If signed into law, the legislation would be one of the first in the nation, creating far more stringent requirements to avoid foster care removals and reunify families. By Alex Perez and Michael Fitzgerald Minnesota state Rep. Esther Agbaje, seen here in 2020, authored the African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act. Photo […]
Calexico Ordered to Pay $350K Over COVID Water Shutoffs
By Richard Montenegro Brown CALEXICO — The city of Calexico has been ordered to pay out some $350,000 to both the State Water Board and nearly 500 Calexico residents for cutting off their water service or charging undue late fees during COVID-19 when pandemic protections were in place. A settlement agreement between the city and […]
Santa Clara County recognizes need for Latino health center
By Brandon Pho Santa Clara County leaders are moving forward with the idea of building a Latino health and wellness center. After an emotional budget debate on Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved having county employees come back in June with options for how to proceed with a facility and whether there should be […]
Walking to Promote Mental Health
By Rosa uriarte EL CENTRO, CA (Saturday, May 18, 2024) – On Thursday morning, over a hundred people joined in walking at El Centro Bucklin Park to promote mental health awareness. The event was organized by the Behavioral Health Department of Imperial County. Patricia Arevalo Caro, Behavioral Health Manager Imperial County, said, “It’s important for […]
Calexico Council Coup Removes Romo, Installs Garcia As Mayor
By Richard Montenegro Brown CALEXICO — As was expected with a shift in power, Gloria Romo was unseated as mayor of Calexico after only four months, ceding the ceremonial title to council member Camilo Garcia during the City Council meeting on Wednesday evening, May 15. Garcia was elected to the post in a unanimous vote, […]
San Jose Sharks tout financial benefits to city as lease set to expire
By Brandon Pho The San Jose Sharks’ SAP Center lease with the city is expiring next year, and the terms will be changing — opening the door for negotiations with both parties. Next year the city, which owns the arena, can hike the Sharks’ rent annually, and Sharks Sports and Entertainment leaders are hinting at […]
California promised a higher minimum wage for health care workers. Will Newsom delay it?
By Ana B. Ibarra Stay up-to-date with free briefings on topics that matter to all Californians. Subscribe to CalMatters today for nonprofit news in your inbox. Gov. Gavin Newsom is cutting it close. He signed a law last fall that phases in a $25 minimum wage for California’s lowest-paid health care workers. Just two months […]
City of El Centro, ECRMC and UCSD Enter Into JPA
By Calexico Chronicle EL CENTRO — The El Centro City Council and the El Centro Regional Medical Center board, in separate meetings recently, approved entering into a Joint Powers Authority agreement with the University of California on behalf of UC San Diego Health. “This agreement is a testament to our shared responsibility and dedication to […]
San Jose to crack down on illicit drugs in smoke shops
By Annalise Freimarck San Jose smoke shops will soon be monitored more closely by the city for unregulated drugs due to a new permitting system. The San Jose City Council unanimously voted Tuesday to require an additional permit for smoke shops in the city, in an attempt to reduce the amount of unregulated drugs — […]
California farmworkers: Why are so many dying in crashes?
By Wendy Fry Stay up-to-date with free briefings on topics that matter to all Californians. Subscribe to CalMatters today for nonprofit news in your inbox. A memorial for Fidel Ojeda and Pedro Ojeda, two of seven farm workers killed while driving to work in Madera County. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local Good morning, Inequality […]