CALMatters | Almanac Online |

CALmatters is a Sacramento-based nonpartisan, nonprofit journalism venture committed to explaining how California's state Capitol works and why it matters. It works with more than 130 media partners throughout the state that have long, deep relationships with their local audiences, including Embarcadero Media (publisher of the Palo Alto Weekly, Mountain View Voice, Pleasanton Weekly and The Almanac in Menlo Park and their websites.)

Here are the most recent stories reported by CALmatters' team of journalists:

California’s new COVID-19 vaccine system to start Monday

The new system, operated by Blue Shield, aims to streamline a confusing county-by-county patchwork of vaccination efforts. “Give us a chance to make this work,” Blue Shield’s CEO said.

Fri, Feb 26, 2021 5:55 pm

‘I feel your frustration’: In podcast, state surgeon general gets personal about pandemic

California’s initial vaccine rollout was “slow — we were last.” The current numbers on vaccine equity “look awful.” The fact that so many children are still not able to attend in-person school is having “a significant impact, developmentally, mentally and emotionally.” California’s first surgeon general, Nadine Burke Harris, didn’t flinch from acknowledging the challenges the […]

Fri, Feb 26, 2021 4:38 pm

California colleges slowly begin vaccinating faculty, students — but likely won’t require immunization

In mid-January, science education professor Al Schademan received one of around 2,000 emails sent to faculty, student employees and essential staff at California State University, Chico. The email contained a surprise for Schademan: He would be among the first higher education employees in California to gain coveted access to the coronavirus vaccine. Within a couple […]

Fri, Feb 26, 2021 3:49 pm

Fresno police stop Black drivers more often. Chief says it’s not racist, others disagree

Fri, Feb 26, 2021 10:28 am

Counties raise concerns as OptumServe gets bigger role in vaccination

Fri, Feb 26, 2021 5:40 am

Cal/OSHA needs to require employers to promote and provide access to vaccine

It is imperative that California update its requirements related to COVID-19 for employers and move forward on employer vaccination requirements.

Fri, Feb 26, 2021 5:30 am

Who has the power to reopen California classrooms?

Amid a confusing tangle of power, it’s hard to figure out who’s responsible for whether California kids will get back in their classrooms. Let's sort that out.

Fri, Feb 26, 2021 5:30 am

The sadness felt about removing Junipero Serra’s statue from Capitol Park

After the statue of Junipero Serra had been removed, I began praying a rosary at that spot with others from Catholic parishes in the area.

Fri, Feb 26, 2021 5:25 am

Air board tells San Joaquin Valley growers to phase out burns by 2025

Valley residents have waited more than a decade for the end of burns at vineyards and groves that spew smoke. Several board members pushed for quicker action, but the board voted to grant four more years.

Thu, Feb 25, 2021 3:32 pm

Delays emerge in Blue Shield vaccine rollout

Thu, Feb 25, 2021 5:40 am

The new system, operated by Blue Shield, aims to streamline a confusing county-by-county patchwork of vaccination efforts. “Give us a chance to make this work,” Blue Shield’s CEO said.

It is imperative that California update its requirements related to COVID-19 for employers and move forward on employer vaccination requirements.

Amid a confusing tangle of power, it’s hard to figure out who’s responsible for whether California kids will get back in their classrooms. Let's sort that out.

After the statue of Junipero Serra had been removed, I began praying a rosary at that spot with others from Catholic parishes in the area.

Valley residents have waited more than a decade for the end of burns at vineyards and groves that spew smoke. Several board members pushed for quicker action, but the board voted to grant four more years.

Index