health

Stacks of tortilla packages at a supermarket in Fresno on April 9, 2024. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Health

Why tortillas sold in California may be forced to add a new ingredient

Folic acid reduces the risk of birth defects and the FDA requires that bakers include it in enriched bread. California could extend the mandate to tortillas and foods made with corn masa flour.

By

Ana B. Ibarra

• April 15, 2024

Health

They work 80 hours a week for low pay. Now, California’s early-career doctors are joining unions

Medical residents have a grueling job, typically working 60 to 80 hours a week. Now, early-career doctors at several California hospitals are forming unions as they press for better pay and working conditions.

By

Kristen Hwang

• April 8, 2024

Commentary

My friend was fatally struck by a car. These street safety changes could’ve saved her – and others

After the death of a friend who was struck by a car in Berkeley last month, a safe street advocate says California lawmakers should pass two bills seeking to reduce vehicle speeds and protect pedestrians.

By Nicole Efron • March 28, 2024

Two people wearing face masks sit across from each other at a desk in an office. One person, holding a highlighter, appears to be explaining something, while the other listens. Papers with highlighted text lie on the desk between them, and a computer monitor, desk organizer, and cardboard box are visible in the background.

Commentary

If expanding quality health care access is California’s goal, Medi-Cal is not the solution

As California makes Medi-Cal available to all undocumented migrants, a health care researcher says the state should be cultivating private insurers if access to quality care is the ultimate goal.

By Sally Pipes • March 22, 2024

A booth for information on Covered California at the California Native Americans Day celebration at the state Captiol on Sept. 22, 2023. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Health

California offers health insurance for as little as $10 a month. Some pay more in tax penalties

California is one of four states that levies a tax penalty on uninsured households. Many people paying the fines are eligible for heavily subsidized health insurance through Covered California.

By

Ana B. Ibarra

• March 20, 2024

Jen Saeta, a primary caregiver for Josh, shares a moment with her brother in the family’s living room at their home in Santa Rosa Valley, on March 11, 2024. In 2017, Josh visited West Hills Hospital for abdominal pain and the doctor ordered him to be sent to the ICU. Staff never transferred him and he had a heart attack and suffered a catastrophic brain injury as a result. His family has taken care of him since, but over time they’ve learned more details about the conditions in the hospital that caused them to file the lawsuit. Photo by Alisha Jucevic for CalMatters

Health

‘I couldn’t find a nurse:’ L.A. family sues hospital over life-altering injuries

An emergency trip to the hospital turned disastrous for a Los Angeles-area family when Joshua Saeta’s condition deteriorated, leaving him permanently incapacitated. In a lawsuit, the family says nurses later told them the hospital was dangerously understaffed.

By

Kristen Hwang

• March 19, 2024

A customer picks produce at the farmers' market in Fairfield on June 15, 2023. Photo by Semantha Norris, CalMatters

Commentary

Many Californians rely on this farmers market program. Newsom wants to cut it

A popular program that doubles CalFresh benefits at farmers markets is on the chopping block as California leaders try to close a yawning budget deficit. In a moment when so many Californians are food insecure, slashing the program would be devastating.

By Sarah Portnoy • March 15, 2024

Capitol

Why daylight saving time is starting again in California

Voters authorized the Legislature to go to standard or daylight saving time year-round, but nearly six years later no law is on the books. It takes a two-thirds vote, and also congressional action to go to daylight saving year-round.

By

Lynn La

• March 7, 2024

Jose Ruben Hernandez Gomez at his home in Lodi on Dec. 13, 2023. He was one of the hunger strikers at the Mesa Verde ICE detention facility and has filed a federal complaint alleging medical neglect and abuse. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters

California Divide

Californian who joined hunger strike in ICE detention seeks $1 million in complaint

Detainee says ICE officers flew him to Texas, where he was threatened with force-feeding and was made to end his fast with solid foods, causing illness.

By

Justo Robles

• December 22, 2023

A medical personnel working on her computer in the corridor of Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital in Hollister on March 30, 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Health

Year in review: California tackles mental health, fentanyl

California is undertaking an ambitious effort to improve mental health, while controversy surrounds how to address the fentanyl crisis.

By

Ana B. Ibarra

• December 19, 2023