Lynn La

3 days ago | calmatters.org | Lynn La

Though President Donald Trump has yet to explicitly order the Shasta Dam to be enlarged — something Republican lawmakers have been considering for decades — recent actions by his administration signal that he is moving in that direction. As CalMatters’ Alastair Bland explains, the prospect of raising the dam underscores the ongoing dispute between farmers, environmentalists and other key stakeholders over California’s water supply and its effect on the state’s fragile ecosystems.

6 days ago | calmatters.org | Lynn La

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. Besides generating an estimated $1.3 million for the city, the tax aims to curb the overconsumption of sugary drinks, which research has shown to work.

1 week ago | calmatters.org | Lynn La

As nonprofits, programs and advocates across the country brace for deep cuts from President Donald Trump and his administration during this year’s budget process, one popular early childhood program appears to be safe, writes CalMatters’ Carolyn Jones. The 60-year-old Head Start program provides low-income families early childhood education, meals and parenting support. Last year it served 800,000 children from birth through age 5, including 83,000 kids in California.

1 week ago | calmatters.org | Lynn La

After striking for nearly half a year, the union representing Kaiser Permanente mental health workers in Southern California said earlier this week that it has reached a tentative agreement with the company, and expects to vote on the new labor contract Thursday.

1 week ago | pasadenanow.com | Lynn La |Adam Echelman

After striking for nearly half a year, the union representing Kaiser Permanente mental health workers in Southern California said earlier this week that it has reached a tentative agreement with the company, and expects to vote on the new labor contract Thursday.