California Divide

Covering income inequality across the state

Families carry boxes full of fresh produce during a food bank event at El Verano elementary on Nov. 1, 2019. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

How hungry is California? Millions struggle to eat well in an abundant state

How bad is California hunger? A lot depends on your access to food aid, which expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic but is being reduced.

Rya Jetha

Jeanne Kuang

and

Jeremia Kimelman

Illustration by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters; iStock

Economy

Your guide to California’s increasing minimum wage: Getting by in an expensive state

California's minimum wage is among the highest in the nation but the state's high cost-of-living strains even full-time workers.

Liliana Michelena

Adam Ashton

and

Erica Yee

• May 28, 2024

California State Senator Steven Bradford (right) speaks during a Reparations Task Force Meeting at San Diego State on Jan. 28, 2023. Phot by Ariana Drehsler for CalMatters

California Divide

California lawmakers advance apology for slavery, funding frameworks for reparations

California lawmakers moved several reparations bills, including an apology for slavery. But several other bills died.

Wendy Fry

• May 24, 2024

Students in International Community Elementary and Think College Now Elementary volunteer at the César E. Chávez Education Center living schoolyard in Oakland, California, on April 29th, 2024.

California Divide

Scorching schoolyards: California groups want more trees, less asphalt at schools

Too few trees at California’s schools mean there’s little protecting students from a warming planet. Here’s how advocates say the state can pay for more shade.

Alejandra Reyes-Velarde

• May 21, 2024

A memorial for seven farm workers killed while driving to work in Madera County. California lawmakers acted to regulate the vans that take farmworkers to the fields. However, few vehicles are covered under the regulations now, leaving it less clear who is responsible for workers’ safety. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Capitol

California cracked down after a crash killed 13 farmworkers. Why are workers still dying on the road?

After a tragedy 25 years ago, state lawmakers and the California Highway Patrol acted to make farmworkers’ commutes safer. But workers still die in crashes — in vans the law doesn’t cover.

Jeanne Kuang

• May 14, 2024

California Divide

Disconnected youth: Some young Californians lack work, school options

A new study says California's “disconnected youth” are being left behind.

Felicia Mello

• May 10, 2024

State Sen. Caroline Menjivar, a San Fernando Valley Democrat, addresses legislators during session at the state Capitol in Sacramento on Jan. 23, 2023. Photo by Rahul Lal, CalMatters

California Divide

‘We needed Wonder Woman’: Newsom cuts to foster care, child services worry families

Some programs helping foster kids and families in crisis could lose all funding as lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom address budget shortfall.

Wendy Fry

• May 3, 2024

A clothing store in the San Ysidro neighborhood of San Diego on April 16, 2024. Photo by Adriana Heldiz, CalMatters

California Divide

‘Devastating’ wait times at Mexico border strain California small businesses

Billions in tax dollars are pouring into efforts to reduce the U.S.-Mexico border wait times, yet excessive delays continue. Local leaders say small businesses are struggling in border communities.

Wendy Fry

• April 24, 2024

Tinisch Hollins, vice chair of the African American Reparations Advisory Committee, speaks to attendees at a rally in support of reparations in San Francisco in 2023. Photo by Lea Suzuki, San Francisco Chronicle via AP Photo

California Divide

Reparations rift? California’s Black lawmakers divided on how far to go

Though California’s Legislative Black Caucus filed a slate of 14 bills linked to reparations, a few lawmakers are floating their own proposals.

Wendy Fry

• April 10, 2024

California Divide

Feds say LA poultry company used child labor for risky jobs then hid its product

The US Labor Department investigated a company it says employed underaged workers as deboners then shipped its product. The company’s lawyer denies it.

Alejandra Reyes-Velarde

• April 4, 2024

Health

Foster kids miss out on sports and music. A new California plan aims to help them catch up

A new proposal from the Newsom administration would steer more money to foster children with the greatest needs while also setting aside funds for them to pursue their passions.

Ana B. Ibarra

• April 2, 2024