An estimated 750,000 Californians are set to lose federal unemployment benefits the day after Christmas, and 2.1 million could lose their homes weeks later when a statewide eviction moratorium lifts.

Enrollment at California community colleges is down more than 9 percent from the year before, confounding the predictions of some higher education experts that community college enrollment would rise this fall, as it has in previous recessions.

In throwing an “emergency brake,” Gov. Gavin Newsom orders an even broader mask mandate and further restricts access to businesses, restaurants and other operations for the vast majority of Californians.

A lopsided victory for the measure to keep Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and Instacart drivers classified as contractors with limited job benefits puts labor groups on defense.

The state extends temporary protection from insurance cancellations to 2.1 million Californians living in wildfire-prone regions, but long-term solutions to stabilize the market remain elusive.

Endorsements from the Democratic party, high-ranking state officials, and several media outlets hasn’t translated to a commanding lead for the Yes side in the polls. How voters feel about affirmative action in a vacuum versus in practice is part of the reason why.

Privacy champions have lined up on both sides of the measure, arguing over which strategies can best protect consumers and their digital data.

If Prop. 15 passes, any commercial or industrial property owner with more than $3 million of California real estate would have to pay taxes based on the current market value of the property, rather than the original purchase price. 

The COVID-19 pandemic will change the way some Californians vote in the Nov. 3 presidential election.

Davina Smith hopes to help set the course for the department’s future.