Alameda County

Justice

Carrots but no stick: Participation in California drug courts has plummeted

Proposition 47 removed the threat of jail time for simple drug possession. Now participation in drug courts is way down.

By Nigel Duara • July 5, 2022

Commentary

Is direct democracy under attack in California?

The courts and Legislature should head off challenges to the referendum and initiative processes that would impede the will of voters.

By Guest Commentary • October 15, 2021

Justice

Is California’s new police deadly force law making a difference?

Cases in San Diego and San Leandro will test the stricter standards on when officers can shoot to kill. Training of officers on the new law is inconsistent.

By Byrhonda Lyons and Laurel Rosenhall • May 11, 2021

Coronavirus

Child care providers ask state to hold off on in-person inspections

California wants to restart in-person inspections of child care centers. Providers are worried that the inspectors, who may not be vaccinated, could jeopardize the health of their charges and their business.

By Elizabeth Aguilera • April 19, 2021

WhatMatters

How CA’s backlogged court system delays justice

Good morning, California. It’s Wednesday, March 31. Years-long waits It’s a shocking statistic: 75% of the inmates in California’s county jails — more than 44,000 people — have not been convicted or sentenced for a crime. Instead, they’re largely waiting for arraignment, trial or sentencing. At least 1,300 people have been waiting for more than […]

By Emily Hoeven • March 31, 2021

WhatMatters

Will Newsom appoint an Asian attorney general?

Good morning, California. It’s Thursday, March 18. Surge in anti-Asian hate Pressure is mounting on Gov. Gavin Newsom to appoint an Asian American or Pacific Islander attorney general amid a surge in anti-Asian harassment and violence, including Tuesday shootings in Atlanta in which a man killed eight people, six of whom were women of Asian […]

By Emily Hoeven • March 18, 2021

WhatMatters

New school battle: What counts as ‘reopening’?

Good morning, California. It’s Wednesday, March 17. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! 🍀 Desk spacing major issue One of the biggest fronts in California’s school reopening battle comes down, quite literally, to a few feet. But the fight over how far apart students’ desks should be spaced is really a fight over what constitutes school “reopening.” […]

By Emily Hoeven • March 17, 2021

Justice

Diversity growing among California judges but trial courts lagging

New data from the state’s Judicial Council touts an increase in women judges and people of color on the bench, but Latinos, in particular, remain poorly represented in many Superior Courts.

By Byrhonda Lyons • March 5, 2021

Justice

Victims behind bars: Trafficking survivors still struggle despite state laws

California has evolved in how it treats victims of sex trafficking. But many victims, most of them Black women, are still sitting behind bars for crimes they committed while being trafficked.

By Byrhonda Lyons • January 27, 2021

Coronavirus

California throws open COVID vaccines to anyone 65 and older

As complaints mount about the state’s lagging vaccine rollout, health officials allow any seniors to seek the shot now — but not younger people with preexisting conditions.

By Ana B. Ibarra • January 13, 2021