unemployment

WhatMatters

Newsom's coronavirus spending comes under scrutiny. Undocumented immigrants eligible for unemployment benefits. Voting by mail faces new test.

By

Emily Hoeven

• April 16, 2020

A man wearing disposable gloves and a bandana over his face walks past a boarded up shop on Haight Street in San Francisco on April 7, 2020. California is entering the fourth week of sheltering in place to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus, and the number of Californians hospitalized and those in ICUs with COVID-19 is starting to edge up only slightly. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Coronavirus

Wary optimism: Small uptick of COVID-19 Californians in hospital and intensive care

Just a few days from a forecasted peak in California’s pandemic, it's seeing fewer hospitalizations and intensive care patients than anticipated.

By

Elizabeth Aguilera

• April 10, 2020

A construction worker in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco on March 25, 2020. Public works employees are exempt during the shelter in place order. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

WhatMatters

500% increase in CA unemployment claims

Unemployment claims surge 500% in California, small businesses face devastation as coronavirus pandemic upends state econony.

By

Emily Hoeven

• April 3, 2020

Restaurants and bars across the Bay Area closed on March 16, 2020 following a seven-county directive to shelter in place due to the coronavirus. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

California Divide

Non-English speakers struggle to file coronavirus unemployment claims

California unemployment applications can only be filed in English or Spanish, leaving a challenge for many residents who speak other languages. Many are new filers who do not understand the application process, lack internet and computer access. Traditional support groups such as nonprofits are also unable to provide in-person help.

By

Erica Hellerstein

• April 2, 2020

Oakland Technical High School students stand in front of the marquee after it was announced that all Oakland schools would close for three weeks over coronavirus concerns on March 13, 2020. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

WhatMatters

End of the school year, state says

Coronavirus pandemic expected to keep schools closed for rest of academic year. State launches investivgation into use of charities by legislators.

By

Emily Hoeven

• April 1, 2020

Money Mart payday loans and check cashing store in Sacramento, California. Photo via Creative Commons

California Divide

Need money during coronavirus pandemic? How to avoid loan sharks and debt traps

As millions of Americans lose jobs, shifts and other sources of income during the coronavirus health crisis, financial experts worry that people will be preyed upon by loan sharks who stand to profit. “We saw this during the foreclosure crisis, where people were in distress and scammers took advantage to promise to help people connect […]

By

Manuela Tobias

• March 31, 2020

A man walks past tents as Oakland Public Works Department employees remove debris from a homeless encampment at Mosswood Park in Oakland, Calif., on Tuesday, February 4, 2020. Photo by Jane Tyska, Bay Area News Group

WhatMatters

For homeless, can CA move faster than coronavirus?

Newsom looks for emergency housing to shelter homeless during coronavirus pandemic. California jobless claims soar. Pandemic upends medical, scientific research.

By

Emily Hoeven

• March 27, 2020

A woman takes photos of the Alameda Theater marquee in Alameda, Calif., on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Seven Bay Area counties ordered shelter-in-place to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Photo by Ray Chavez, Bay Area News Group

WhatMatters

California likely closed through April

California likely closed through April because of coronavirus. State lags in COVID-19 testing. Cannabis dispensaries deemed "essential" businesses.

By

Emily Hoeven

• March 25, 2020

This 2013 image depicts Whalers Cove on Point Lobos State Reserve. On Monday, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that parking lots at many state parks and beaches would close down in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19. Photo by David Iliff via Creative Commons

WhatMatters

“Soft closure” of state parks

California needs 50,000 more hospital beds because of coronavirus. Newsom orders "soft closure" of state parking lots. PG&E pleads guilty to wildfire charges.

By

Emily Hoeven

• March 24, 2020

California Divide

Covered California extends special enrollment for health coverage until June 30

As coronavirus cases rise throughout California, health officials announced Friday that Covered California, the state’s health insurance marketplace, would extend its special enrollment period until the end of June in an effort to provide health insurance to more people. “The human and economic impacts of the coronavirus will be far-reaching, long-lasting and impacting many Californians’ […]

By

Erica Hellerstein

• March 20, 2020