Health

Thumbnail image of a map of senior centers, zoomed to Southern California

Mental Health

Find a senior center near you in California

Use our map to find public places where older adults gather for meals, classes, exercise and community.

By

Meisi Li

• March 27, 2026

A large blue LED sign with the words "Rady Children's" illuminates at the top of a glass building during a dusk evening.

Health

San Diego families file civil rights suit over cutoff of transgender care at children’s hospital

Rady Children’s Hospital announced in January that it would no longer perform gender affirming care for minors.

By

Kristen Hwang

• March 19, 2026

A Fresno resident uses an umbrella to shield herself from the sun as they walk through Tower District in Fresno on Aug. 30, 2022. Temperatures hit 104 degrees as a heatwave begins to hit the San Joaquin Valley. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Environment

California is spending hundreds of millions on heat. Will it ever be a public health priority?

As heat becomes a year-round reality, California is often still responding like it’s an emergency.

By

Ana B. Ibarra

and

Alejandra Reyes-Velarde

• March 19, 2026

A medical personnel member places a blood sugar test on a person's hand while the person faces away. In the background, a mobile medical unit is inside an equipment barn on a farm.

Health

California cut health care for undocumented immigrants. One lawmaker wants it back

California Democrats introduced legislation to restore Medi-Cal for all income-qualifying residents of any age, including undocumented immigrants. Gov. Newsom scaled back that program because of state budget deficits.

By

Kristen Hwang

• March 9, 2026

A view of a downhill skier as they make their way down a slope towards a resort covered with snow. The background is a mountain range spread across the horizon.

Environment

Is California’s ski season deadlier than usual? Here’s why we don’t know

A deadly ski season in California raises urgent questions. Why doesn’t the state track resort injuries or deaths, and who’s protecting people on the slopes?

By

Rachel Becker

• March 6, 2026

Dr. Mathew Beare examines a patient's foot at a meeting area near the Kern River on March 16, 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Health

Trump’s Medicaid work mandate could kick thousands of homeless Californians off coverage

A majority of California’s roughly 180,000 people experiencing homelessness have health insurance through Medi-Cal. Providers predict that many will lose insurance under President Donald Trump’s upcoming work mandates even if they qualify for exemptions.

By

Kristen Hwang

• March 5, 2026

A collage-style illustration in green and black and white tones with several cut-out images. The main image of the illustration shows two separate photos of two individuals posing for a photo. Photos of other people can be seen behind them, alongside several receipts.

Investigation

She directed $2.7 million from her elderly clients to her husband’s company. The judge approved every penny

California lawmakers created the Professional Fiduciaries Bureau to monitor self-dealing in the industry. Twenty years later, the bureau’s inaction in one case shows how conflicts of interest can continue for years with little consequence.

By

Byrhonda Lyons

• March 3, 2026

A group of officials stands inside a building under construction with exposed wooden framing. One person speaks at a podium with a sign that reads “TREATMENT NOT TENTS,” while others stand behind them listening. Temporary work lights hang overhead, and unfinished walls and beams fill the background.

Mental Health

Newsom threatens California counties for failing to use his new mental health court

Far fewer people with mental illness are getting help in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s CARE Court program than expected. This week, he blamed local governments for shortcomings.

By

Marisa Kendall

• March 2, 2026

A lab worker, wearing a clear face mask and blue scrubs, stands in front of a medical machine.

Health

Pockets of unvaccinated communities are driving measles outbreaks in California

California is battling measles across seven counties as federal funding cuts gut local health departments and vaccine skepticism fuels spread among unvaccinated children.

By

Kristen Hwang

• March 2, 2026

Health

Californians are staying insured — but settling for health coverage they may not use

Covered California enrollment fell 2.7% following the end of enhanced federal premium assistance. That’s better than expected, but many people are making concessions to afford staying insured.

By

Ana B. Ibarra

• February 28, 2026