The biggest survey of homeless Californians in decades shows why so many are on the streetsJune 24, 2023The largest survey of homeless Californians in decades aims to dispel myths about what drives that state’s most pressing crisis. It found that addiction and mental health conditions rarely cause homelessness.
State GovernmentChild brides: A campaign starts to ban underage marriages in CaliforniaJune 24, 2023You have to be 18 to get divorced in California, but there’s no minimum age to get married. Child marriage survivors protested at the state Capitol, but the Legislature likely won’t act until next year.
State GovernmentHow fresh will CalFresh be? Food benefits on the table in state budget talksJune 20, 2023A popular program doubles CalFresh benefits to buy fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets. It is among the California food benefit programs on the table in the budget negotiations between legislative leaders and Gov. Newsom.
State Government‘Down to our last dimes’: State workers say California paychecks no longer cover the billsJune 16, 2023State workers’ say their lower salaries than the private sector were offset by pensions, better benefits, job security. Is the tradeoff still worth it?
State GovernmentCalifornia’s COVID unemployment reckoning goes nationalJune 13, 2023As Congressional factions volley responsibility for pandemic breakdowns, Silicon Valley’s home state leads off a new book about “why government is failing in the digital age.”
State GovernmentCalifornia ranchers intentionally violated an emergency water order. Now lawmakers want to triple the finesJune 10, 2023The legislation would expand California’s authority to fine water scofflaws who keep pumping. Even if fines had reached $10,000 a day, “I’m not so sure we wouldn’t have done it again,” one rancher says.
State GovernmentThe new payday loans? California moves to regulate cash advance appsJune 9, 2023Consumer groups say some new “earned wage access” services are similar to payday loans, but they’ve been operating in a legal gray area. A California department has proposed rules that would be the first in the country to regulate the industry.
State GovernmentGavin Newsom wants Ron DeSantis charged with ‘kidnapping’ migrants. Is that possible?June 6, 2023Gavin Newsom hinted he wants to pursue kidnapping charges against Ron DeSantis over migrant flights to California. Can the California governor do that?
State GovernmentTax on short-term rentals like Airbnb could fund California affordable housingJune 2, 2023A bill to tax Airbnb and other short-term rentals to fund affordable housing projects could be voted on by the Senate soon. The proposal has revived the debate over Airbnb and its role in the housing crisis.
EnvironmentCalifornia becomes the first state to phase out toxic hexavalent chromiumMay 30, 2023The state Air Resources Board voted last week to ban the substance known as chromium 6, giving platers several years to switch to an alternative the platers say won’t produce the same chrome shine.
