public health

Two people in white protective suits, face shields, masks, and rubber boots stand on the grassy shoulder of a rural highway, looking toward the road. A third person, dressed in scrubs and a dark sweater with tall boots, stands with their back to the camera. A large road sign juts into the foreground on the right, and a truck is partially visible on the roadside. The sky is overcast, adding a tense, somber atmosphere.

Commentary

The risk of lab experiments on animals extends to people, too

Eight lab monkeys escaped and seven were killed, showing why animal experiments should give way to better, safer testing methods.

By Emily Talkington • December 3, 2025

A person with long brown hair wearing a denim jacket and striped shirt stands beside a decorative metal railing in an outdoor corridor. The background features soft, out-of-focus lights and architectural details. The person gazes calmly at the camera with a neutral expression.

Health

Life-threatening meals: Restaurants would identify food allergens for diners under this proposed law

Doctors say the bill in the Legislature could save lives, but the restaurant association is opposed, saying it could give diners a false sense of security.

By

Kristen Hwang

• June 11, 2025

A group of people participate in a science-focused protest on a sunny day in Sacramento. Two individuals in the center hold signs that read "REAL PATRIOTS SUPPORT SCIENCE!" and "RESEARCH MAKES AMERICA STRONG." Others around them are walking, holding signs, or engaging in conversation. Palm trees, government buildings, and construction barriers are visible in the background. The atmosphere is lively and purposeful.

Reader Reactions

Disrupted California dementia research shows why studies deserve better protections

After misapplied DEI cuts disrupted and almost derailed Alzheimer's research at UC Davis, a researcher at the school says this type of work deserves better protection.

By Charles DeCarli • May 30, 2025

Dr. Shura Alexis Moreno has an office visit with patient Carlos Altamirano at Gabriel Medical Center in East Los Angeles on Sept. 14, 2021. Dr. Moreno was one of the COVID-19 patients to receive a lung transplant. Photo by Jessica Pons for CalMatters

Health

Trump clawed back billions in federal health grants. Here’s how much California is losing

The Trump administration clawed back hundreds of millions of dollars in grants to California health agencies, likely affecting investigations into disease outbreaks and other public health services.

By

Kristen Hwang

• March 27, 2025

A patient with COVID-19 is treated by staff in the intensive care unit at Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Orange on July 23, 2021. REUTERS/Omar Younis

Commentary

With federal public health shakeups underway, California needs to prepare for the next crisis

Gov. Gavin Newsom plans to cut money from state health emergency operations while federal officials slash personnel and money from national health agencies.

By Flavia Mangan Colgan and Eric Schmeltzer • March 17, 2025

A person stands on stage at a podium with microphones next to a row of American flags.

Health

RFK Jr. was on the losing side of California vaccine fights. Now, Trump wants him in his cabinet

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was a key figure in protests over California vaccine laws. He could set U.S. health policy in the Trump administration.

By

Ana B. Ibarra

• November 25, 2024

A flock of geese taking flight in a pond.

Health

A California child tested positive for bird flu. Here’s why this case is different

Bird flu has been spreading among dairy workers in California's Central Valley, jumping from cows to people. A new suspected case in the Bay Area came from an unknown source.

By

Kristen Hwang

• November 19, 2024

A dairy working in an apron and rubber boots putting on milk pumps onto cow utters as they rotate backwards in a dairy machine.

Commentary

California bird flu outbreak warrants a broader look at the risky ways we produce food

As California confronts a bird flu outbreak, it is also time to take a hard look at the food production system that puts farm workers in close contact with sick animals, the standard American diet that demands it, and the health ramifications of both.

By Seema Policepatil • November 15, 2024

A row of students lift up their legs in front of them as they stretch before cross-country practice near a building at a high school.

Education

How a new California law will shield student athletes from heat

A change in California law has set new rules for when young athletes can play and practice in high temperatures, affecting schools and teams across the state.

By

Deborah Brennan

• September 24, 2024

Health

The doctor who shaped Gavin Newsom’s COVID response is stepping down

Mark Ghaly has been a steady voice in Gov. Gavin Newsom's cabinet, shaping the administration's COVID policies and its efforts to bring down the cost of health care.

By

Ana B. Ibarra

and

Kristen Hwang

• September 6, 2024

Public Health