California News & Current Events | Public News Service

There are more than a dozen species of otters around the world. (David Ledig/Bureau of Land Management)

Friday, May 27, 2022

A Big Week for Otters in California

This week, in honor of World Otter Day, conservation groups are looking to raise awareness about efforts to restore sea otters along more areas of …

A bill to phase out plastic packaging has passed several committees and is expected to go to the full California State Assembly for a vote by Friday. (Oceana)

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Vote Expected This Week on CA Bill to Phase Out Plastic Mail Packaging

The California State Assembly is expected to vote this week on a bill that would phase out some of the plastics used in online shipping because they …

The Food4All Campaign is a coalition of more than 50 groups fighting to eliminate hunger in California. (Haylee Burgess/CIPC)

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Food4All Campaign Ramps Up as Gov, Lawmakers Finalize Budget

The Food4All campaign is calling on Gov. Gavin Newsom to expand access to food assistance to all undocumented Californians when he submits his final …

Experts estimate that 1,000 children are born with hearing loss in California each year. (Michael Khachadoorian/Be Kind Studios)

Advocates Press CA Lawmakers to Better Fund Kids' Hearing-Aid Program

Groups fighting for children's rights say they are disappointed Gov. Gavin Newsom's May budget revision did not include more money for the Hearing …

Irrigation in Long Valley in Southern Mono County supports ranching, fishing and local wildlife. But it may be cut off in order to send more water south to Los Angeles. (Jonathan Hyla)

Water Wars: Court Case to Decide Fate of Long Valley in Rural Mono County

Conservation groups are speaking out in support of water rights in rural Mono County, saying thirsty Los Angeles is endangering wildlife, ranching …

In an effort to help people rebuild assets post-pandemic, AARP California is having free webinars on financial topics, such as how to avoid scams that target homeowners. (ajr_images/Adobe Stock)

Free Financial Planning Tips to Help Latinos Recover Post-Pandemic

About half of Latinos either lost a job or had their wages cut during the pandemic,according to a recent survey from Pew. Now, AARP is offering a …

On Jan. 6, 2021, pro-Trump protestors tried to maintain control by attacking the rule of law, separation of powers and fair elections. (Wikimedia Commons)

Experts Sound Alarm on Rise of Authoritarianism in U.S., Globally

This story was produced with original reporting from Zoe Marks and Eric Chenoweth for Ms. MagazineBroadcast version by Lily Böhlke for …

This year, the theme for Mental Health Awareness Month is "Together for Mental Health." (Benjavisa Ruangvaree/Adobestock)

During Mental Health Awareness Month, CA Policymakers Mull Priorities

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and advocates are hoping Gov. Gavin Newsom will prioritize the issue in his revised budget, due by Sunday…

The massive Dixie Fire is one of many to ravage the Golden State in recent years. Climate advocates want more funds in the budget for smoke warning systems and community readiness. (Gajendra/Adobestock)

Advocates Press for CA Climate-Change Budget

The May revision of Gov. Gavin Newsom's budget is due at the end of this week, so conservation groups are speaking out, calling for what they call a …

Hunger Action Los Angeles volunteers pack food bags for seniors impacted by the pandemic. (Frank Tamborello)

For Hunger Action Week, Advocates Press for More Funding

It's Hunger Action Week, and activists are asking lawmakers to use California's wealth for the people's health - and harness the budget surplus to …

Some experts believe<a href= — Some experts believe children can be better protected by strictly enforcing age restrictions. Users' identities could be verified while still being allowed the freedom to not use real names while posting. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: CA Must Act Now to Protect Youth from Social Media Dangers

As children grow up, parents and caregivers across California face the difficult decision of how to oversee social media use. But is that decision …

The pandemic cut short the time U.S. Census Bureau workers were able to go door to door, to educate the public on how to fill out the decennial survey, just one factor contributing to the undercount of some groups. (Driftwood/Adobe Stock)

Latino Advocates Vow to Prevent a Repeat of 2020 Census Undercount

Latino civil rights groups are pressing for changes to make up for a significant undercount in the 2020 Census. The most recent findings show the 202…

Thousands of buildings burned down during the Los Angeles uprising of 1992, prompting community groups to lead a multiracial effort to rebuild. (Mick Taylor/Wikimedia Commons)

30-Year-Anniversary of L.A. Uprising: What Has Changed?

By Sonali Kolkatkar for Yes! Media.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the YES! Media-Public News Service …

A child reads during one of Save the Children's after-school programs in Central Valley California. (Tamar Levine/Save the Children)

Literacy Programs Work to Mitigate Learning Loss from Pandemic Disruption

Literacy programs are making headway against the learning loss associated with pandemic school disruptions, which put many students four to five …

Abortion-rights groups want Congress to pass the Women's Health Protection Act, which would supersede state-based restrictions and legalize the procedure nationwide. (Relif/Adobe Stock)

Lawmakers Press for CA Constitutional Amendment to Protect Abortion Rights

Leaders from the California Legislative Women's Caucus vowed to protect a person's right to have an abortion in the Golden State after a leaked draft …

A mountain lion dubbed P-65 and her kittens have been traced crossing the 101 Freeway in Southern California, near the site of a new wildlife crossing that broke ground last week. (National Park Service)

Court Upholds Trail-Blazing Ordinance to Protect Wildlife Corridors

Animals such as the mountain lion, gray fox and California red-legged frog may now have a better shot at thriving in Southern California after a …

California may grow much of the nation's fresh produce, but new research estimates a half-million undocumented California residents, ages 27 to 49, are affected by food insecurity. (Olga Lyubkin/Adobe Stock)

Groups Press to Include Undocumented in CA Food Assistance

New research on hunger shows 45% of undocumented immigrants in California are affected by food insecurity, and 60% of undocumented children live in …

Even before the pandemic led to increased remote work, an estimated 50% of U.S. adults were affected by so-called musculoskeletal conditions, with associated treatments accounting for 10% of annual medical expenses, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. (Adobe Stock)

Remote Work Leads to Increase in Back Pain, Other Health Issues

As remote work grew across the nation during the COVID pandemic, with nearly half of all Americans telecommuting either all or part of the time…

The California Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) is responsible for plugging aging, abandoned oil wells. (California Department of Conservation)

Feds, State to Spend Hundreds of Millions to Plug 'Orphan' Oil Wells

Big money is on the way to supercharge California's efforts to plug so-called orphan oil wells, which pollute the environment but have no legal owner…

A new bill in Congress would rename Walker Ridge as "Moluk Luyok," which means Condor Ridge in the native Patwin language. The area would become part of Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. (Chris Lloyd/Bureau of Land Mgmt.)

Tribes, Lawmakers Press to Expand Berryessa Snow Mtn. Monument

Local lawmakers and Native American leaders are speaking out in favor of a new bill to add almost 4,000 acres to Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monu…

Multiple states including California, Colorado, Maine, Oregon and Washington are moving to protect election workers from intimidation. (New Africa)

Hearing Tuesday on Bill to Protect Election Workers

Since 2020, a growing number of election workers have been threatened, harassed, and even spat on - so tomorrow the State Senate Judiciary Committee …

Dr. Michele Gomez started providing telehealth medication abortions during the pandemic. (MYA Network/Instagram)

CA Provider Expands Telehealth Abortions Into Primary Care

By Carrie Baker for Ms. Magazine.Broadcast version by Lily Böhlke for California News Service reporting for the Ms. Magazine-Public News Service …

A new study recommends more voter education about vote centers for groups with lower turnout at the polls, in particular for younger people and communities of color. (Lamar Carter/Adobestock)

Study: Vote-by-Mail Promotes Equity, Reduces Racial Gap in Voting

The pandemic changed the way we vote in California, and some reforms made voting patterns more equitable, while others did not, according to a new …

The movement to publish data on public employees' salaries grew after a corruption scandal in the city of Bell. (BillionPhotos.com/Adobestock)

Hearing Today on Transparency in CA School Employee Salaries

A bill to require California schools to make all their salary information public goes to the state Senate appropriations committee today. Right now …

A study from Common Cause found that the 2020 election, which was the first with universal mail-in ballots in California, saw the highest voter turnout in state history. Around 81% of registered voters cast a ballot. (3desc/Adobestock)

Good-Government Groups Recruit Nonpartisan Poll Monitors, Prep Voters

The June 7 midterm primary election is less than two months away, and clean-elections groups are working to clear up misconceptions and recruit …

Wash these well before eating! Studies have linked pesticide exposure to numerous health effects, including cancer, brain fog and endocrine disorders. (Dionisvera/Adobestock)

2022 "Dirty Dozen": Produce with the Most Pesticides

An annual list of best and worst produce, in terms of pesticide residue, is out - and strawberries, spinach, kale, and collard and mustard greens top …

Save the Children has partnered with farmers to make boxes of fruits and vegetables available to low-income rural families. (Cavan/Adobeststock)

Rural Kids’ Food Programs Ramp Up for Summer

One might think that food insecurity would improve as California recovers from the pandemic - but advocates say hunger remains a significant issue…

San Jose Community College is creating neighborhood centers in low-income areas to reach out to prospective students. (Cristiano Tom�s/Wikimedia Commons)

California Colleges Work to Increase Enrollment After Huge Pandemic Drop

California colleges, especially two-year institutions, are working overtime to attract more students this fall, in the wake of a big drop in …

Climate advocates, seen here last year in Sacramento, want California to halt all oil and gas drilling, as a step toward a future that is free of fossil fuels. (Last Chance Alliance)

Groups Press for Drilling Ban to Weaken Power of Petro-states

Climate activists are calling for a rapid shift away from oil and gas, as a way to reduce world dependence on the fossil fuels that prop up the …

California just experienced the driest three months on record, which has led to extremely low snowpack, part of a severe drought linked by experts to climate change. (California Dept. of Water Resources)

CA Updates Climate Adaptation Strategy in Wake of New IPCC Report

State and international reports on the effects of climate change are out this week, urging government efforts fighting climate change to speed up …

A bobcat uses a culvert to travel underneath a highway. (National Park Service)

Bill to Build More CA Wildlife Crossings Gets Hearing Tomorrow

Between 2016 and 2020, more than 44,000 Californians reported hitting a wild animal with a vehicle. So tomorrow, state lawmakers will consider a …

School districts that have suffered lower attendance and enrollment during the pandemic are looking to the state for help stabilizing their budgets going forward. (Wong Sze Fei/Adobestock)

As Enrollments Decline, Lawmakers Ponder Changes to School Funding Formula

Leaders in education across the state are debating the merits of a bill to change the way schools in California are funded. Senate Bill 830…

The American Red Cross has donated $10 million to reduce the suffering of families displaced by the invasion of Ukraine. (Andov/Adobe Stock)

Ukraine Charity Scams On the Rise

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine generates suffering for millions, many in California naturally want to do what they can to support the refugees…

The California Parent and Youth Helpline provides trained counselors to listen to people's problems and steer them to the right resources. (Tanitost/Adobestock)

CA Parents Anonymous Program Gets $1 Million Grant to Strengthen Families

Parents Anonymous, part of the nonprofit Raising the Future, just got a grant from the federal government to the tune of $1 million. President Joe …

The largest number of rental-assistance applications have come from the South Bay Area plus Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Ventura counties. (Richard Villalon/Adobestock)

Hearing Today on Bill to Extend CA Eviction Protections

A bill to extend some eviction protections for another three months, through July 1, is set to be heard in the State Assembly today. The move comes …

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson could become the first Black woman on the U.S. Supreme Court. (Rose Lincoln/Harvard/Wikimedia Commons)

Groups Criticize Racial Undertones at Supreme Court Confirmation Hearing

Black leadership groups are speaking out about what they see as racially charged lines of questioning during the Supreme Court confirmation hearing fo…

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's complaints about credit reporting surged 50% in 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: CA Bill Triggers Anti-Consumer Credit Reporting Loophole

A bill in the California Legislature to regulate credit-repair organizations has advocates concerned because it triggers a federal loophole allowing d…

Assembly Bill 2080, part of a wish list from advocates, would strengthen oversight of corporate health mergers. (Janews094/Adobestock)

Health-Care Advocates Release 2022 Legislative Package

A coalition of 70 health and community groups called Care4All California released its 2022 package of 16 bills and budget requests on Monday…

The share-of-cost program is a pathway for Medi-Cal benefits for people who make a bit too much for Medi-Cal but are still very low-income. (Evrymmnt/Adobestock)

Hearing Today on Bill to Make Medi-Cal Accessible for More Low-income Adults

A hearing is set for today in Sacramento for a bill which would make Medi-Cal accessible to more people. Low-income older adults and people with …

A new report recommends limiting the types of offenses that can land youth in detention. (Chatiyanon/Adobestock)

Report: U.S. Incarcerated 250,000 Kids in 2019

Almost a quarter-million American children were incarcerated in 2019, according to a new report called "Too Many Closed Doors" from the Sentencing …

California has set a goal to make the state's electricity system carbon-free by 2045. (ULP/Adobestock)

CA Gets a “D” on the 2022 Environmental Scorecard

California only got a "D" grade on this year's Environmental Scorecard, a report card put out each year since 1973 by the nonprofit California …

The French government now issues warnings with all cell phones to keep them away from the abdomens of teenage girls and pregnant women. (Kozorog/Adobestock)

Advocates Press FCC to Consider Studies on Cellphone Radiation and Fertility

Experts are calling on the FCC to consider recent studies linking fertility problems to radio-frequency radiation from cellphones and other wireless d…

Latino Advocacy Week was started in 2021 to improve upon gains in Latino voting power made in the 2020 election. (Hispanic Access Foundation)

Groups Tackle Immigration, Conservation for Latino Advocacy Week

It's Latino Advocacy Week - an initiative designed to empower local groups to go out and effect change in their communities. The Hispanic Access …

The sage grouse is considered a sentinel species, whose health status reflects the state of the entire Western desert ecosystem known as the "Sagebrush Sea." (Jennifer Hall/U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)

Budget Bill Blocks Endangered Species Protection for Sage Grouse

Conservation groups are slamming a spending deal in Congress that's expected to pass this week - because it would forbid Endangered Species Act protec…

A wildlife camera at a culvert underneath U.S. Highway 395 collects data on deer migration. (Pathways for Wildlife)

New Camera Study Tracks Wildlife Migration to Reduce Collisions Along I-395

A new study aims to reduce wildlife collisions in one of the biggest hotspots for them - Highway 395 from Reno, Nevada, through Tahoe up to …

The last day to register to vote in the California primary is May 23. (Gguy/Adobestock)

Prepping for the Primary: Is Your Voter Registration Up to Date?

The primary election is coming up in just three months, so it's time to make sure your voter registration is up to date. A lot of people moved …

Urban Tilth distributes bags of produce in parts in the Richmond area, which is considered a "food desert" due to the low number of quality grocery stores. (Christian Parra)

Boxes of Vegetables as Medicine? Advocates Work Toward Food Justice

Low-income families in the East Bay area may soon have easier access to fresh, locally grown produce thanks to an expansion of a state Medi-Cal …

According to CalAdultEd.org, half of all jobs in California are "middle-skilled," meaning they require more than a high school diploma but not a college degree. (Jack F/Adobe Stock)

Advocates Work to Improve Adult Ed in Rural Northern CA

More help is in the works to make it easier for adults in rural northern California to go back to college for a certificate or degree. …

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