Billions are needed to repair, renovate and maintain Cal State’s buildingsFebruary 19, 2023Students have complained about unbearable heat waves in classrooms without air conditioning and canceled classes due to flooded buildings, but funds are not available to maintain and renovate academic facilities.
Health CareCalifornia requires hospitals to turn to a patient’s next of kin, closing a longtime loopholeFebruary 19, 2023A state law establishes a list of representatives who can make medical decisions for patients unable to convey their wishes. California is late to making the change; 45 other states and the District of Columbia already have next-of-kin laws.
California homelessness: Where are the state’s billions going? Here’s the new, best answerFebruary 18, 2023For the first time, a new state report offers a bird-eye view of how much the state has spent to halt homelessness — nearly $10 billion over three years. Of the half-million Californians who made use of those services, more than 40% ended up housed.
Health CareCalifornia lawmakers seek to bolster the state as an “abortion sanctuary”February 17, 2023 | Kate WolffeThe authors of two recently introduced bills say they are steps toward cementing the reality of an accessible, private abortion for residents and people who come from out of state to get the procedure and related care.
Silicon Valley’s vast wealth disparity deepens as poverty increasedFebruary 17, 2023Eight of the region’s households held more wealth than the bottom 50%, according to a report, but poverty grew.
EnvironmentFloods, fires, droughts show California needs bigger safety net for farmworkers, advocates sayFebruary 17, 2023January’s rains flooded farm fields and orchards. Many California farmworkers lost weeks of pay. Advocates say the state should help them weather such crises. A leading proposal would pay $300 a week to undocumented workers.
Sacramento faces class-action disability lawsuit over homeless camps blocking sidewalksFebruary 16, 2023 | Kristin LamAfter receiving the disability rights lawsuit, the city of Sacramento told CapRadio how it has been handling complaints about homeless camps blocking sidewalks.
State GovernmentLowriding was born in California but it's restricted. Lawmakers want to change thatFebruary 16, 2023State law bars some modified vehicles and lets cities enact cruising bans. Lowrider advocates and Californian legislators say it criminalizes cultural traditions.
Race and EquityCalifornia’s historic Reparations Task Force is finalizing its recommendations to the stateFebruary 16, 2023 | Sarah Mizes-TanSuggestions for how the state can atone for the legacy of slavery and its impact include targeted funding for schools and homeownership, among others.
State GovernmentWho draws the lines? A big push for independent local redistrictingFebruary 16, 2023Advocates and lawmakers are making a major push for independent redistricting commissions in local California elections.
