California News & Current Events | Public News Service

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Deadline nears in CA, U.S., for climate proposals under 'green bank' initiative

Cities and nonprofits are racing to finish their applications for the $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund - the deadline is October 12…

Conservative legal groups are calling for a constitutional convention as early as 2025. (Kasia Biel/Adobestock)

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Progressives call push to change Constitution 'risky'

Progressive groups are speaking out against the idea of a constitutional convention, warning it could be used to impose conservative policies on …

Damage seen on Maui after catastrophic, wind-driven fires swept through the area. (Brea Burkholz/Direct Relief)

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

CA Paradise Fire survivors help in Maui recovery

A California group formed after the firestorm that leveled the town of Paradise is stepping up to help Maui recover from its own disaster last month…

Peter Sussman is among three patients with disabilities who have asked to intervene in a lawsuit challenging California's End of Life Option Act. (Nancy Rubin)

Monday, September 25, 2023

Advocates ask to intervene in CA medical aid-in-dying case, request dismissal

California's medical aid-in-dying law is back in court. Three patients with disabilities and two doctors are asking to intervene in a lawsuit …

The Care4All campaign held a rally this week on the Capitol Steps in Sacramento, urging Governor Newsom to sign a package of bills. (Kit Bear/Health Access)

Consumer health advocates urge governor to sign bill package

Health care advocates are urging Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign four bills aiming to lower medical bills, improve transparency, and make health care more …

Hot-button issues like gender roles, domestic violence, and equal pay have often graced the cover of Ms. Magazine. (Ms. Magazine)

Ms. Magazine looks back on its first 50 years

This week, feminism passes a milestone of sorts as the iconic publication, Ms. Magazine, looks back on its first fifty years. A new book has just …

Advocates for Hispanic Community Sponsor Free Financial Literacy Training

Free financial literacy training is now available in low-income neighborhoods in Los Angeles, hosted by two nonprofits: The Hispanic Access …

Experts recommend checking into telehealth offerings when researching health plans ahead of the open-enrollment period. (Rido/Adobestock)

Health Care Open Enrollment Season is Here

It's open-enrollment season for most health-care plans - meaning within the next month and a half, you can make changes to your health plan. Open …

Cars under a federal safety recall with unrepaired defects are often listed for sale online, with a notice hidden on a secondary page warning that some cars may have unrepaired safety recalls. (Montira/Adobestock)

CA Advocates Call for Crackdown on Sales of Defective Cars

Car dealers regularly advertise cars with unrepaired safety recall defects in California, even though it is illegal for dealers to sell or even offer …

National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the 63.7 million residents of Hispanic heritage in the United States. (Scoutori/Adobe Stock)

CA Community Groups Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month starts this Friday, and runs through Oct. 15. Dozens of events are planned up and down the Golden State to honor …

On large dairy farms or other animal operations, a slurry of manure is funneled into an anaerobic digester, where microbes produce gas, which is piped away. (Erikdegraaf/Adob Sstock)

Renewable Natural Gas: Climate Change Solution or False Hope?

By John Carey for the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the…

In 2021, suicide was the leading cause of death for Americans aged 10-14 and 20-34. (Carl/Adobestock)

National Suicide Prevention Month: CA Group Works to Raise Awareness

This is National Suicide Prevention Week, part of National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness of the problem, and ways to prevent it…

The City of San Bernardino recently agreed to a settlement requiring that the city update its plans to build more affordable housing and scrap its Crime-Free Multi-Housing Program. (Matt Gush)

Two CA Cities Repeal Crime-Free Multi-Housing Programs

In the past week, two California cities - Riverside and San Bernardino - have repealed most of their "Crime-Free Multi-Housing" programs, which were …

Charles R. Drew University in South Los Angeles recently welcomed its inaugural class of medical students. (CDU Communications Department)

Classes Begin at Only Historically Black Medical School on West Coast

Some 60 new medical students at Charles R. Drew University in South Los Angeles are making history just by starting classes at the first and only …

In San Francisco alone, advocates estimate that 25,000 people are eligible to have old convictions sealed. (Andrey Popov/Adobestock)

Criminal Record Expungement Clinics Benefit 1 Million+ in CA

One year ago, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 731, a law that allows more than a million Californians to clear many old felony convictions …

Participation in the WIC food-benefit program shot up during the pandemic and continues to grow.(Kaganskaya115/Adobestock)

CA Anti-Poverty Groups Fight for Higher Food Benefits for Women, Children

Anti-hunger advocates are pressing Congress to fully fund WIC, the food benefit program for expectant mothers and children younger than 5. …

An artist's rendering of the proposed Pier Wind manufacturing platform in Long Beach shows how the floating facility would appear from the water. (Port of Long Beach)

Climate Change Groups Press for Passage of Offshore Wind Bills

In the waning days of the legislative session in Sacramento, climate change groups are promoting two bills which would smooth the way for offshore …

The data shows that victims of youth crime rarely receive full financial restitution. The Edwards family holds photos of lost loved ones at a picnic for crime survivors in Los Angeles last weekend. (LaNaisha Edwards)

Hearing Friday on Bill to Halt Restitution Fines for Juvenile Crime

A bill will be heard in the State Senate Appropriations Committee tomorrow that would stop requiring youths convicted of a crime to pay restitution…

People interested in becoming a teacher in California can get more information on the California Department of Education website. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)<br />

Amid Shortage, CA Mulls Interstate Compact for Teachers

California's ongoing teacher shortage is fueling interest in joining the new Interstate Compact for Teachers, which would smooth the way for out-of-…

A company that currently facilitates betting on things like the outcome of the Hollywood writers' strike is asking for permission to take bets on control of Congress after the next election. (Brian Jackson/Adobe Stock)

Feds Consider Whether to Allow Betting on Election Outcomes

A proposal to allow betting on which political party will control Congress is drawing opposition from pro-democracy groups and from a coalition of pro…

More than 95% of American schools switched to remote learning in the spring of 2020 in order to slow the spread of COVID-19; many classes did not resume in person for more than a year. (Rob Thomas/Adobe Stock).

Report: Teachers’ Unions Did Not Unduly Influence Pandemic School Closures

Democrats on the House Oversight Committee say a GOP probe into whether teachers' unions had too much influence on pandemic school closures has come u…

In California, more than 61% of CalFresh participants are in families with children. (Serhii/Adobestock)

Anti-Hunger Advocates Oppose Limits on Food Benefits in Farm Bill

Anti-hunger groups are calling on Congress to protect the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - as negotiations continue on the massive 2023 far…

A memorial has spring up outside Lauri Carleton's store in Cedar Glen, Calif., in the wake of her murder. (Michael Feddersen)

Lake Arrowhead Community Reels after Woman Murdered Over Pride Flag

Community members in the Lake Arrowhead area are planning to distribute free rainbow flags this week - in memory of Lauri Carleton, a 66-year-old …

Flood waters blocked the only road into two schools in La Quinta, Calif., on Monday, forcing them to close. (Kristen Wood)

Storm Energizes Backers of CA Bill on Climate-Resilient Schools

As the waters recede from the biggest storm to hit southern California in decades, lawmakers in Sacramento are considering a bill Wednesday to make …

Data show that 72% of kids enrolled in Medi-Cal health coverage are children of color. (Creativa Images/Adobestock)

Thousands of CA Children Losing Medi-Cal Each Month; Most Still Eligible

Over the coming year about 2.3 million Californians, a million of them children, are expected to lose Medi-Cal, which is health insurance coverage …

The Climate Careers program with the Rising Sun Center for Opportunity in Oakland employs young adults to help families improve their home's energy efficiency. (Rising Sun Center for Opportunity)

Green Jobs in CA Projected to Rise 7%

By Laura Aka for WorkingNation.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the WorkingNation-Public News Service Col…

Private investment in clean technology like hydrogen, carbon capture and energy storage has increased between 50 and 200 percent from initial estimates, according to the Brookings Institution and the Rhodium group. (Rufous/Adobestock)

Assessing Climate Investments On 1st Anniversary of Inflation Reduction Act

The Biden Administration's Inflation Reduction Act turns one year old today, directing $370 billion to clean energy efforts through tax incentives…

Many colleges use sophisticated algorithms to decide the size of tuition discounts, designed to enhance enrollment. (Fotobieshutterb/Adobestock)

Surprising Patterns In Who Gets Merit- , Need-Based Aid From Colleges

By Jill Barshay for The Hechinger Report.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for The Hechinger Report-Public New…

Matt Fairchild was able to end his suffering in 2022 using California's End of Life Option Act.(Fairchild family)

Changes to CA's Medical Aid-in-Dying Law Spur 47% Jump in Use

A law shortening the waiting period for medical aid in dying has led to a 47% jump in prescriptions for the medication - according to a new report fro…

Health centers put on 800 community events across the nation this week, including this one at the Patterson Migrant camp in rural Stanislaus County. (Yamilet Valladolid/Golden Valley Health Centers)

One in Five CA Patients Gets Care at Community Health Centers

National Health Center Week is in full swing with events across the country celebrating the impact of community health centers serving 20% of Californ…

About 300,000 people a year take part in the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Program, overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor. (Nailotl/Adobe Stock)

Two-Year News Investigation Spotlights Abuse of Farmworkers

By Tina Vasquez for Yes! Magazine.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-…

Efforts to clean up and naturalize the Pacoima wash will get a big boost with new funds from the

Los Angeles to Get $12 Million for Urban Greening Projects

The L.A. area is about to get $12-million dollars from Bezos Earth Fund's "Greening America's Cities" initiative. One of the first projects will be …

Fans of Popular Movies, Books Fuel Activism

By Britny Cordera for imagine5.com.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Publ…

According to the Wireless Industry Association, in 2022 the United States had more than 142,000 cell towers and more than 450,000 outdoor small cell nodes. (Kinwun/Adobestock)

Advocates Criticize Proposal to Limit Local Control Over 5G Equipment

Consumer groups are fighting a proposal in Congress which would fast-track installation of 5G high-speed wireless internet equipment by limiting local…

The child firearm mortality rate doubled in the United States between 2013 and 2021, from 1.8 to 3.7 deaths per 100,000. (Fitz/Adobe Stock)

Report: Majority of Young People Want Stricter Gun Laws

Some 74% of young people in the U.S. believe gun violence is a problem, and almost 60% want to see stricter gun laws, according to a new report from …

California will use funds from the Inflation Reduction Act to train contractors to install and maintain electric appliances and conduct energy efficiency audits. (Napa74/Adobestock)

CA to Get $582 Million to Make Homes More Energy Efficient

Starting next year, low and middle-income families in California are expected to be able to apply for up to $14,000 in grants and rebates to make …

Conversation groups about climate change are part of a new strategy to motivate people to take action. (Mental Health America/Pexels)

All Talk, and Some Action: Conversation Groups about Climate Change

By Katherine Rapin for Nexus Media News.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network…

Skyline Community College is one of dozens that offer bachelor's degrees in fields such as respiratory care, dental hygiene and biomanufacturing. (Broken Sphere/Wikimedia Commons)

CA Community Colleges Expand Bachelor’s Degree Programs

California is rapidly expanding a program which allows students to pursue certain bachelor's degrees at their local community college. Right now…

The Biden administration has been working on a federal heat standard for some time and is expected to debut new rules soon. (F Armstrong/Adobestock)

New Bills Expected Today on Federal Heat Protections for Workers

Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., is expected to reintroduce two bills as soon as today to protect workers from excessive heat. The first is the Asunci…

The Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act caps Covered California premium costs at 8.5% of income. About one-fifth of those enrolled pay no premiums. (Utah51/Adobestock)

CA Announces More Health Plan Subsidies as 2024 Rates Rise

New health care subsidies for low-income families are expected to soften the impact of rising premiums. On Tuesday CoveredCA announced premiums will …

The average family of four in California could end up spending almost $1,300 per month on groceries, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. (Adobe Stock)

CA Works to Root Out Price Gouging on Groceries

Attorneys general from more than 30 states - including California - just announced a bipartisan effort to bring down costs and create more choices at …

Officials say California college students are increasingly under attack by phishing attacks, where scammers try to fool a student into giving them money or their login information. (rawpixel/Adobe stock)

Study: College Students Increasingly Victimized by Phishing, Cyberscams

Studies show that college students are a target for phishing scams, and cybersecurity professionals say swindlers are increasingly targeting …

Nationally the top four schools awarding bachelor's degrees to Latinos are Florida International University, The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, California State University-Northridge and California State University-Fullerton. (Cbl62/Wikimedia Commons)

College Completion Gap Widens Between Latino, White Students in CA

Latino students in California are graduating from college at much lower rates than white students, and the gap has widened over the last four years…

El Tiny Caf� in Berkeley is one of many small businesses supported by a CDFI loan. (Working Solutions)

New System to Resell Small Business Loans Helps Women, People of Color

A new system of bundling and reselling small-business loans is funneling millions to companies owned by women, people of color, immigrants and others …

The state is looking at placing floating wind turbines off the coasts of Morro Bay and Humboldt to add renewable power to the grid. (University of Maine)

Local Leaders Press for Passage of Offshore Wind Bills

Local elected officials are speaking out in support of two bills to usher in offshore wind in California. Assembly Bill 3 would require the state to …

Eli Timoner of Pasadena (center) used the state's medical aid-in-dying law to end his suffering from a terminal illness. His daughter Ondi (left) made an Emmy-nominated documentary about the family's journey. (Timoner Family)

Lawsuit Progresses Against CA’s Medical Aid-in-Dying Law

California's medical aid-in-dying law is still under fire this week - as Friday is the deadline for the state to respond to a federal lawsuit seeking …

Since the year 2000, California has experienced 15 of its 20 most destructive wildfires on record. (Ryan Reed/FireGen)

College Students Work to Change our Relationship With Fire

By Colleen Hagerty for Nexus Media News.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network…

A study from Peterson-KFF found 73% of ambulance rides for people working for large employers include an out-of-network charge. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

Proposal on 'Surprise' Ambulance Bills Moves through CA Legislature

Sometimes, patients who call an ambulance end up getting stuck with a big bill because the ambulance company does not have a contract with their …

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