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

Flanked by state and local politicians, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the state's plan to address homelessness across the state at Cal Expo in Sacramento, on March 16, 2023. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Housing

‘Beyond cruel’: Newsom retaliates against this LA suburb for its ban on homeless shelters

The mayor of Norwalk said the city enacted its far-reaching ban on shelters and other low-income housing and businesses out of frustration with the state.

Felicia Mello

• October 3, 2024

Protesters gathered outside a Pizza Hut location, holding signs during a workers' strike. The prominent sign reads 'Pizza Hut Workers On Strike' with the message 'Workers Needs Not Corporate Greed' in bold. People in the background, including one person with braided hair, are visible participating in the demonstration.

California Divide

California collects millions in stolen wages, but can’t find many workers to pay them

The state Labor Commissioner sometimes struggles to get back pay to workers when it reaches wage theft settlements. It tries social media, TV and hotlines. But money owed to employees is still sitting in state accounts.

Jeanne Kuang

• October 3, 2024

A small group of students stand underneath a table umbrella that provides some shade in a schoolyard during a hot day.

Climate Change

Vomiting, cramps and lethargy: As heat rises, California kids are sweltering in schools with no air conditioning

An estimated 1 in 5 schools has no air conditioning and another 10% need repair. Underfunded schools struggle to keep classrooms cool as heat waves intensify. "It's a hot mess," one teacher says.

Alejandra Reyes-Velarde

• October 1, 2024

Farmworkers work on a field outside of Mendota in Fresno County on July 12, 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

California Divide

As extreme heat rises, Newsom blocks bill to protect California farmworkers

Gov. Newsom blocks legislation to make it easier for California farmworkers to file workers’ comp claims for heat illness. It was backed by their union and opposed by business groups.

Jeanne Kuang

• September 28, 2024

A poster explains ways to file for unemployment insurance benefits, as job seekers look for work at the JobTrain employment office in Menlo Park. Photo by Paul Sakuma, AP Photo

California Divide

Newsom denies jobless aid to undocumented Californians, after vetoing two other bills to help them

Gov. Newsom again vetoes a bill aiming to let undocumented immigrants get unemployment benefits. He earlier vetoed measures to allow them to apply for homeowner aid, and for undocumented students to work on campus. Political analysts say he’s playing it safe on a hot-button issue.

Jeanne Kuang

• September 28, 2024

Dr. Amos C. Brown, Jr., vice chair for the California Reparations Task Force, holds a copy of the book Songs of Slavery and Emancipation, as he and other members of the task force pose for photos at the Capitol in Sacramento, on June 16, 2022. California's first-in-the-nation task force on reparations for African-Americans issued the report Wednesday, June 1, 2022, that documents the harms perpetuated by the state against African Americans and recommendations on how to address those wrongs. Photo by Rich Pedroncelli, AP Photo

Capitol

California will apologize for slavery as part of reparations push

As part of a California reparations package, Gov. Newsom signs a bill to officially apologize for slavery. But he vetoed others sought by reparations supporters.

Wendy Fry

• September 26, 2024

Nancy Wiles holds her eviction notice on Dec. 4, 2023. Photo by Manuel Orbegozo for CalMatters

Housing

New California law gives tenants more time to respond to eviction notices

Tenant advocates say giving renters 10 days to respond to eviction notices, up from 5, will help those who live in rural areas and have trouble finding legal help. Some landlords argue it will increase their costs.

Felicia Mello

• September 24, 2024

California Divide

More secure EBT cards are coming to California. Here’s when they’ll go out

The state is working on electronic benefit cards with security chips, but is behind schedule. Families are expected to be able to use them in January.

Jeanne Kuang

• September 16, 2024

People smile and cry in celebration while seated in a row of green chair inside a hearing room at the state capitol.

California Divide

Reparations supporters plot comeback after bitter defeat in California Legislature

The controversial idea of cash reparations divided even Black advocates in the legislature this year. Here’s what’s next.

Wendy Fry

• September 6, 2024

A person wearing a grey polo shirt and blue jeans, sits on a desk, while a computer monitor stands on the desk, in an office.

California Divide

Public private coalition, seeking to promote equity, creates opportunities for small and minority-owned Californian businesses

The Equity in Infrastructure Project has helped companies like Global Electric as billions of federal dollars flow into California infrastructure projects.

Alisha Green

• September 6, 2024