displayed behind them. In the foreground is the over-the-shoulder view of two customers as they talk to the employee.

Commentary

Conflicting studies obscure the reality of California’s fast food wage battle

After years of political battles over fast food wages and the status of franchises, California still lacks objective research.

By Dan Walters • February 19, 2025