California Divide

California unemployment applications can only be filed in English or Spanish, leaving a challenge for many residents who speak other languages. Many are new filers who do not understand the application process, lack internet and computer access. Traditional support groups such as nonprofits are also unable to provide in-person help.

Several cases of coronavirus have cropped up among California's homeless population. Now, Fresno County is reporting its first case. That homeless individual who tested positive is being quarantined in a hotel.

The U.S.-Mexico border closed to nonessential travel last month to help stem the spread of the novel coronavirus. But the closure is cutting off many Mexicans and Mexican-Americans from relatives — and home.  

As millions of Americans lose jobs, shifts and other sources of income during the coronavirus health crisis, financial experts worry that people will be preyed upon by loan sharks who stand to profit. “We saw this during the foreclosure crisis, where people were in distress and scammers took advantage to promise to help people connect […]

Fresno County has to give away 100 emergency field hospital beds intended to treat coronavirus patients because the Valley’s long-standing shortage of doctors means there aren’t enough medical professionals to monitor the patients. About 250 beds will be delivered to the county after state officials on Wednesday green light its proposed field hospital location for […]

For the past few weeks, as coronavirus radically altered daily life, 79-year-old Diana Fernandes has been struggling quietly inside her San Francisco home, weathering a challenge from within. Fernandes lives alone — her husband died in 2017 — and has been left to manage a painful foot injury and the threat of the virus on […]

Salinas farmworkers Juan Manuel Virgen and Daniel Lopez Aviles circled the field in a white pickup, a coworker behind the wheel. It was about 10 a.m., and the sun was starting to warm the air. All of them had tied bandannas neatly around their necks, tucking them into the front of their shirts.  “No hay […]

CalMatters reporters ask state leaders how Californians can file for unemployment, get paid sick leave and more during the coronavirus pandemic.

The central San Joaquin Valley for years has struggled to attract medical doctors, with physician-to-resident ratios well below what medical experts say is needed for adequate healthcare. That was before the coronavirus pandemic. Now the rapid spread of COVID-19 may well expose the Fresno area to even greater risk if the relatively few doctors in […]

As Bay Area food banks scramble to meet increased demand for their services, the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank has opened seven new pop-up pantries to fill a gap left by dozens of sites that have shut down due to coronavirus and volunteer shortages. The food bank has seen about 100 of its regular 275 food […]