Commentary
Californian mourns a childhood friend lost in a changing community
The Inglewood that raised Mike and Joshua has been gentrified. But a cemetery preserves Mike's grave and the memories of their childhood together.
Children-and-youth
Health
A new California law requires tortillas to include an extra ingredient. Here’s why
Starting in 2026, California tortillas will contain folic acid to help prevent birth defects—a change aimed at closing a gap for Latina mothers.
Commentary
California’s schools can’t afford to cut counselors. They keep kids alive in dangerous times
With suicide and violence stalking students, counselors are often the first to notice kids in trouble. They're also among the first to lose their jobs to budget cuts.
Commentary
California’s rural youth struggle alone with mental health. Their peers could learn to help them
Suicide is 50% higher among rural young people than among others in urban or suburban environments. Many also live too far to get counseling.
Commentary
California’s early intervention for youngsters with special needs is a lifeline — hanging by a thread
Federal cuts to Medicaid will mean fewer slots, longer waits and fewer therapists at Early Start, a program for children and babies with special needs.
Health
She drove a hundred miles to give birth. New California laws are bringing maternity care closer to home
Three years after closing its maternity ward, a new state law will help a rural Northern California hospital bring birth services back to the community.
Education
Head Start programs begin closing in California due to shutdown
As funding deadlines approach, one Head Start program has closed and three others are about to. More closures are expected in the coming weeks.
Education
How the tiniest domestic violence survivors heal with the help of a San Diego preschool
A preschool in San Diego focuses on children who've experienced trauma, the "little guys". Mi Escuelita now has a long record of helping kids and families move forward.
Education
This preschool serves kids with traumatic backgrounds. Here’s what researchers learned from them
Children with traumatic experiences who attend Mi Escuelita preschool in San Diego graduate ready for kindergarten and continue to do well in school for years.
Education
How to get help if you know a California child who experienced serious trauma
Know a young child who experienced serious trauma? Californians can find resources through their doctors, preschools and First 5. Here's how to get started.