Economic Inequality

California Divide

Trump is considering cutting farmworker pay during the crisis. Don’t do it, California growers say

The Trump administration is considering cutting the pay of guest visa farmworkers during the coronavirus pandemic to help the farm industry. But California growers aren’t thrilled: They say it won’t help them much with their financial crisis. And they worry that it might even hurt them by creating uncertainty for their essential employees, prompting them […]

By Kate Cimini • April 17, 2020

California Divide

Undocumented workers face obstacles qualifying for benefits during the pandemic

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Hector had a stable job as a cook at an Italian restaurant in Oakland. Suddenly, in mid-March, about a dozen workers were laid off, including him. “There was a low clientele and the restaurant wasn’t doing well,” said Hector, who didn’t want to provide his last name due to his undocumented […]

By Jacqueline Garcia and Erica Hellerstein • April 14, 2020

California Divide

Farmers are forced to let crops rot and throw away milk while food bank demand soars

Last week, Isabel Solorio turned away five families from the Lanare food bank serving farmworkers in rural Fresno County. There just wasn’t enough food to feed the 215 families who showed up. It was twice the number of families that needed food a week earlier, she said. But that same week, on a farm just […]

By Manuela Tobias and Robert Rodriguez • April 11, 2020

California Divide

‘The perfect storm of vulnerability’: Protection in the fields doesn’t follow farmworkers home

When Jesus Francisco Meza Uriarte and Dian Alejandro Bienazul Atondo step into the van that will take them to a spinach field in Salinas each morning, it stinks of bleach. The van’s been sanitized between rides to kill any lingering bits of the COVID-19 virus. They ride to work, sitting at least six feet apart, […]

By Kate Cimini • April 11, 2020

California Divide

Non-English speakers struggle to file coronavirus unemployment claims

California unemployment applications can only be filed in English or Spanish, leaving a challenge for many residents who speak other languages. Many are new filers who do not understand the application process, lack internet and computer access. Traditional support groups such as nonprofits are also unable to provide in-person help.

By Erica Hellerstein • April 2, 2020

California Divide

First homeless patient tests positive for coronavirus in Fresno

Several cases of coronavirus have cropped up among California's homeless population. Now, Fresno County is reporting its first case. That homeless individual who tested positive is being quarantined in a hotel.

By Manuela Tobias • April 2, 2020

California Divide

Need money during coronavirus pandemic? How to avoid loan sharks and debt traps

As millions of Americans lose jobs, shifts and other sources of income during the coronavirus health crisis, financial experts worry that people will be preyed upon by loan sharks who stand to profit. “We saw this during the foreclosure crisis, where people were in distress and scammers took advantage to promise to help people connect […]

By Manuela Tobias • March 31, 2020

California Divide

No face masks so California’s farmworkers are left unprotected

Salinas farmworkers Juan Manuel Virgen and Daniel Lopez Aviles circled the field in a white pickup, a coworker behind the wheel. It was about 10 a.m., and the sun was starting to warm the air. All of them had tied bandannas neatly around their necks, tucking them into the front of their shirts.  “No hay […]

By Kate Cimini • March 26, 2020

Coronavirus

Watch: Dealing with (un)employment during the coronavirus pandemic

CalMatters reporters ask state leaders how Californians can file for unemployment, get paid sick leave and more during the coronavirus pandemic.

By Nigel Duara • March 26, 2020

California Divide

Fresno area is sicker and has a doctor shortage. So the coronavirus poses a huge threat, experts warn

The central San Joaquin Valley for years has struggled to attract medical doctors, with physician-to-resident ratios well below what medical experts say is needed for adequate healthcare. That was before the coronavirus pandemic. Now the rapid spread of COVID-19 may well expose the Fresno area to even greater risk if the relatively few doctors in […]

By Manuela Tobias • March 25, 2020