05/09/2025
Last week the Northern California beach town of Santa Cruz enacted a tax on sodas, ice teas and other beverages with added sugar. Voters approved the 2-cent-per-ounce tax in November, despite the beverage industry pouring at least $1.2 million in opposition.

From CalMatters...

Land Use & Development Crime & Justice State of California

Floods Exposed Weaknesses in California Prisons’ Emergency Plans. They Still Aren’t Ready

05/08/2025
Earthquakes, wildfires and floods all could cause problems for California prisons. A new audit says they aren’t ready to quickly evacuate prisoners.

From CalMatters...

Education Health State of California

California Promised to Boost Mental Health in Schools. Why One Key Program Is Behind Schedule

05/07/2025
Only 14 school districts and county offices of education have begun billing for behavioral health services under the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative Fee Schedule Program, according to state health officials.

From San Jose Inside...

State of California

Rivas on Hot Seat as Efforts to Make CA Affordable Stall

05/06/2025
Image for display with article titled Rivas on Hot Seat as Efforts to Make CA Affordable Stall

It’s been five months since California’s legislative leaders deemed affordability an “urgent” issue for the session. So far: committees, bills, but few results.

From CalMatters...

Health State of California

Many Californians Can’t Get Mental Health Help. Is It Too Hard to Become a Therapist?

05/06/2025
In her home in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Eboni Moen, 42, struggled to find help. Some days she would rock back and forth in her shower, crying uncontrollably and thinking back to her son’s murder. She needed a therapist, she said, someone who could help her process what happened and find appropriate medication.