CalMatters | The Contra Costa Pulse

A Black man wearing an N95 mask receiving a vaccine shot.

26 Feb

COVID-19 Has Turned Deadlier for Black Californians, Who Have the State’s Lowest Vaccination Rate

California’s African Americans have the state's lowest vaccination rate and make up a disproportionate share of the death toll for middle-aged Californians....

A smiling Black man wearing a beanie and a surgical mask pulled down to his chin

22 Feb

California Launches Ambitious Effort to Transform Medi-Cal to ‘Whole Person Care’

California’s first-of-its-kind reform aims to help low-income patients navigate problems like homelessness, poverty and substance abuse that can harm health....

A child in a mask on someone's lap receives a vaccine shot in their arm.

29 Jan

The Battle Over Vaccine Rules for Kids Reignites in California

Lawmakers want to create stricter vaccine mandates, especially for children. They anticipate an especially fierce fight in the coming months....

Woman standing in a parking lot with a leafy plant in the foreground.

22 Jan

With Pandemic Protections Gone, Essential Workers Face Omicron Alone

Essential workers say they are bearing the brunt of the pandemic again, but this time, there is less government support....

A Latina woman in a medical mask receiving a shot in her upper arm

07 Jan

Unboosted: California COVID-19 Booster Rate Falls Below 40% in Most Counties

In 19 California counties, less than a third of vaccinated residents have gotten COVID-19 booster shots. One health official blames “pandemic fatigue.”...

Black woman with sign that says "Vote for voter protections" and Black man with sign that says "Bad maps divide out votes."

23 Dec

California Redistricting: What to Know About the Final Maps

An independent redistricting commission unanimously approved the districts Californians will use to elect representatives in Congress and the state Legislature....

A smiling Asian girl in a yellow top getting a shot in her arm and sitting next to a bouquet of flowers.

03 Nov

Young Children Can Receive COVID Vaccines Soon. Here’s What You Need to Know

As the COVID-19 vaccine becomes available to children aged 5-11, here is a roundup of frequently asked questions about the vaccine and why kids should get it....

Boy in polo shirt with female medical worker preparing his arm for a shot

02 Oct

Student COVID Vaccinations: California Becomes First State to Require Them for Kids 12 and Up

Once the COVID-19 vaccine is FDA approved for children 12 and up, it will be added to California's list of required vaccinations for students in grades 7-12....

A young Asian man with glasses standing on an out-of-focus college campus.

05 Sep

Are Young Voters the Key to Gavin Newsom Surviving the Recall?

In a recall election that will likely be decided by which side turns out its base at the highest rates, young voters represent an important bloc for Newsom. ...

Illustration of California cut into pieces with a hand at each end, on a yellow background

27 Apr

California Loses Congressional Seat for First Time

Following 2020 population counts, California will lose a House seat, electoral vote and federal money. Texas and Florida will gain representation....

Two women standing, one blowing a kiss, and a man in a wheelchair, all wearing masks.

01 Apr

Finally Some Good News for California Nursing Home Residents

The coronavirus has severely affected nursing home residents, but vaccines have brought deaths and infections way down, allowing homes to cautiously reopen....

4-year-old boy, woman in medical mask and person in medical gloves at a table.

28 Mar

California’s Special-Needs Children Still Seek Help After Year Adrift

Many parents report that their special-needs students have gone backward in development during the pandemic-isolating past year....

28 Dec

Fauci: Vaccines Should Allow CA Colleges to Teach In-Person Next Fall

Dr. Anthony Fauci said he is "cautiously optimistic" college students will be able to return to campus next fall — if enough people get the COVID-19 vaccine....

Three mariachis wearing sombreros and face masks

29 Nov

Mariachis Began Booking Events Only to Lose Jobs Again

Mariachis are coming together to help those musicians most financially hurt by the coronavirus, which prevents them from putting on performances....

A typewriter with the top of a piece of paper showing that says "ELECTIONS 2020."