EnvironmentState unveils long-awaited standard for drinking water contaminantMarch 22, 2022California’s proposed limit for hexavalent chromium — the first in the nation — would raise water rates in many cities. The contaminant, linked to cancer, was made infamous by Erin Brockovich.
State GovernmentOverdue: State owes community clinics millions for COVID vaccinationsMarch 19, 2022A year after ramping up to vaccinate 6 million low-income residents, community clinics are in dire final straits waiting for state money. Some are cutting services.
EnvironmentCalifornians used more water as state braces for another dry yearMarch 15, 2022New data from urban areas suggests that people are ignoring the governor’s pleas for voluntary conservation during the drought. Some experts say it’s time for Newsom to issue a mandatory order. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
State GovernmentLawmakers pass legislative fix to undo UC Berkeley’s enrollment capMarch 14, 2022Lawmakers approved a legislative Hail Mary they say will allow UC Berkeley to admit all the new students it planned to this fall, undoing a judge’s enrollment cap.
State GovernmentHere’s how state lawmakers want to help Californians facing high gas pricesMarch 13, 2022Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed pausing tax increase on gas sellers and Republican state lawmakers have pushed for suspending the tax entirely in the short term. Those plans would likely reduce the price of gas, but it’s not clear by how much.
State GovernmentCalifornia Highway Patrol lags local police, other states in officer body camsMarch 3, 2022The CHP, one of California’s largest police agencies, does not provide body cameras for 97% of its officers. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Health CareAs California expands Medi-Cal, hundreds of thousands of immigrants will still be left behindFebruary 28, 2022Many working undocumented immigrants won’t qualify for state health insurance even if they don’t earn a living wage. That leaves them with few viable options for coverage.
EnvironmentSnow falling: As climate warms, overhauling California water projections gains urgencyFebruary 27, 2022The Sierra Nevada hasn’t provided nearly as much water as predicted. Now the state is struggling to overhaul its snow runoff forecasts.
California mask mandate: It’s fracturing student lifeFebruary 27, 2022Parents, educators and now students are caught in the polarized debate over mask and vaccine mandates. Officials are worried communities might not recover.
EnvironmentNo end in sight: California drought on course to break another recordFebruary 16, 2022After record-breaking snowfall at the start of the rainy season, January and February will likely be the driest on record, prolonging California’s drought.
