California Local Explainers, Guides, Etc.


Image caption: Governor Gavin Newsom issued new reclosing orders for many businesses on July 13.
Coronavirus on the Rise—Again

In June, California was a success story. Less than a month later, the state was in crisis.

Image caption: Health experts say that the mass protests of the past two weeks will likely cause an uptick in coronavirus cases.
Health Experts Support Protests But Warn of Possible Surge

Gatherings during pandemic entail some risk.

Image caption: Demonstrators in Oakland march to protest the police killing of George Floyd.
Context is king in news coverage of protests — here’s how California journalists provide it

California reporters covering the George Floyd protests often provided crucial context for confusing events. Here are some notable examples.

Image caption: Gavin Newsom was the first governor in the U.S. to shutter retail businesses and issue stay at-home-orders. That's how he got this halo.
What California Did Right in the Fight Against COVID-19

California remains a leader in limiting the number of COVID-19 deaths, following the March 19 orders to shut down nonessential businesses, close schools, and shelter in place.

Image caption: Jacqueline Bradford, an office assistant at Travis Air Force Base, disinfects a kiosk at a testing site in March. The state promises to be delivering 10,000 tests per day by the end of April.
State Sets COVID-19 Checklist

Officials take steps toward reopening California, adhering to a six-item action plan.

Image caption: <p>Sen. Jim Beall (D-San Jose) has agreed to carry legislation authorizing a $110 billion housing and transportation initiative.</p>
The Bay Area’s Mega-Referendum on Transportation and Housing

Voters in nine Bay Area counties could see a measure on the November ballot that could provide $110 billion for housing and transit.

Image caption: An interactive map helps developers learn whether communities are in compliance with a state housing mandate, made possible by Senate Bill 35, one of the 15 bills that made up the 2017 Housing Package.
The Groundbreaking Housing-Law Package of 2017

That year, state lawmakers delivered 15 bills aimed at tackling California’s housing crisis. You need to know about this remarkable feat.

Image caption: Built in 1935 and renamed for former county supervisor Rod Diridon in 1994, San Jose Diridon Station is set to become one of the busiest intermodal stations on the West Coast.
Diridon Station, the Diridon Station Area Plan, and the Google Project

The area around the station will see San Jose's largest public works project in decades and Google's ambitious mixed-use development.

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Explainer: City Council Government Guide

This is how the mayor, city council, city manager, etc., work together to run San Jose on your behalf.

Image caption: The model for the state’s new public-banking law is the Bank of North Dakota, founded in 1919, the nation's only true public bank.
Public Banking Bill a First for State

Local rep co-sponsored AB 857, which would pave the way for publicly owned banks.

Image caption: A homeless encampment under Highway 87 at San Fernando Road in downtown San Jose.
Getting Serious About Homelessness in Silicon Valley

Supervisor Dave Cortese and Mayor Sam Liccardo united county leaders to tackle the housing crisis. Here's how it happened.

Image caption: Almost 300 people participated in a day-long event that included round-table discussions about gun safety.
South Bay Takes Aim at Gun Violence

This timeline follows recent legislative activity regarding firearms and public safety in San Jose and Santa Clara County.