Poverty in California | CalMatters

Mariana with her daughter Genessis, 8, and son Gerardo, 2, on September 7, 2020. The family of four shares a one-bedroom apartment in National City but have fallen behind on rent payment due to Mariana and her husband both losing months of work amid the pandemic. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Newsom weighs aid for undocumented Californians weathering pandemic with no safety net

by Jackie Botts September 8, 2020September 14, 2020

Lawmakers passed two safety net measures aimed at helping undocumented residents, many who work in essential jobs, access groceries and tax credits. Will Gov. Gavin Newsom sign the bills?

Where to get financial help during coronavirus in California — and is it enough?

by Jackie Botts June 29, 2020July 7, 2020

Linda Jacobs, 71, at her home in Concord. Jacobs, who is especially high risk for COVID-19 due to a number of health conditions including diabetes, lung disease and a heart disease, relies on the Multipurpose Senior Services Program to continue living independently. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

“Might as well have them walk the plank” — Cuts may force many seniors into nursing homes

by Barbara Feder Ostrov May 19, 2020May 20, 2020

A physician's assistant listens to a patient's breathing at a clinic in Bieber, California on July 23, 2019. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

How Newsom budget yanks back Medi-Cal health care gains for low-income residents

by Ana B. Ibarra May 18, 2020June 23, 2020

Money Mart payday loans and check cashing store in Sacramento, California. Photo via Creative Commons

Need money during coronavirus pandemic? How to avoid loan sharks and debt traps

by Manuela Tobias March 31, 2020April 1, 2020

Resident Martha Kapla, right, holds a sign during a rally in front of Brookdale San Pablo assisted living in San Pablo, Calif., on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2019.

Newsom did not issue a statewide eviction ban. Tenant groups say renters’ health could be threatened

by Matt Levin March 17, 2020March 18, 2020

Censoteria, a card game developed at La Luz in Sonoma, is based off of the familiar La Loteria game and helps to engage community members with civics, the census and public services. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Coronavirus, citizenship and the census: California fears an undercount

by Elizabeth Castillo March 16, 2020March 19, 2020

Thousands gathered to support democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders at a campaign rally at Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, CA on February 17, 2020. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Are low-income voters Bernie’s secret weapon?

by Ben Christopher, Jackie Botts and Jacqueline Garcia February 28, 2020June 24, 2020

Farmworkers struggle with high cost of housing

by Kate Cimini February 24, 2020April 20, 2020

Gov. Gavin Newsom pauses by FEMA trailers after speaking at a press conference on homelessness during the final stop of his statewide tour to address the issue in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020. The city will receive 15 unused FEMA trailers to use as temporary housing for homeless people. Photo by Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group

Analysis: Newsom now “owns” homelessness, for better or worse

by Matt Levin and Laurel Rosenhall February 19, 2020February 19, 2020