California Divide

Covering income inequality across the state

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

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.

Rya Jetha

Jeanne Kuang

and

Jeremia Kimelman

Five people dressed in yellow and green fire gear stand besides two trucks at a mall.

Housing

Private firefighters are increasingly popular with insurers. But do they pose a risk?

Private firefighters are a growing part of insurance companies’ strategy to head off wildfire-related damages. But Cal Fire says they can sometimes pose a safety risk.

Felicia Mello

• January 17, 2025

Farmworkers work on a field outside of Bakersfield in Kern County on July 25 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Economy

A surprising immigration raid in Kern County foreshadows what awaits farmworkers and businesses

"If this is the new normal, this is absolute economic devastation," says one local economist.

Sergio Olmos

• January 10, 2025

People in sweaters and warm clothing walk with picket signs on signs outside an Amazon warehouse in front of an Amazon van parked. The signs the people are holding say, “ Amazon is Unfair.”

Economy

Businesses sue state over new workplace law

The law allows workers to not attend anti-union meetings hosted by their employers.

Jeanne Kuang

• January 6, 2025

Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano volunteer and staff load groceries into cars in Vallejo on June 7, 2023. Photo by Shelby Knowles for CalMatters

California Divide

Pandemic social safety net programs expire: 2024 California income inequality year in review

While pandemic-era safety net programs ended, 2024 saw an increase in guaranteed income pilot programs.

Wendy Fry

• December 31, 2024

Housing

Legal battles and funding woes: California housing 2024 year in review

California officials continued to fight with cities that don't want to build more housing and everyone struggled to find more money to pay for new housing.

Felicia Mello

• December 27, 2024

María Vela assembles a cardboard box as her family gets ready to move out of their home of nearly 30 years in East Los Angeles on Dec. 17, 2023. Photo by Adriana Heldiz, CalMatters

Housing

New law could help tenants facing eviction stay in their homes

Voters said no to expanded rent control, but tenants facing evictions will have more time to fight to keep their homes under a new California law.

Felicia Mello

• December 23, 2024

Two workers in yellow and orange safety vests stand on an underground subway platform. One worker speaks to two people on a train, as the doors remain open. Another person walks by and observes the conversation. The train remains stopped at the station.

California Divide

This foundation tries to get young Californians into transportation jobs

The California Transportation Foundation hosts events designed to foster interest and inspire younger Californians to enter the industry.

Zayna Syed

• December 23, 2024

A truck drives over a bridge and down a wet road. The rear of the truck is visible and the brake lights are engaged. The setting is a small, rural, town. The weather is drizzly, foggy and grey.

Economy

How far Northern California counties are creating more jobs for young people

California’s northernmost seven counties have made a concerted effort to combat poverty and outmigration in their communities.

Fiona Kelliher

• December 20, 2024

A person wearing blue gloves working on the back tire of a bicycle that is being held up in the center of a workshop. The workshop has buckets on the ground and tables with different tools around the edges, and bike racks with bicycles in the background.

Economy

This nonprofit helps Californians get back on their feet with bikes

Community Cycles of California gives “justice involved” individuals employment training through a state grant.

Zayna Syed

• December 20, 2024

Close-up of several hands working on a colorful puzzle on a brightly patterned carpet. One hand, with neatly manicured nails, reaches for a puzzle piece, while another figure, partially visible, observes or assists. The carpet features vibrant red, blue, green, and yellow sections with printed text and designs. The atmosphere suggests collaborative play or learning.

California Divide

Inland Empire child care workers do vital job but rarely earn good wages

Child care's expense is linked to a lack of supply, which is linked to a lack of workers, which is linked to low pay and poor benefits in the industry, panelists said.

Deborah Brennan

• December 18, 2024