Legislative Analyst's Office Projects Huge State Surplus
Sacramento is flush with cash. Yes, you heard that correctly. The state may have $5.6 billion in extra money on its hands by the end of the next budget cycle. But Analyst Mac Taylor is telling lawmakers not to get too excited about the extra income.
Harris Aims to Reduce Prison Population by Keeping Ex-Prisoners Out of Jail
Currently, about 60 to 67 percent of people released from prison in California commit a new crime within three years. California Attorney General Kamala Harris hopes to change those statistics with the launch of an initiative to reduce the state's prison population by reducing the recidivism rate. Flanked by law enforcement officials from around California, Harris made the announcement in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
Obamacare May Provide Window for Nonprofit Hospitals to Do More
Nonprofit hospitals enjoy their tax-exempt status in exchange for providing health programs to benefit the communities they serve. With the full implementation of the Affordable Care Act coming on January 1, a Berkeley policy group says these hospitals have an opportunity to do much more.
Project GROW Promotes Healthy Cooking and Eating in Oakland
Project "GROW Oakland" trains young people to become chefs, and to build job skills and encourage healthy eating habits. Some youth are on probation, while others are -- or were -- in the foster care system. As part of our ongoing series of first-person health profiles called "What's Your Story?" 19-year-old Kawanzza Byrd, a former foster youth, says the program has changed the way she eats.