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

Claudia Gutierrez is a mother of six kids and a recipient of the Basic Income Guaranteed: Los Angeles Economic Assistance Program in Los Angeles on Jan. 14, 2023. Photo by Pablo Unzueta for CalMatters

California Divide

With a guaranteed income, you can buy precious time with your family, say California parents

Los Angeles and Oakland parents who received monthly cash without restrictions from new pilot programs said it did more than help them pay bills. What they gained, they said, was priceless — more time with their children.

Jeanne Kuang

• February 14, 2023

Caitlyn O’Connell at her apartment in Venice on Feb. 7, 2023. O’Connell and her husband started looking for a home in 2021 but gave up shortly after because prices were too high. They both work from home in their two bedroom apartment and want to start a family soon, so they hope to find a home with more space. Photo by Alisha Jucevic for CalMatters

California Divide

Mortgage costs lock out California home buyers

California’s housing market is less affordable after mortgage interest rates drove up costs for many potential buyers last year.

Alejandro Lazo

• February 9, 2023

In this April 18, 2020, file photo, San Francisco-Marin Food Bank volunteers pack food into bags to be delivered to people in San Francisco. Food banks and anti-hunger advocates are bracing for the end of a pandemic-era boost in food assistance that the federal government has been providing for nearly three years. Photo by Jeff Chiu, AP Photo

California Divide

‘No light at the other end’: Impending loss of pandemic CalFresh boosts could trigger hunger spike

For nearly three years, an increase in federal aid has allowed California to issue higher-than-usual amounts in food stamps. That ends in April.

Jeanne Kuang

• February 9, 2023

Farmworkers work at a vineyards in Clarksburg on March 24, 2020. Photo by Rich Pedroncelli, AP Photo

California Divide

California farmworkers cope with wildfire smoke, pesticides, roaches and rodents, survey says

A major UC Merced study and survey detail the harsh conditions many of California’s farmworkers experience at home and work. The issues are under a spotlight following the recent mass shootings at two mushroom farms.

Nicole Foy

• February 3, 2023

Illustration by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters; iStock

California Divide

Thieves drain millions off CalFresh and CalWORKs recipients’ cards, families wait and taxpayers pay

The EBT cards the state uses to deliver financial assistance to low-income residents lack security features common to credit and debit cards. California officials plan to upgrade. Meanwhile, they're paying millions to replace stolen money and food stamps.

Jeanne Kuang

• January 30, 2023

A Reparations Task Force Meeting at San Diego State on Jan. 28, 2023. Photo by Ariana Drehsler, CalMatters

California Divide

California reparations task force zeroes in on who’d be eligible for compensation

California’s first-in-the-nation task force on reparations agreed residents should qualify for compensation. But should certain “vulnerable” former residents, such as foster kids or ex-prisoners, be eligible?

Wendy Fry

• January 30, 2023

Erwin sits in his car at Lake Miramar in San Diego on Jan. 8, 2023. Photo by Ariana Drehsler for CalMatters

California Divide

More than a million undocumented immigrants gained driver’s licenses in California

Seven years after the Safe and Responsible Drivers Act gave undocumented residents a license to drive, the state is ready to expand its impact, but the law still has detractors.

Wendy Fry

• January 27, 2023

The AB 3121 Task Force to Study and Develop Reparations Proposals for African Americans meets in Oakland on Dec. 14, 2022. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

California Divide

California reparations task force aims at more than dollars, seeks policies to prevent harm

The task force members are discussing monetary and nonmonetary reparations ideas to compensate for slavery and racism. Some say they want policies to prevent future harms against Black Californians.

Wendy Fry

• January 26, 2023

Migrants line up to get health services near the free non-profit clinic in Tijuana, Mexico on Dec. 22, 2022. Photo by Carlos A. Moreno for CalMatters

California Divide

Border scramble: Why California isn’t financially ready for Title 42 to end

The Supreme Court is keeping in place, for now, Title 42 — the pandemic policy that OK’d migrant expulsions. California has yet to figure out how to meet the needs of an influx of migrants when it does go away, especially given that the state is confronting a projected budget deficit of $24 billion for the next fiscal year.

Wendy Fry

• December 28, 2022

Ivonne Sonato-Vega and her children have breakfast their her home in Santa Rosa. Photo by Brian Frank for CalMatters

California Divide

$24 billion projected budget deficit may test California’s resolve to grow safety net amid recession

Advocates warn now is not the time to cut programs that help the poor. The state has reserves to weather a tough year but a recession could deepen the deficit.

Alejandro Lazo

and

Jeanne Kuang

• December 20, 2022