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

California Divide

California may gut two CalWORKS programs helping thousands of families

The state is considering zeroing out funds for CalWORKS family stabilization and job subsidy programs to help balance the budget.

Justo Robles

• March 29, 2024

California Divide

L.A. promised to hire 200 Black workers from a job training program. That hasn’t happened.

An LA partnership that is supposed to place 200 Black trainees in city jobs is falling short. One worker whose desk job offer was revoked was told to try sanitation.

Alejandra Reyes-Velarde

• March 28, 2024

Cook Martha Garcia preps food in the kitchen at Verde Mexican Rotisserie in South Lake Tahoe on Oct. 6, 2021. Domi Chavarria, the owner of Verde Mexican Rotisserie, lost about $10K worth of inventory when they shut down for two weeks due to the Caldor Fire evacuation. Salgu Wissmath for CalMatters

California Divide

California’s minimum wage isn’t enough to keep up with workers’ costs of living, report says

The Legislative Analyst’s Office says the state’s $16-an-hour minimum can’t dispel poverty or inequality, though it’s among the highest in the U.S.

Alejandra Reyes-Velarde

• March 11, 2024

High school senior Catalina Govea, 17, helps a fourth-grade student at Linden Elementary School in San Joaquin County as part of a youth apprenticeship program on March 5, 2024. Photo by Manuel Orbegozo for CalMatters

California Divide

These gigs offer paths to higher wages for young Californians. Now they’re facing budget cuts

California seeded a program to place thousands of young people in apprenticeships. Just as it’s starting, a state budget deficit may delay funding.

Alejandra Reyes-Velarde

• March 11, 2024

Gregory Montoya in his garage where he stores antique items that were severely damaged by recent floods in the Southcrest neighborhood of San Diego. March 8, 2024. Photo by Adriana Heldiz, CalMatters

California Divide

California extended time for flood victims to get state help. They have one more week to apply

California just began offering Disaster CalFresh benefits to San Diegans hurt by January storm. Some are seeking payment from the city.

Justo Robles

• March 11, 2024

Education

California universities struggle to graduate Black students. Cultural centers aim to help

While graduation rates for Black students are the lowest in California universities, cultural centers can help address equity issues. Centers for Black students create a safe space to foster community while connecting with academic resources and Black faculty.

Briana Mendez-Padilla

• March 8, 2024

Safiyo Jama, a San Diego resident from Somalia, at the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans office in San Diego on Feb. 15, 2024. Jama, who volunteers for PANA, has voted in U.S. elections since 2010 and helps other Somali residents understand election materials. The organization conducted outreach and held community meetings regarding AB 884, which would expand language access in election materials. Photo by Adriana Heldiz, CalMatters

California Divide

Voting rights: California lawmakers may translate more ballots, help more non-English-speakers to vote

Advocates say California's immigrant citizens who need it should get ballots and voting help in their own language.

Justo Robles

• March 4, 2024

Migrants arrive at the Iris Avenue Transit Center after being dropped off by Border Patrol agents in San Diego on Feb. 25, 2024. Photo by Adriana Heldiz, CalMatters

California Divide

Border Patrol is dropping off hundreds of migrants at San Diego trolley station after welcome center closes

Lea este artículo en español. As one volunteer said, it feels back to “zero” in San Diego after a migrant reception center ran out of money, leading federal Border Patrol officers to begin dropping off hundreds of people at a trolley station over the weekend. The so-called “street releases” in San Diego have touched […]

Wendy Fry

• February 27, 2024

Illustration by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

California Divide

10 years after promise, California still hasn’t included undocumented immigrants in cell phone subsidies

California in 2014 decided undocumented people could qualify for LifeLine, a program that helps low income families afford internet and cell service. A decade later undocumented people still can’t get it.

Alejandra Reyes-Velarde

• February 20, 2024

A small group gathers for lunch at Big Valley Market on Jan. 30. 2024. The market serves as the main grocer, restaurant and community gathering space for the town of Bieber. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

California Divide

It’s the only store for dozens of miles. PG&E’s latest rate hikes could put it out of business

High electric bills consumed 65% of a rural grocery store’s profit last year. Owners say they may close the store because of PG&E rate hikes.

Justo Robles

• February 13, 2024