Economy

Accessibility signs at the entrances of a business in Chinatown, San Francisco on Feb. 18, 2023. A recent court ruling has paved the way for more lawsuits to be filed related to ADA violations in California. However, some believe these complaints are targeting immigrant communities. Photo by Shelby Knowles for CalMatters

Justice

He’s filed more than 2,000 disability lawsuits in California. This case could set precedent

He couldn’t find a parking spot for his specialized van at a San Diego lobster shop. The lawsuit that followed is a test of how California upholds disabled rights.

By

Nigel Duara

• March 7, 2023

Joseph Felice (right) and Kim Payne wait in line to receive food at the Trinity County Food Bank distribution at the Trinity County Fairgrounds on Feb. 8, 2023. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Politics

Emerald Triangle communities were built on cannabis. Legalization has pushed them to the brink

Cannabis has been king in this rural area of northern California. But as prices plummet, communities and business owners are hurting, with no clear solutions in sight. Many blame Proposition 64 for undermining small growers.

By

Alexei Koseff

• February 27, 2023

Leann Greene at the Humboldt County Library in Garberville on Feb. 8, 2023. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Economy

‘Dream big:’ Cannabis workers search for new futures as Emerald Triangle economy withers

Cannabis growers are laying off employees and closing farms. As the impact cascades through surrounding communities, workers are trying to find their next jobs. But opportunities are scarce.

By

Alexei Koseff

• February 27, 2023

A natural gas pipeline in Chino Hills State Park on April 21, 2021. Photo by Lucy Nicholson, REUTERS

Economy

Utilities commission explores ways to mitigate high natural gas prices

At a Tuesday hearing, regulators and industry representatives discussed the causes of high natural gas prices in California and what can be done to shield residents from high bills.

By

Grace Gedye

• February 8, 2023

Illustration by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters; iStock, Reuters

Economy

Would a wealth tax actually drive the rich out of California?

Research on California taxpayers has shown that some top earners do leave the state in response to large tax increases, but studies vary in their estimation of how many people leave.

By

Grace Gedye

• January 25, 2023

Illustration by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters; iStock

Economy

Why you should file taxes even if you don’t owe any

Tax returns are used by the state government to send Californians money. But some of the people who could most use the money don’t get it — if their incomes are low, they may not be required to file taxes, and if they choose not to, they might miss out.

By

Grace Gedye

• January 13, 2023

Economy

Here’s what you need to know about California’s new pay transparency law

In 2023, companies with at least 15 workers will need to add pay ranges to job postings. Larger companies will also have to report more data to the state.

By

Grace Gedye

• December 21, 2022

Hundreds of UC academic workers picketed for the 5th straight week at UCLA in Los Angeles on Dec. 14, 2022. The demonstration was held near the UCLA Meyer and Renee Luskin Conference Center where the UC Board of Regents was meeting. Photo by Pablo Unzueta for CalMatters

Higher Education

As UC strike enters second month, grad workers risk arrest pushing for raises

Teams of striking UC graduate student workers are willingly getting arrested in acts of civil disobedience. They view the strategy as a way to escalate their work stoppage, now in its fifth week.

By

Mikhail Zinshteyn

• December 15, 2022

Economy

Study: Paid family leave in California keeps women in jobs

For women with spouses who have serious medical issues, access to paid family leave reduces the likelihood that they leave work, according to a new study.

By

Grace Gedye

• December 12, 2022

The headquarters of California's Employment Development Department in Sacramento. The agency says it's made improvements that have made it better equipped to issue employment benefits if the economy goes south. Photo by Rahul Lal, CalMatters

Economy

Is California’s beleaguered jobless benefits agency ready for a recession?

California’s Employment Development Department struggled to keep up with the demands of the pandemic. But a potential recession isn’t likely to be as intense, and the department has made several changes that could smooth the process of getting benefits.

By

Grace Gedye

• December 5, 2022