California coronavirus updates: The latest on the pandemic

El Centro Regional Medical Center staff attend to patients who are suspected COVID-19 positive on May 30, 2020. Photo by Omar Ornelas, The Desert Sun

Coronavirus

The trouble with hot spots: Hard-hit counties send COVID-19 patients to other areas

Imperial County on the Mexican border has the state's highest rate of COVID-19 cases, straining hospitals and forcing the transfer of 500 critically ill patients outside the region.

By

Ana B. Ibarra

• July 2, 2020

A sign outside of the Stanford Theatre announcing its temporary closure in downtown Palo Alto on March 4, 2020. Photo by Nhat V. Meyer, Bay Area News Group

Health

Indoor restaurants shut down in most of California for three weeks

Nineteen counties on a "watch list" due to coronavirus outbreaks must close indoor dining. One more county was added Thursday and another will join the list Friday.

By

Lauren Hepler

• July 1, 2020

Frederique Van Niekerk, from left, and her mother Bernadette Van Niekerk wear masks while waiting in line to enter the clothing store Forever 21 while shopping in Walnut Creek on June 18, 2020. Photo by Jose Carlos Fajardo, Bay Area News Group

Coronavirus

Holiday blues: 19 counties now on watch list for more COVID-19 restrictions

Los Angeles County closes its beaches for the July 4 holiday weekend, and four more counties face the prospect they may need to "toggle back" reopening plans to slow the quickening spread of the coronavirus.

By

Lauren Hepler

• June 29, 2020

California Divide

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

California's pandemic safety net programs are straining under overwhelming demand. So did Gov. Gavin Newsom overpromise or underdeliver?

By

Jackie Botts

• June 29, 2020

Needles and Pens owner Breezy Culbertson and her boyfriend, Scott Carl, prepare to reopen for curbside pickup on May 18, 2020 as San Francisco enters phase 2 of the Gov. Newsom’s plan to reopen California. “There’s not a lot of communication, it’s been frustrating to figure this out,” said Culbertson. “We’re trying to catch up.” Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Coronavirus

After record COVID week, some California counties to reverse reopening plans

As Gov. Gavin Newsom demands Imperial County return to sheltering-in-place, 14 other counties are on the state's watchlist.

By

Barbara Feder Ostrov

• June 26, 2020

Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr. Anthony Fauci testifies before a House Committee on Energy and Commerce on the Trump administration's response to the COVID-19 pandemic on Capitol Hill in Washington on Tuesday, June 23, 2020. Photo by Kevin Dietsch, Pool via AP

Coronavirus

Fauci to California: Good work so far, but state needs public buy-in for safe reopening

The nation's leading public health figure in the coronavirus pandemic gave California a pat on the back for its reopening efforts but cautioned young people to be vigilant.

By

Ana B. Ibarra

• June 24, 2020

Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon urges lawmakers to approve the state budget bill, at the Capitol on June 15, 2020. Photo by Rich Pedroncelli, AP Photo

Economy

Budget deal shields neediest Californians, shifts burden to middle class

Unless California gets billions in federal money, state workers will lose about 10% of their paychecks and the two university systems will lose a combined $602 million.

By

Laurel Rosenhall

• June 24, 2020

Environment

California re-evaluating its landmark climate strategy

California EPA Secretary Jared Blumenfeld laid out plans for re-examining whether the program is likely to meet its goals for reducing greenhouse gases. It signals a shift in the administration's attitude and reflects problems posed by the pandemic-caused recession.

By

Rachel Becker

• June 24, 2020

Coronavirus

For some California teens, school closures led to work in the fields

When the coronavirus pandemic interrupted education across the state, and classes shifted online, many teenage students went to work picking strawberries or other crops. Advocates worry they're falling behind.

By

Elizabeth Aguilera

• June 22, 2020

Bill Hirsch, 7 Seas Inn co-owner, greets guests during the evening reception held on the patio. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Health

California’s vacation industry is open for business. Proceed with caution.

A week ago, Isabel Rasmussen and her husband drove over three hours from their home in South San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe. They stayed at the 7 Seas Inn nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains for two nights. “I was nervous about staying in a larger hotel,” Rasmussen said. She and her husband picked […]

By

Rebecca Sohn

• June 20, 2020