California Divide

Home items in Carolyn Young's yard on Oct. 26, 2023. Planada residents had to throw out many of their possessions after their homes flooded earlier in the year during torrential rain storms. Oct. 26 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Flooded California towns secured millions in aid. Who gets the money?

Residents of Planada and Pajaro want state aid to help alleviate debt incurred from rebuilding after January floods. Local officials want some money to go elsewhere.

By Nicole Foy

People hold placards as they attend a protest against racial inequality in the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody, in Los Angeles, on. June 8, 2020. Photo by Mike Blake, Reuters

California is the first state to tackle reparations for Black residents. What that really means

California’s first-in-the-nation task force on reparations is handing lawmakers dozens of recommendations, including a proposal that the state apologize for slavery and racist policies, and make financial amends.

By Wendy Fry, Erica Yee and Rya Jetha

Illustration by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters; iStock

‘Back of the line again’: California’s broadband plan deprioritized underserved regions, advocates say

After years of planning a broadband system to bridge California’s digital divide, officials deprioritized some low-income areas due to unexpected costs. Gov. Gavin Newsom says he’s committed to funding the entire network, but advocates are skeptical.

By Alejandra Reyes-Velarde

United Farm Workers member Veronica Mota leads marchers in chants through Delano on Aug. 3, 2022. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

UFW wins first farmworker union vote under new California law

The United Farm Workers, which represents nearly 7,000 workers, won a unionization vote in Stanislaus County. It’s the first such win in six years and first under a law that went into effect in May.

By Nicole Foy

Volunteer Kim Palma passes out fresh produce at the Solano County Mobile Food Pharmacy in Fairfield on Aug. 1, 2023. Photo by Semantha Norris, CalMatters

California Divide

Just what the doctor ordered: In California, a prescription could pay for your fresh fruits and veggies

Medi-Cal and other programs are testing food prescriptions that advocates say could improve chronic conditions, lower health care costs and reduce hunger.

By Rya Jetha • August 9, 2023

Families carry boxes full of fresh produce during a food bank event at El Verano elementary on Nov. 1, 2019. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

Explainers

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.

By Rya Jetha, Jeanne Kuang and Jeremia Kimelman • August 8, 2023

Members of the the Domestic Workers Alliance join the actors and writers strike at the Warner Brothers Studio in Burbank, on July 19, 2023. Photo by Zaydee Sanchez for CalMatters

California Divide

‘Staggering solidarity’: How California’s summer strikes broke down wealth, class barriers

Showing solidarity with other social classes is a prominent union strategy in the so-called “hot labor summer” sweeping California. It’s too soon to say if the inter-union activity will get employers to bargain.

By Alejandra Reyes-Velarde • August 8, 2023

California Divide

Waiting game: Asylum seekers at California border at more risk during court fight

The Biden administration’s app rule makes it harder for migrants to assert a right to asylum, advocates say. Lawsuits are sparking debate about immigration control, safety.

By Wendy Fry • August 7, 2023

Farm workers plant grapevines at a farm in Woodland on April 25, 2022. Photo by Fred Greaves, Reuters

California Divide

‘Double disadvantage’: These California workers’ pay gap is widest by far

A new study shows women without legal residency face a lopsided pay gap. In California they take home 44 cents for every dollar that white, non-Latino men make and 87 cents for every dollar undocumented men make. Would raising the minimum wage help?

By Alejandra Reyes-Velarde • July 27, 2023

Farmworkers pick melons in the early morning hours in Huron on Sept. 18, 2018. Photo by Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP Photo

California Divide

The hidden cost of California’s hot workplaces: 20,000 job injuries a year

A workers comp study says one day above 100 degrees can cause 15% more accidents, costing workers and employers millions. A new advisory panel may help the state improve its work heat rules.

By Nicole Foy • July 25, 2023

California Divide

California’s farmworkers in labor investigations will get free legal help with immigration

Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state will spend $4.5 million on free legal services for undocumented workers involved in state investigations of wage theft or other labor violations. The lawyers can help with their immigration cases.

By Nicole Foy • July 21, 2023

The sun sets behind a row of electrical towers in Fresno County on Sept. 6, 2022. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

California Divide

Are major changes coming to your electric bill? 5 things to know

California’s electric rates are among the highest in the country. Three big power companies propose charging fixed rates based on income, saying low-income customers will save money. Critics doubt it’ll work.

By Wendy Fry • July 20, 2023

Grace Diaz, a caregiver, at the home of her client in Orange County on June 7, 2023. Photo by Lauren Justice for CalMatters

California Divide

Demand for California caregivers is rising, but their pay isn’t. Lawmakers hope to change that.

Many California caregivers are aging immigrants making near-minimum wage. Two bills to improve pay and safety could benefit elderly Californians facing a caregiver shortage.

By Alejandra Reyes-Velarde • July 12, 2023

Arturo Villanueva, 37, a tractor driver, in Oxnard on July 2, 2023. Photo by Julie Leopo-Bermudez for CalMatters

California Divide

California built a safety net for undocumented immigrants. Now deficits could leave some behind

As California gives immigrants access to more public programs, its poverty rate declines, some say. But budget and recession worries slow that progress.

By Jeanne Kuang and Nicole Foy • July 11, 2023

California Divide

Covering income inequality across the state

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