Covid-19

California Divide

More Californians are hungry, seeking help amid coronavirus job losses

A line of 500 to 600 people standing six feet apart snaked around a parking lot and multiple city blocks in downtown Los Angeles. Many were hotel and restaurant workers, Dodger Stadium employees and airline chefs. All had lost their jobs or were working reduced hours amid the coronavirus pandemic. One by one, they walked […]

By Jackie Botts • March 19, 2020

Coronavirus

Eviction lawsuits proceed in California despite relief for some tenants

The wheels of the eviction process are still turning in many parts of the state, and renters can remain subject to ejection for many reasons.

By Matt Levin and Nigel Duara • March 19, 2020

WhatMatters

California hospitals prepared for coronavirus?

Hospitals gear up for surge of patients from coronavirus, while working families look for financial relief from government.

By Emily Hoeven • March 19, 2020

Education

Confusion reigns as California families ponder coronavirus homeschool

With the coronavirus pandemic raging and 99% of schools likely closed through summer, state education authorities are urging families to do their best with online classes, PBS and homeschooling. How it all will work out is unclear.

By Ricardo Cano • March 19, 2020

Coronavirus

How overwhelmed is California’s health care system about to be?

Gov. Gavin Newsom has said that if as many coronavirus patients as feared need hospitalization, surge capacity could be outstripped by up to 10,000 beds.

By Rachel Becker, Ana B. Ibarra and Judy Lin • March 18, 2020

Coronavirus

Where California stands with coronavirus testing right now

Gov. Gavin Newsom says help is on the way to ramp up testing for the coronavirus, which has lagged nationally. So where are we now? Who can get tested for COVID-19, who should — and where exactly should you go? If you do get a test, will it be expensive? Here’s what you need to know. 

By Rachel Becker and Ana B. Ibarra • March 18, 2020

California Divide

Out of a job? Can’t pay your bills? These proposals may help keep you afloat amid coronavirus

Donna Insalaco had to lay off 40 of the 45 employees at Pizzaiolo, her gourmet pizzeria in downtown Oakland, after sales fell through a “black hole.” “A lot of tears,” Insalaco said, “All of us here live check-to-check.” Responding to a statewide call for restaurants to close their doors to dine-in customers, Pizzaiolo is now […]

By Jackie Botts • March 18, 2020

WhatMatters

California schools likely closed through summer

Newsom doubts schools will reopen before summer, leaves eviction bans up to local governments. Online learning is put to the test at colleges.

By Emily Hoeven • March 18, 2020

Housing

Newsom did not issue a statewide eviction ban. Tenant groups say renters’ health could be threatened

With wide swaths of the economy shutting down, tenants groups are disappointed by the governor's response.

By Matt Levin • March 17, 2020

WhatMatters

Newsom suggests Bay Area’s “shelter in place” statewide

Bay Area counties "shelter in place" as coronavirus cases grow and state agencies respond at every level to try to contain impact.

By Emily Hoeven • March 17, 2020