Economic Inequality

Hate crimes always increase during presidential election years, but the targets of vitriol and discrimination vary with the political rhetoric, say experts at a community forum in the Inland Empire.

Federal and state law require businesses to accommodate employees with disabilities, to an extent, but deaf people question whether employers are doing enough.

Most job training initiatives in California are government-funded, but many are grappling with cuts as the state and local governments face budget deficits. A Latino immigrant who entered the dental industry after completing job training programs shares what's at stake.

The measure’s author said it would compete with other priorities this year, including an effort to fend off a proposed constitutional amendment to punish retail thieves and another to restrict forced labor in prisons. He wants to propose it for a future election season.

California’s Black Legislative Caucus is touring the state to promote reparations bills that address forced prison labor and efforts to improve health, longevity and financial equity. The six-city tour is meant to urge the public to get involved in lobbying lawmakers.

The Salton Sea region has long been a vital part of California's farm industry. In the coming years, it will also be critical for the state's water supply and global lithium production. A proposed climate bond offers key investments to solidify that future.

Even though California was accepted into the union as a free state, it had a significant role in perpetuating racial discrimination and inequality. An official apology from the state of California would be a crucial step toward reconciliation and healing.

Stubbornly high inflation is souring how Californians view an economy marked by historically low unemployment. It could affect this year's elections as lower-income families keep absorbing higher prices.

California's minimum wage is among the highest in the nation but the state's high cost-of-living strains even full-time workers.

California workers victimized by wage theft continue to wait years before they recover what employers stole. A former Oakland hotel worker wonders who will enforce the law after companies are ordered to pay.