California Divide
Welfare: As US tightens work rules, California considers loosening them
State lawmakers want to loosen CalWORKs job requirements so people keep cash benefits. Congress’ debt limit deal could curb that.
How hungry is California? Millions struggle to eat well in an abundant state
How bad is California hunger? A lot depends on your access to food aid, which expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic but is being reduced.
California Divide
Tourism workers seek $25 minimum wage before Olympics, World Cup in Los Angeles
An L.A. City Councilmember proposes upping the minimum wage for airport and hotel workers to $25 an hour and raising it each year until it reaches $30 in 2028. Businesses are balking.
California Divide
California to send $95 million to undocumented flooding victims – months after promising ‘rapid response’
Gov. Gavin Newsom in March said state relief would soon help flood victims who don’t qualify for federal emergency relief. The state has yet to name nonprofits that will dole out the aid.
California Divide
A break for renters? California considers reining in high security deposits
A bill would hold security deposits to one month’s rent, not three. The California Apartment Association says it could drive up rents, making it harder to find a home.
California Divide
Corporate landlord’s California buying spree alarms tenants: ‘I only earn enough to pay the rent’
Two years ago, Blackstone bought 66 relatively low-rent apartment buildings in San Diego County from a charitable foundation. Tenants of those 5,800 dwellings say they see rent increases, maintenance issues and evictions in their futures.
California Divide
Can Fresno bridge its economic divide? California’s millions boost Black businesses, ag tech
Fresno is one of the most economically distressed and unequal regions in California. Fresno DRIVE, a public-private effort, is starting to boost minority businesses, agricultural technology, and other initiatives.
California Divide
‘God only knows how many workers have suffered and died’: Employees urge Cal/OSHA to set indoor heat rules
Workers from a variety of industries urged Cal/OSHA's board to quickly pass new rules for hot, indoor workplaces.
California Divide
Can California find better paying jobs for people with disabilities?
A new state law aims to ensure workers with disabilities earn at least minimum wage. But some worry that the state doesn’t have enough resources to help these workers compete for jobs.
California Divide
California Reparations Calculator: How much does a state panel say I’m owed?
The California reparations task force created economic models for lawmakers to calculate the costs of racism in California. Try our interactive tool to see what an individual might be owed.
California Divide
Reparations panel recommends possible millions for eligible Black Californians
A task force approved economic models for lawmakers to calculate the costs of historical racism in California. Try our interactive tool to see what is owed.