California Divide

Seven in 10 Californians say the gap between rich and poor is getting larger, according to a statewide survey.

California’s official unemployment rate is 7.5%. But a newer method of measuring unemployment reveals a far larger portion of the state is struggling to find full-time employment that pays enough to cover the cost of living.

Commercial real estate agent Maybelle Manio is one of many middle-class Californians who found themselves financially stranded by the pandemic. The 42-year-old commercial real estate agent turned to public support for the first time in her life.

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.

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.

Faced with business opposition, a state lawmaker fails to deliver on a pledge to require companies to report COVID outbreaks publicly. Supporters vow to fight for transparency in the name of public health and workplace safety.

While California faces extreme labor stratification, unions represent just 16% of workers. Would more unions in the private-sector reduce inequality or raise costs?