Los Angeles County

California Divide

Newsom’s veto lets California counties continue taking foster kids’ money

States across the United States are banning the practice of billing kids for the cost of their foster care. Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a similar effort in California, citing costs to the state.

By Jeanne Kuang • October 9, 2023

K-12 Education

Beyond crayons and circle time: What California transitional kindergarten needs to succeed

California is rolling out its transitional kindergarten program, with the goal of offering it for all 4-year-olds by 2025-26. While some schools have had programs in place for years, others are just starting to create teaching guidelines.

By Carolyn Jones • October 2, 2023

Justice

California police body camera footage can’t take the place of witness testimony, court rules

More California police departments are deploying body cameras. A new court ruling restricts how prosecutors can use footage of witness accounts at trial.

By Nigel Duara • August 17, 2023

Commentary

Anaheim joins long list of corruption-plagued cities in Southern California

A burgeoning scandal in the city of Anaheim is the latest in a string of municipal corruption cases that have become commonplace in Southern California.

By Dan Walters • August 2, 2023

K-12 Education

California parents fed up with schools want to make high-quality education a constitutional right

Advocates supporting a constitutional amendment guaranteeing a right to a high-quality education say they want to hold schools accountable. But critics fear its vague language could unleash a barrage of lawsuits.

By Joe Hong • June 27, 2023

California Divide

California child welfare agencies under fire for pocketing foster kids’ Social Security money

A California grandmother fights to retrieve $30,000 taken by San Diego County from her grandchildren's survivor benefits. Counties take millions of dollars in federal benefits from foster children, says a lawmaker trying to stop it.

By Jeanne Kuang • April 5, 2023

California Divide

Evictions rise, tenants scramble for help as LA County protections expire

L.A. County's tenant pandemic protections expire March 31. But already advocates predict a spike in evictions, as landlords seek financial recovery.

By Alejandra Reyes-Velarde • March 21, 2023

Commentary

Los Angeles County entertains governmental reform

A push for governmental reform has popped up in an unlikely place, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

By Dan Walters • March 5, 2023

Justice

Stress relief or toxic exposure? State cautions ‘rage rooms’ may deliver unwanted release

State environmental experts worry that smashing old TVs, monitors and laptops in so-called ‘rage rooms’ may release hazardous waste or potentially harm customers’ health.

By Robert Lewis • July 25, 2022

California Divide

California counties siphon Social Security benefits from some foster kids

California counties regularly take the Social Security benefits of foster youth who are disabled or whose parents have died. Advocates say it amounts to children paying for their own foster care.

By Jeanne Kuang • July 22, 2022