State GovernmentNew COVID sick leave would leave out at least 1 in 4 California workersFebruary 8, 2022California lawmakers’ plan to bring back COVID supplemental paid sick leave, but it won’t cover small business workers.
State GovernmentGOP Sen. Brian Dahle challenges Newsom for governorFebruary 8, 2022 | Nicole NixonDahle slammed Newsom as a “dictator” and “smooth-talking wine salesman” who has failed to address California’s skyrocketing cost of living and worsening homelessness crisis.
State GovernmentMiss work because of omicron? Newsom signs retroactive sick pay.February 7, 2022 | Nicole NixonThe bill requires employers to provide up to 80 hours of paid sick time for workers who test positive for COVID-19 or need to care for a sick family member.
State GovernmentCalifornia will reward volunteering college students with aid — but spend half the money on overheadFebruary 7, 2022A new California volunteer financial aid program for college students is using less than half of its budgeted money on actual student aid. Should this money support an expensive volunteer program or go to students directly?
Health CareCalifornia will lift universal mask mandate Feb. 16, Sacramento County could followFebruary 7, 2022 | Kris Hooks | Chris HaganWhile the statewide rules relax, several counties still have their own indoor mask mandates, including Sacramento and Yolo. Sacramento County’s mandate is still in effect, but officials say the county "anticipates following the state's lead.”
State GovernmentCSU chancellor welcomes investigation into allegations he mishandled sexual harassment case at Fresno StateFebruary 7, 2022California State University Chancellor Joseph I. Castro said he welcomes an independent investigation into allegations that he mishandled sexual harassment allegations while president of Fresno State University.
Health CareCalifornia inks sweetheart deal with Kaiser Permanente, jeopardizing Medicaid reformsFebruary 5, 2022The backroom deal with politically connected Kaiser Permanente, which infuriated other Medi-Cal health plans, allows the health care giant to continue selecting the enrollees it wants.
EnvironmentHas California’s landmark law cleaned communities’ dirty air?February 2, 2022California’s environmental justice law is supposed to clean the air for 15 hot spot communities, home to almost 4 million people. But after more than 4 years and $1 billion, it’s still impossible to say whether it’s worked.
State GovernmentAmid omicron surge, Newsom administration again taps border wall company for COVID-19 staffingFebruary 2, 2022 | Scott RoddThe company SLSCO pivoted to medical staffing during the pandemic, after building stretches of border wall between California and Mexico under the Trump administration.
State GovernmentGavin Newsom was the face of legal cannabis in California. Can he fix its problems?February 1, 2022The governor championed the ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana. The struggling legal cannabis industry is now calling on him to cut state taxes, but his office says the solution isn’t that simple.
