Also this week: Unequal access in telehealth access is unequal, and Oregon expands Medicaid.
Environment & Climate
Asthma has plagued Imperial County for decades, yet access to specialists continues to be scant. Uncontrolled asthma in the valley lands local youth in emergency rooms, more than anywhere else in the state.
Can the government stimulate healing among majority-Black neighborhoods that were intentionally torn in half by mid-20th century highway construction? A reporter seeks answers.
A reporter reflects on what ongoing rate hikes by a major California utility mean for residents in the state’s hottest regions.
Pedro and Elizabeth Betancourt conserve energy but still face high bills. A new CPUC rate structure aims to make costs more equitable, benefiting high-energy users in extreme temperatures by adding a fixed charge.
California faces record-high heat and soaring energy costs. Aid programs like LIHEAP, CARE, FERA, and AMP help, but many eligible residents are unaware or underutilizing these resources.
Girls Inc. in Carpinteria is now a climate resilience hub, offering solar power, air conditioning, and support during extreme heat. It's one of three pilot sites aiding vulnerable communities in Santa Barbara County.
Although the Central Coast is known for its moderate climate, projections for the region show an increase in the frequency and severity of heat waves in the coming decades.