California Divide

Advocates say the California Public Utilities Commission’s 10-year-old promise to make the state’s cell phone service subsidy program available to undocumented immigrants could be fulfilled in November.

The venture, launched by a venerable San Francisco foundation, counts former Governor Jerry Brown and current Governor Gavin Newsom among its supporters.

A judge has halted a union effort at the Wonderful Company, throwing into question a new state law designed to make it easier for agricultural workers to organize.

California failed to ban private detention centers. Now, it’s focusing on their working conditions, for immigrants who toil for $1 a day.

Hate crimes always increase during presidential election years, but the targets of vitriol and discrimination vary with the political rhetoric, say experts at a community forum in the Inland Empire.

The number of agricultural guest workers has risen dramatically in California. But state regulators have struggled to ensure that farms are providing safe housing to their workers.

California's constitution allows forced labor as a form of criminal punishment. That would change if voters approve an anti-slavery amendment this fall.

The measure’s author said it would compete with other priorities this year, including an effort to fend off a proposed constitutional amendment to punish retail thieves and another to restrict forced labor in prisons. He wants to propose it for a future election season.

The California Public Utilities Commission rejected the telecom’s bid to stop providing service in many parts of the state.

After five years, a state occupational health board approves rules to protect workers from extreme heat indoors. They could take effect in August, but state prisons will not be covered.