Spending spree: Oversight scarce as billions in COVID aid poured into California schoolsJune 11, 2022A CalMatters investigation found that schools had wildly different approaches to stimulus spending — from laptops to shade structures to an ice cream truck. No centralized database exists to show the public exactly where the money went.
EnvironmentState imposes sweeping ban on pumping river water in San Joaquin Valley, Bay AreaJune 8, 2022As drought intensifies, the order affects many cities and growers from Fresno to the Oregon border, including 212 public water systems.
EnvironmentClimate controversy: California’s plan for handling crisis is flawed, advisors sayJune 4, 2022California’s climate change plan fails to provide substantial evidence that capturing carbon will meet ambitious greenhouse gas goals, critics say. The plan “does California a disservice,” one state advisor said.
EnvironmentCalifornia wants to force insurers to reward homeowners for fireproofing homesMay 26, 2022New rules proposed by California’s Department of Insurance would require insurers to take homeowners’ efforts to reduce wildfire risk into account when setting premiums. But they would still allow non-renewals.
EnvironmentGoing electric: California car mandate would hit mechanics hardMay 24, 2022About 32,000 California mechanics would lose jobs by 2040 under the proposed gas-powered car phaseout. Electric companies would gain workers.
In California for years, but still can’t qualify for in-state tuitionMay 22, 2022Bills pending in the California Legislature would make it easier for undocumented students and visa holders to pay in-state tuition at public universities.
UC system takes another step toward keeping students debt-freeMay 21, 2022At this weeks Regents meeting, the University of California moved closer to a goal of having students avoid burdensome student loans by 2030.
Race and EquityWith inflation, California worries about progress on povertyMay 16, 2022California lawmakers and activists are pressing Gov. Gavin Newsom to spend more to help the state’s poorest residents.
EnvironmentFive things to know about nuclear power in CaliforniaMay 14, 2022Gov. Newsom is considering seeking federal funds to keep Diablo Canyon open as California transitions away from fossil fuels. But there are many complications to keeping nuclear power in California. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentA salty dispute: California Coastal Commission unanimously rejects desalination plantMay 14, 2022The commission, in a marathon session today, killed a proposed desalination plant in Huntington Beach that’s been debated for more than 20 years.
