Hospitals

Commentary

California’s community health systems can’t handle a minimum wage for workers

Struggling community hospitals across California are ill-prepared for the creation of a $25 minimum wage for health care workers, should Gov. Newsom decide to sign the legislation.

By Guest Commentary • October 11, 2023

Health

Kaiser strike begins as 68,000 employees stage walkout at California hospitals

California health care giant Kaiser Permanente could not reach a contract to avert a strike by a union coalition representing some 75,000 employees in five states. The walkout is expected to last three days.

By Kristen Hwang • October 4, 2023

Health

Another strike looms at Kaiser’s California hospitals as workers push for better pay

Kaiser Permanente provides health care to more than 9 million Californians. A strike this week could affect patients at dozens of hospitals.

By Kristen Hwang • October 3, 2023

Health

A $25 minimum wage is in sight for California health care workers under new legislative deal

A last-minute legislative deal would raise pay for California health care workers while giving medical providers a guarantee that they won’t have to battle local measures on employee compensation.

By Ana B. Ibarra • September 12, 2023

Health

California bails out distressed hospitals, offers interest-free loans to 17 troubled providers

Some independent California community hospitals have struggled with rising costs since the COVID-19 pandemic. Three declared bankruptcy this year, prompting the state to distribute interest-free loans.

By Ana B. Ibarra • August 25, 2023

WhatMatters

California’s high court upholds voting rights law

From CalMatters state Capitol reporter Sameea Kamal: It was a case that some said threatened to erode California’s voting rights law. But after a ruling by the state’s Supreme Court on Thursday, some of its protections are reaffirmed, for now.   The case, filed by the Pico Neighborhood Association and others in 2016, alleged that Santa […]

By Lynn La • August 25, 2023

Health

3 California hospitals declared bankruptcy this year. Health chains could keep them alive

Two of the three troubled California hospitals are especially vital to their communities because they’re the only emergency providers in their rural counties. Health care chains could keep them afloat.

By Ana B. Ibarra • August 14, 2023

WhatMatters

California Legislature gets back to work

From CalMatters’ state Capitol reporter Sameea Kamal:  The California Legislature returns today for the final five weeks of the session — and Gov. Gavin Newsom has some marching orders. He popped into a background briefing with reporters Friday to outline his priorities: mental health reform, education and gun safety.  Newsom said while he didn’t expect […]

By Lynn La • August 14, 2023

Health

California needs thousands of nurses, but leaders can’t agree on how to fill jobs

Some hospitals in Southern California have a nurse vacancy rate of 30%, stressing overworked staff and causing some to leave the industry earlier than they planned.

By Kristen Hwang • July 31, 2023

WhatMatters

California Attorney General Rob Bonta goes after the NFL, and tobacco

As California’s top law enforcement official, Attorney General Rob Bonta has plenty of leeway for his to-do list. This week, he’s using his powers widely on some hot-button issues. NFL sexual harassment: Saying that no company is too big or powerful to be “above the law” Bonta announced a joint investigation on Thursday with New […]

By Lynn La • May 5, 2023