California

Politics

California lawmakers OK bills aimed at social media content

Don Thompson

California lawmakers are sending Gov. Gavin Newsom two groundbreaking bills intended to limit the downside of social media.
Politics

California won't expand teen vaccines without parental OK

Don Thompson

Minors age 12 to 17 in California can already receive vaccinations for hepatitis B and HPV that prevent sexually transmitted diseases without parental permission. The teen consent bill was one of several coronavirus-related bills that faced heavy opposition.
Environment

The window to protect Big Bear from wildfire is shrinking

Caleigh Wells / KCRW, George LeVines / The California Newsroom

The U.S. Forest Service knows it needs to set prescribed burns on thousands of acres in Big Bear. This year, it's only burned 20.
Local

Cosmetics giant Sephora settles customer data privacy suit

The Associated Press

Sephora Inc. has settled a lawsuit claiming the company sold customer information without proper notice in violation of the California’s landmark consumer privacy law.
Local

California sets new low unemployment record in July

Adam Beam

The California Employment Development Department says the state's unemployment rate was 3.9% in July. That's the lowest since 1976 when the state began using its current method of measuring job growth.
Local

California’s fast food bill could link chains to wage theft and other workplace violations

Jean Kuang

Proponents say AB 257 could curb wage theft, but restaurateurs say it could raise costs and prices and fundamentally change relationships with fast food chains.
Local

Frustration spurs California parents to run for school boards

Joe Hong

Some parents who have been outspoken in their criticism of local school districts are finding allies in community members opposed to COVID safety protocols and other education policies. Buoyed by that support, they are now running to become school board members.
Local

California desert parks still working to repair flood damage

The Associated Press

Timelines for repairs of flash flood damage to roads in California’s vast desert wilderness parks are being extended even as monsoonal rains cause new problems along with unseasonal plant and animal activity.
National

California becomes the first state to break down Black employee data by lineage

Jaclyn Diaz

Employees won't be required to disclose their information, but advocates who support this data collection say it's for the Black community's benefit and will shed light on more hidden disparities.
Local

Back to school: California Republicans bet big on local board races

Sameea Kamal

Shut out from winning statewide offices, the state GOP is seeking to capitalize on parents’ anger to win local school board races in 2022 and motivate Republican voters. The party’s “Parent Revolt” program is its most ambitious school board candidate recruitment and training program ever.