California

Local

Stressed Colorado River keeps California desert farms alive

The Associated Press

California's Imperial Valley, which provides many of the nation’s winter vegetables and cattle feed, has one of the strongest grips on water from the Colorado River, a critical but over-tapped supply for farms and cities across the West.
Local

California governor opposes tax on rich in statewide TV ad

The Associated Press

California Gov. Gavin Newsom wants voters to reject a new tax on rich people that would pay for more electric cars.
Health

Los Angeles investigating nation's 2nd death of person with monkeypox

City News Service

L.A.'s Department of Public Health chief medical officer stressed that the death has not been confirmed to be the result of monkeypox, just that the person had a diagnosis of monkeypox when they died.
Health

Unanswered cries: Why California faces a shortage of mental health workers

Jocelyn Wiener / CalMatters

With demand rising for mental health care and providers in short supply, experts explain how California got here — and where we may be headed.
Environment

Facing criticism, state amps up its climate change blueprint

Nadia Lopez / CalMatters

New initiatives have been added to California’s draft scoping plan, including climate-friendly homes, offshore wind and cleaner airplane fuels.
Local

California aims to lower fire insurance costs for homeowners

The Associated Press

California is moving to become the first state to lower insurance costs for property owners who make improvements to reduce their fire risk, the state’s insurance commissioner said as wildfires again flared across the heat-stricken state.
Local

Water use drops 10% in July as California deals with drought

The Associated Press

California’s water use dropped more than 10.4% in July compared with two years ago as the most populous state struggles with a years-long drought.
Economy

Local labor leader sees new energy in union organizing

Maureen Cavanaugh

Andrew Bracken

While support for labor unions is increasing, overall membership is down.
Politics

Lawmakers adjourn in heat wave, leave Newsom in hot seat

Don Thompson

He'll consider proposals on abortion, climate change, criminal justice, mental health and workers' rights, among many others from the legislative session that ended Thursday. But many of the bills are measures he either backed or sought himself from his fellow Democrats who control legislative supermajorities.
Public Safety

Judge tosses manslaughter charge in boat fire that killed 34, including San Diego woman

Brian Melley

Judge George Wu ruled Friday that the indictment charging the captain with seaman’s manslaughter failed to allege that Jerry Boylan acted with gross negligence.