State GovernmentCalifornia politicians raising money for charity face new rules from ethics panelOctober 24, 2021The state Fair Political Practices Commission is focusing on more public disclosure to address a growing trend of charitable donations serving as a conduit for interest groups seeking to influence politicians. Government watchdogs say that isn’t enou
State GovernmentAs immigration advocates demand Newsom cancel contract with border wall company, lawmakers stay silentOctober 22, 2021 | Scott RoddThe state awarded a no-bid contract to SLSCO — the company former president Donald Trump tapped to build his border wall in California — for COVID-19 response and health care staffing. The contract is currently worth up to $350 million.
State GovernmentNewsom backs tougher rules on California oil wellsOctober 21, 2021Gov. Newsom says he supports proposed rules on where new oil wells can go, plus additional pollution controls on existing wells.
State GovernmentCalifornia hired a border wall company for COVID-19 response, including vaccinating migrantsOctober 19, 2021 | Scott RoddCalifornia used hundreds of medical staff from SLSCO to test and vaccinate undocumented Californians. That included work at community health centers around the state and along the border for newly arrived migrants. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
State GovernmentAre immigrants getting left out of California’s rent relief?October 17, 2021Non-English speaking immigrants face some of the biggest hurdles to receiving California rent relief. Advocates say informal leases, lack of technology access and language barriers are getting in the way.
State GovernmentCalifornia education leaders discuss Black student disparitiesOctober 15, 2021 | A.V. BenfordThe state superintendent, other officials look at challenges, solutions to creating equity for all students and families.
State GovernmentNewsom’s vetoes: Why did the governor block California bills?October 13, 2021Gov. Newsom had his reasons for blocking California bills passed by the Legislature: cost, duplication and some politics. Overall, he signed 770 bills into law and vetoed 66, or about 8%.
EnvironmentHedge funds cash out billions in PG&E stock. Fire survivors suffer and wait.October 11, 2021PG&E is mired in debt. Rates are skyrocketing. Tens of thousands of survivors of fires sparked by the utility's equipment are waiting for promised compensation. Amid all this, there's one group that's simply walking away: Wall Street hedge funds.
State GovernmentEthnic studies becomes graduation requirement for California studentsOctober 10, 2021Experts and educators expect long-term benefits for students, but some groups remain critical of the mandate as they continue to erroneously conflate the curriculum with critical race theory.
State GovernmentCalifornia will soon require free tampons in public schoolsOctober 9, 2021The state's schools and colleges must stock their restrooms with free menstrual products under a new law. Women's rights advocates are pushing nationwide for affordable access to these products.