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Fast food workers from across California rallied at the state Capitol in Sacramento, urging lawmakers to pass AB 257. Aug. 16, 2022, Photo by Rahul Lal, CalMatters

California Divide

Covering income inequality across the state

Disconnected youth: Some young Californians lack work, school options
A new study says California's “disconnected youth” are being left behind.
By Felicia Mello
Families carry boxes full of fresh produce during a food bank event at El Verano elementary on Nov. 1, 2019. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters
How hungry is California? Millions struggle to eat well in an abundant state
How bad is California hunger? A lot depends on your access to food aid, which expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic but is being reduced.
By Rya Jetha, Jeanne Kuang and Jeremia Kimelman
California may gut two CalWORKS programs helping thousands of families
The state is considering zeroing out funds for CalWORKS family stabilization and job subsidy programs to help balance the budget.
By Justo Robles
State Sen. Caroline Menjivar, a San Fernando Valley Democrat, addresses legislators during session at the state Capitol in Sacramento on Jan. 23, 2023. Photo by Rahul Lal, CalMatters
‘We needed Wonder Woman’: Newsom cuts to foster care, child services worry families 
Some programs helping foster kids and families in crisis could lose all funding as lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom address budget shortfall.
By Wendy Fry
About

California’s gap between rich and poor is among the largest in the country, and it is widening. We explore how income inequality is reverberating across the state.

INSIDE THE NEWSROOM

Elevating the CalMatters’ 2024 Voter Guide: translating, printing, localizing, recording and more

CalMatters’ nonpartisan voter guide is more accessible, reaching more audiences and empowering more voters than ever before.

  1. A spotlight on inequality
  1. Our reporters look at the growing divide between the haves and the have-nots in California.
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Meet the Team
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Denise Amos
California Voices Deputy Editor
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Wendy Fry
California Divide Reporter
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Jeanne Kuang
Capitol Reporter
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Felicia Mello
California Divide Reporter
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Alejandra Reyes-Velarde
California Divide / Environmental Justice Reporter
A person wearing a grey polo shirt and blue jeans, sits on a desk, while a computer monitor stands on the desk, in an office.
California Divide
Public private coalition, seeking to promote equity, creates opportunities for small and minority-owned Californian businesses
The Equity in Infrastructure Project has helped companies like Global Electric as billions of federal dollars flow into California infrastructure projects.
By Alisha Green • September 6, 2024
A person with pants, but no shirt, fills their water bottle during a hot day at a water station at a tennis court.
Climate Change
More extreme heat + more people = danger in these California cities. ‘Will it get as hot as Death Valley?’
Inland communities with big population booms will experience the most extreme heat days under climate change projections. The combination puts more people at risk — and many cities are unprepared.
By Alejandra Reyes-Velarde and Arfa Momin • September 5, 2024
A person in grey slacks, black boots and a black shirt stands in the corridor between two buildings. Dramatic light causes and interesting contrast of light and shadows.
Technology
Semiconductor industry seeks apprentices to meet the rising need for workers
Through conferences, grants, and other mechanisms, the SEMI Foundation has been trying to fill the increasing number of semiconductor jobs in California.
By Alisha Green • September 4, 2024
State Sen. Steven Bradford speaks during a Q-and-A session at the State of Black California Tour at Crawford High School in San Diego on June 15, 2024. Photo by Kristian Carreon for CalMatters
California Divide
Two historic California reparations bills stall out — sparing Newsom a tough political call
A last-minute protest failed to win the Senate-approved bills a chance to be voted on in the Assembly. The chair of the Black Caucus promised they would be re-introduced next year, and called reparations "a multi-year effort."
By Wendy Fry, Alexei Koseff and Sameea Kamal • August 31, 2024
A black and white patrol vehicle pulls into the California Highway Patrol office on its right.
Justice
Newsom’s hands-on approach to crime in California cities gains critics in Oakland
Gov. Gavin Newsom has taken to using state resources to fight crime on a local level. Not everyone in the cities he’s taken an interest in is thrilled with the results.
By Felicia Mello • August 26, 2024
The California Supreme Court during a court session at the Ronald Reagan State Office Building in Los Angeles on April. 3, 2024. Photo by Damian Dovarganes, AP Photo
Justice
California law helps tribes keep kids out of foster care. A new court ruling strengthens their hand
California child welfare agencies must investigate claims of Native American ancestry before separating a family, the California Supreme Court stressed in a new ruling that affects several contested cases.
By Shaanth Nanguneri • August 21, 2024
Maria Maldonado, CFFWU Statewide Field Director, leads a panel at the California Fast Food Workers Union SEIU Membership Launch Event in Los Angeles on Feb. 9, 2024. Photo by Jules Hotz for CalMatters
Politics
Californians will vote on a $18 minimum wage. Workers already want $25 and more
Proposition 32 to increase the minimum wage from $16 to $18 isn’t as far-reaching as when it was first proposed. Fast food workers are already making more, and health care employees are on track. But worker groups are already pushing for more.
By Jeanne Kuang • August 14, 2024
A farmworker, wearing a cowboy hat, blue plaid shirt and blue jean, stands near a fence at City Park in Winters on June 10, 2024. Photo by Laure Andrillon for CalMatters
California Divide
Californians say they were fired for leaving their jobs in sweltering heat. Is the state on their side?
While California has rules to protect farmworkers from excessive heat, inspections and citations are significantly down. A bill before the Legislature would make it easier to file workers’ compensation claims for heat illnesses.
By Jeanne Kuang • August 7, 2024
A house is surrounded in a construction tarp.
California Divide
‘Affordable housing for another generation’: California trusts pull properties off the market
California community land trusts – which buy land and sell or rent the buildings on it to low-income residents— have tripled.
By Felicia Mello • August 2, 2024
Dust particles fill the air with low sunlight filling the sky. A desert landscape with mountains in the background.
Environment
Danger in the dust: Coachella Valley residents struggle to breathe
A hazardous haze, made up of small, inhalable particles, casts a pall over the desert. This year has been severe, triggering asthma attacks — so what is being done to clean it up?
By Alejandra Reyes-Velarde • August 1, 2024

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