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Fast food workers from across California rallied at the state Capitol in Sacramento, urging lawmakers to pass AB 257. Aug. 16, 2022, Photo by Rahul Lal, CalMatters

California Divide

Covering income inequality across the state

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California’s gap between rich and poor is among the largest in the country, and it is widening. We explore how income inequality is reverberating across the state.

California Divide
Few working poor get to vote on unions. Can California change that?
Facing a staggering wealth gap, California suggests increasing union participation among low-wage workers, noting that a union membership reduces working poverty better than a college degree. But getting more workers to vote on unions will require businesses and unions to compromise. Recent efforts have stalled but the stakes are higher than ever as a court overturns Prop. 22 and the Teamsters begin to campaign at Amazon warehouses across the state.
By and • October 27, 2021
The entrance gates to White Park in downtown Riverside are open Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. The city has hired a security guard to patrol the park, but in January, a new program will put park and neighborhood specialists there and at other parks to address homelessness. Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG
California Divide
Riverside beefs up park security to address homelessness
Responding to complaints about homelessness, Riverside is stepping up security across its parks. The police department will assign non-sworn officers, known as specialists, to help the homeless access mental health services. The program will cost $2.4 million the first year and $2 million in future years.
By • October 20, 2021

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News and analysis on poverty and income inequality in California.
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