Alejandro Lazo
CalMattersAlejandro Lazo writes about the impacts of climate change and air pollution for CalMatters, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics, and a JPR news partner.
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With only 12,000 hydrogen cars on the road, and just two models for sale, California lawmakers are debating how much state money should support them. -
Through bidirectional charging, owners of electric cars can sell energy to the grid or use it to power their homes. But will the technology, which is costly, become widespread? -
Two years ago, Blackstone bought 66 relatively low-rent apartment buildings in San Diego County from a charitable foundation. Tenants of those 5,800 dwellings say they see rent increases, maintenance issues and evictions in their futures. -
The state Air Resources Board voted today to ban the substance known as chromium 6, giving platers several years to switch to an alternative the platers say won鈥檛 produce the same chrome shine. -
The governor鈥檚 building plan would adjust an environmental law known for stalling housing, dams and other projects. One environmental group said, 鈥渨e have never been more disappointed in a California governor than we are with Gov. Newsom.鈥� -
Gov. Newsom wants to spend $300 million the first year, which could help about 2,300 buyers. But home prices are falling and mortgage rates are rising, complicating the launch. -
It takes the state nearly 800 days 鈥� four times longer than is legal 鈥� to handle wage claims. Lawmakers ordered an audit to start Sept. 1, if agency issues aren鈥檛 addressed by then. -
The state is expanding mortgage relief to more California homeowners who are struggling through the pandemic. The program now covers second mortgages and loan deferrals, with a maximum total grant of $80,000. -
Advocates warn now is not the time to cut programs that help the poor. The state has reserves to weather a tough year but a recession, which many economists say is likely, could deepen the deficit. -
As California investigates businesses for wage theft, worker centers act as behind-the-scenes allies, helping convince employees to cooperate. -
Five years after workers win wage theft claims, state records show only 1 in 7 were paid their judgments in full. Some companies appealed or ignored court judgments. -
Legislators propose a $1-billion-a-year down payment program for first-time buyers, given the high cost of housing and rising mortgage interest rates, in exchange for a partial stake.
