Posts Tagged: program

News

Stem cell agency: Following the money — and its performance

A research scientist examines a capsule with a DNA double helix. (Photo: Dan Race, via Shutterstock)

One year ago this month, a $5.5 billion wave washed over California’s ambitious stem cell agency and left it refreshed and renewed for another decade or so of searching for “miraculous” treatments for a host of deadly, incurable afflictions. It is now on a pace to hand out $38,000 an hour, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  That would amount to $519 million in awards between this time last year and the end of the agency’s current fiscal year in June.

Opinion

It’s time to overhaul and update the Cal Grant system

Graduation ceremonies, pre-pandemic, at Santa Monica City College. (Photo: Joseph Sohm, via Shutterstock)

OPINION: The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us the hard way that too many Californians face barriers to opportunity. As California looks to recover, it’s time to reexamine our old institutions and programs to determine if they meet today’s needs and serve residents as intended. One such program in need of reform is the Cal Grant system.

Opinion

Lost in translation: Information for Medi-Cal’s beneficiaries

A photo illustration of language diversity. (Image: Lonely Walker, via Shutterstock)

OPINION: For most patients, interpreting medical information can feel like interpreting a new language – the jargon and industry language requires reading comprehension comparable to the SATs. But imagine if that challenge also included interpreting mistranslated language. What’s a health consumer to do?

Opinion

California must compete for ‘Opportunity Zones’

A crowded section of San Francisco's Tenderloin District near Market. (Photo: Todd A. Merport, via Shutterstock)

OPINION: Tens of billions of dollars are reportedly being raised nationwide by hedge funds, investment banks, and money managers looking to capitalize on new “Opportunity Zone” tax incentives created by the 2017 federal tax law. So, what exactly are Opportunity Zones?

Opinion

Pharmacy benefit managers ease seniors’ drug costs

A photo illustration of drug costs, with prescription medication atop a dollar bill. (Image: Video_Creative)

OPINION: The Golden Years for senior citizens across the Golden State are longer and more active than for the generations that preceded us. This is a real gift, but it does mean most of us are battling age-related medical conditions, often dealing with them for decades. Prescription drugs are a big part of our healthcare toolbox, and today, almost 40 percent of senior citizens use five or more medications.

Opinion

Small business loans in jeopardy

A man runs his bicycle-repair shop business with his laptop computer. (Photo: Mintimages, via Shutterstock).

OPINION: Politicians often praise small business owners for their role in our economy and in our society– and rightly so. After all, small businesses employ nearly half of all Californians, provide vital goods and services, and help create vibrant communities. Right now, our representatives in Sacramento have an opportunity to demonstrate that belief by supporting legislation that will help small business owners across the state.

Opinion

Homeowners: PACE finances green energy upgrades

A California home with solar panels installed on the roof. (Photo: orachonphoto, via Shutterstock)

OPINION: A point of pride for the people of California is our state’s leadership in the clean energy economy. Over the past decade, Californians have had access to a great tool that puts homeowners front and center in the fight against climate change. This tool, Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE), enables homeowners to conveniently finance renewable energy, energy and water efficiency, and earthquake safety upgrades to their homes.

Opinion

From ARB Enviro Justice adviser: Extend cap-and-trade

A natural gas plant in Oxnard. (Photo: Henrik Lehnerer)

OPINION: The state Legislature is currently considering a two-part proposal to extend the California greenhouse gas cap-and-trade program and target local air pollution reductions across California. As a member of the California Air Resources Board’s Environmental Justice Advisory Committee (EJAC), a resident of the Inland Empire, and a strong advocate for the pollution reductions that our families need and deserve, I support Eduardo Garcia and his leadership in helping pass AB 398 and AB 617.

Opinion

Putting people before partisanship

A political rally last year in Santa Monica. (Photo: Joseph Sohm)

OPINION: In this political climate, you don’t have to look far to find pessimism and finger pointing when it comes to our problems. But look a little deeper and there are some important – and inspiring – examples of problem solving in California that rise above politics and division.

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