California
Teachers strike in New Haven School District, Northern California
By Dan Conway, 22 May 2019
The California Teachers Association is sponsoring a #RedForEd “Day of Action” at the state capital of Sacramento on Wednesday.
070 East Bay teachers strike
21 May 2019
Death of a Los Angeles dockworker
By Rafael Azul, 20 May 2019
The death of Joseph Santoyo and severe injury to Pedro Chavarin at the Los Angeles port of San Pedro occurred in the midst of speed-ups and the destruction of working conditions.
University of California unions wear down workers with fifth one-day strike
By Evelyn Rios, 17 May 2019
Dwindling numbers participate in the fifth one-day, unpaid strike, as workers have been kept on the job without a contract for nearly two years.
San Francisco Board of Education to decide on the fate of historic murals said to be “offensive”
By Toby Reese, 13 May 2019
A “Reflection and Action Group,” dominated by identity politics, has recommended removing murals at George Washington High School. The action would erase a striking work that treats important issues in US history.
San Diego Sweetwater Teachers Union begins bargaining as false financial situation reported by district
By Evelyn Rios, 4 May 2019
The union and district are negotiating an austerity contract based on what is most likely fraudulent accounting, amidst allegations of fraud and mismanagement investigations.
The manufactured case of Long Beach “terrorist” Marc Steven Domingo
By Rafael Azul, 3 May 2019
The arrest of the Afghan war veteran has the characteristics of an entrapment operation by the FBI and other police agencies.
Los Angeles universities quarantine 280 as US measles cases reach record levels
By Kate Randall, 27 April 2019
The CDC reports the number of measles cases has spiked to at least 695 so far this year, the highest number since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000.
Rising death toll in San Diego jails
By Norisa Diaz, 20 April 2019
Within the short span of six weeks, four people have died while in custody in San Diego, California jails.
Sacramento, California teachers conduct one day strike
By Ben McGrath, 12 April 2019
As the teachers union works to reach a sellout deal with county officials, rank-and-file teachers are striving for a broader struggle in defense of public education.
One-day strike by Sacramento, California teachers
By Dan Conway, 11 April 2019
Ninety-two percent of Sacramento City Teachers Association members voted last month to authorize strike action in the state capital.
Lower turnout for second one-day strike at California universities and health systems
By Evelyn Rios, 11 April 2019
On Wednesday, several thousand of the lowest paid workers struck against the University of California’s ten-campus system.
University of California service and patient care technicians on one-day strike
By Marc Wells, 10 April 2019
University of California’s 25,000 service and patient care technicians are on strike today, for the fourth time in less than a year.
Christoph Vandreier kicks off US speaking tour with well-attended meeting at UC Berkeley
By Gabriel Black, 10 April 2019
Christoph Vandreier spoke to an audience of 70 university students and workers, in the first of six meetings on “The Threat Of Fascism And How To Fight It”
San Diego teachers and parents left in the dark as school district threatens massive budget cuts
By Evelyn Rios, 29 March 2019
The Sweetwater school district and its teachers’ union have begun bargaining on an austerity contract in the aftermath of the announcement of the district’s $68 million shortfall.
IYSSE at San Diego State University holds rally to defend Chelsea Manning
By International Youth and Students for Social Equality at San Diego State University, 29 March 2019
Tuesday’s rally advanced an international strategy to mobilize youth, students and the broadest layers of the working class against the persecution of Chelsea Manning and Julian Assange.
Arsonist attacks mosque in Southern California
By Norisa Diaz, 28 March 2019
An arsonist set fire to the Islamic Center of Escondido in North San Diego County on Sunday, leaving behind a note referencing the New Zealand rampage.
Hundreds of Uber and Lyft drivers strike in Los Angeles
By Dan Conway, 27 March 2019
The strike was triggered by Uber’s recent announcement to cut drivers’ per-mile compensation in Los Angeles and part of nearby Orange County by 25 percent.
Warner Bros. CEO’s resignation sheds revealing light on Hollywood and #MeToo campaign
By David Walsh, 22 March 2019
Kevin Tsujihara, one of the American film industry’s most powerful executives, resigned March 18 after texts were made public indicating he had promised to promote an actress’ career in exchange for sex.
California university workers in one-day strike across the state
By Evelyn Rios, 20 March 2019
Thousands of low-paid workers will strike on Wednesday throughout the University of California’s 10-campus system, the largest public institution of higher learning in the world.
Sacramento, California teachers authorize strike
By Dan Conway, 20 March 2019
The overwhelming strike vote in California’s state capital expresses the militancy of teachers across the country fighting the bipartisan assault on public education.
California governor announces moratorium on death penalty
By Alan Gilman, 16 March 2019
The 737 condemned inmates in the nation’s largest death row will have their death sentences stayed for the duration of a moratorium issued by Governor Gavin Newsom.
Dreams for Change: A San Diego shelter for the vehicular homeless
By Marko Leone and Kevin Martinez, 16 March 2019
An increasing number of homeless families, students and workers are relying on nonprofits to find a safe space to sleep and live in their cars.
More than 80 arrested in Sacramento protesting decision not to charge police in murder of Stephon Clark
By Trévon Austin, 6 March 2019
Clark was killed after being shot at by two officers more than 20 times in his grandmother’s backyard last March. The only thing he had in his hand was a cell phone.
Amid widespread opposition, union declares end to Oakland teachers strike
By Joseph Santolan, 4 March 2019
Hours after angry teachers denounced the sellout agreement during a mass meeting, the Oakland Education Association claimed the deal had been ratified.
Vote “no” on sell-out agreement
Union pushes contract in effort to shut down Oakland teachers’ strike
By Joseph Santolan, 2 March 2019
The deal leaves $30 million of district budget cuts and school closures intact, while allowing school closures, giving teachers raises below inflation, and addressing none of their other pressing demands.
As Oakland strike enters seventh day, union keeps teachers in dark on negotiations
By Norisa Diaz and Joseph Santolan, 1 March 2019
The rank-and-file strike committee, at a meeting Thursday night, exposed the anti-democratic measures of the OEA leadership.
Oakland teachers continue strike as Kentucky teachers launch statewide sickout
By Joseph Santolan, 28 February 2019
As teachers in Oakland California begin their sixth day on strike, the wave of teachers struggles, begun in West Virginia a year ago, continues to expand across the United States.
“We always have money for wars but not for public education”
Oakland teachers and students speak as strike reaches critical juncture
By our reporters, 28 February 2019
Teachers, students and other workers expressed their determination to fight on the fifth day of the strike by 3,000 educators in Oakland, California.
Oakland teachers form rank-and-file strike committee as union keeps educators in the dark
By Ben McGrath, 27 February 2019
Teachers are seeking to take the conduct of the strike into their own hands and prevent a betrayal of their struggle by the Oakland Education Association.
Fremont, California teachers stage sick-out
By Jonathan Burleigh, 27 February 2019
Teachers in the Bay Area city of Fremont called in sick last week after working without a contract for the entire school year. Their wildcat action came two days before the start of the Oakland teachers’ strike.
Unions, Democrats rush to end strike as Oakland teachers resist attack on public education
By Joseph Santolan, 26 February 2019
The district’s financial oversight trustee has threatened to veto any deal that provides wage increases above the rate of inflation.
“We need a national strike!”
Oakland teachers and students speak on third day of strike
By our reporters, 26 February 2019
On the third day of the strike, teachers and students alike expressed strong support for a broader, united struggle of workers against the corporate assault on education.
In wake of January teachers strike, further attacks on public schools planned in Los Angeles
By Dan Conway, 26 February 2019
Details are emerging of how the Los Angeles Unified School District intends to prosecute its assault on teachers, including plans to break up the district into multiple local networks.
020 Fremont, CA teachers health insurance
26 February 2019
Oakland, California teachers press for expansion of strike as union seeks to contain struggle
By Evan Blake, 23 February 2019
Despite its rhetoric, the OEA is working to isolate teachers from their class allies and prevent a broader struggle in defense of public education.
For a unified struggle of Oakland students and teachers to defend public education!
By the International Youth and Students for Social Equality - Berkeley, 23 February 2019
The IYSSE supports and applauds the tens of thousands of teenage students in Oakland who have protested in solidarity with their striking teachers.
Support Oakland teachers! For a general strike to defend education!
By WSWS Teacher Newsletter, 22 February 2019
The call must go out in every workplace in the Bay Area, across California, the US and internationally: “The Oakland teachers must not fight this decisive battle alone!”
Powerful support for Oakland teachers’ strike
By Jonathan Burleigh, 22 February 2019
Like teachers across the US and internationally, striking teachers in Oakland, California are fighting against the corporate war on public education and the complicity of the trade unions.
Build rank-and-file strike committees! Prepare to expand the strike!
A fighting program for Oakland teachers
By WSWS Teacher Newsletter, 19 February 2019
Oakland, California teachers must break out of union-imposed isolation and organize across bargaining units, district lines, and geographical boundaries. This is the same fight nationally and internationally in defense of public education.
Week-long military exercises in Los Angeles raise serious questions
By Dan Conway, 13 February 2019
Six days of military exercises concluded in Los Angeles on Saturday with action in the latter half of the week centered on the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
Oakland students walk out as school board prepares major cuts
By Jonathan Burleigh, 11 February 2019
Thousands of Oakland students voiced their support for teachers and hostility to planned budget cuts and school closures.
US military conducting urban warfare training exercises in Los Angeles
By Dan Conway, 7 February 2019
With little in the way of advanced warning, thousands of frightened Los Angeles residents awoke this week to the sound of low-flying helicopters, gunfire and explosions.
Oakland, California teachers overwhelmingly vote to strike
By Jonathan Burleigh, 6 February 2019
Oakland teachers have voted by 95 percent to authorize a strike, showing the determination of educators to fight in defense of public education.
Sacramento school district threatens bankruptcy to extort concessions from teachers
By Dan Conway, 31 January 2019
School district officials in California’s capital city announced they had to cut $16 million from spending by November 2019 to avoid state receivership, with another $16 million in cuts needed for next year.
After sellout of Los Angeles teachers strike, new attacks on public schools coming
By Alan Gilman, 30 January 2019
The agreement failed to meet any of the teachers’ most critical demands to reduce class size, increase wages, stop the expansion of charter schools, and address chronically underfunded budgets.
The International Socialist Organization, Jacobin hail betrayal of Los Angeles teachers’ strike
By Adam Mclean, 28 January 2019
Before, during and after the six-day strike by 33,000 teachers, the ISO and the Democratic Socialists of America sought to subordinate educators to the unions and the Democratic Party.
The timeline of a sellout
How the UTLA orchestrated the betrayal of Los Angeles teachers
By Alan Gilman, 25 January 2019
Well aware that the sellout deal would provoke widespread opposition, the union rushed through the contract without providing teachers time to study and discuss it.
“It was rushed. It was a farce”
Los Angeles teachers livid over union’s betrayal of strike
By Kimie Saito, 25 January 2019
Teachers spoke out on how the United Teachers Los Angeles pushed through a contract vote on a deal that abandoned their most critical demands.
Union rams through deal to end Los Angeles teachers strike
By Jerry White, 23 January 2019
Before educators had time to study the deal, the United Teachers Los Angeles rushed through a vote that ignores teachers’ demands for improved wages and school funding and lower class sizes.
Los Angeles teachers have the right to know the details of the negotiations
By Evan Blake, 22 January 2019
For five straight days, the UTLA has kept striking teachers in the dark as they conduct closed-door negotiations with the school district and the city’s Democratic mayor.
Who is Democratic Senator Kamala Harris?
By David Brown, 22 January 2019
The senator from California carries a legacy as a right-wing prosecutor into her presidential campaign.
Support for LA teachers’ strike
Students and the fight to defend public education
By International Youth and Students for Social Equality (US), 22 January 2019
Students have a critical role to play as they join their teachers in a fight against the entire capitalist system and political establishment that drives the assault on public education.
Los Angeles teachers angered over secret talks between union, school district and mayor
By Dan Conway and Jerry White, 21 January 2019
As the strike by 33,000 Los Angeles teachers enters its second week, suspicions are growing that the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) is preparing to agree to a rotten compromise.
“There’s only so much workers can take and now we’re rising up”
Mass demonstration as Los Angeles strike reaches fifth day
By our reporters, 19 January 2019
As anger among teachers builds to fight against the Democratic Party-led campaign to privatize public education, the United Teachers of Los Angeles is working with the school officials to carve up the district.
Oakland teachers hold second wildcat “sickout,” call for statewide strike with Los Angeles teachers
By Jonathan Burleigh, 19 January 2019
In defiance of the official, interminable, negotiations process, Oakland teachers have begun to organize themselves independently in preparation for a broader struggle in defense of public education.
Los Angeles teachers battle privatization as union vies to be partner in LAUSD restructuring
By Jerry White, 18 January 2019
The five-day strike by Los Angeles teachers has thrust educators into a direct conflict with the Democratic Party, which has used the city and the state as a test case for school privatization.
“All teachers have to get together from all the states”
Los Angeles teachers discuss need to expand strike as UTLA resumes talks to end walkout
By our reporters, 17 January 2019
On the picket lines and at rallies teachers spoke to the World Socialist Web Site about a strategy to fight the assault on public education.
As support grows to extend Los Angeles teacher strike, unions colluding with Democrats to end walkout
By Jerry White, 16 January 2019
With Oakland teachers planning sickouts to join the fight, the United Teachers Los Angeles is working behind the scenes with the Democratic mayor and governor to prepare a sellout of the strike.
Los Angeles teachers speak out on political issues in strike
By our reporters, 16 January 2019
“They keep saying, ‘There’s no money, there’s no money.’ That’s a lie.”
Oakland, California teachers plan a one-day walkout Friday
By Jonathan Burleigh, 16 January 2019
Teachers in Oakland, facing the same crisis as those striking in Los Angeles, have called a second wildcat “sickout” to oppose the attacks on public education.
PG&E’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing: Corporate executives again to get away with murder
By Jessica Goldstein, 16 January 2019
The company faces widespread litigation, including government investigation into the deadly Californian wildfires over the past two years, lawsuits from victims and over $30 billion in potential liabilities.
50,000 march on first day of Los Angeles teachers strike
By Jerry White, 15 January 2019
The first strike by LA teachers in three decades is shaping up to be a direct conflict with the Democratic Party, which is backing the campaign to privatize public education.
This walkout should be nationwide
Los Angeles teachers, students and parents speak out on first day of strike
By our reporters, 15 January 2019
Teachers and their supporters denounced the bipartisan attack on public education and supported the call by the WSWS Teacher Newsletter to expand the strike throughout California and the US.
025 Oakland rally interviews
15 January 2019
Widespread support for Los Angeles teacher strike as unions seek to block statewide struggle
By our reporters, 11 January 2019
Students, parents and workers expressed their support for Los Angeles teachers who are determined to walk out for improved wages and to oppose the drive to dismantle public education.
Los Angeles teachers prepare to strike
By Jerry White, 9 January 2019
Teachers in the nation’s second-largest school district are engaged in a critical battle to defend the right to public education.
Los Angeles and the billionaires’ plan to destroy public education
By Alan Gilman, 9 January 2019
Los Angeles teachers are in the front line of the battle against Wall Street interests seeking to privatize education.
On eve of strike, union drops LA teachers’ demands against school privatization
By Jerry White, 8 January 2019
The United Teachers Los Angeles has signaled that it is preparing to betray this critical battle over the privatization of public education.
“Almost everyone I know is working two jobs to make ends meet”
Los Angeles teachers prepare for strike
By Jerry White and Kimie Saito, 7 January 2019
More than 33,000 teachers in the nation’s second largest school district are set to strike Thursday in a battle that pits educators against the Democratic Party establishment.
Austin Beutner—Wall Street’s Superintendent of Education in Los Angeles
By Alan Gilman, 7 January 2019
Beutner is renowned as a financier who has had a lucrative career extracting huge profits by privatizing public assets and slashing the wages and benefits of workers.
Los Angeles school officials hire strikebreakers as teachers prepare for walkout
By Dan Conway and Jerry White, 4 January 2019
Teachers in Los Angeles should reach out to educators in Oakland and across California to prepare a statewide walkout to defend the right to high quality public education.
3 January 2019
Central American asylum seekers forced to wait for months at US-Mexico border
By Norisa Diaz, 19 December 2018
WSWS reporters spoke with a number of Honduran immigrants in Tijuana who have fled poverty, extortion, and death threats from gangs in their home country.
Los Angeles teachers and supporters speak out at mass rally
“We don’t want the wars, we don’t want the prisons, we want that money to go to students who need it”
By our reporters, 18 December 2018
WSWS reporters were warmly received by teachers and their supporters at a mass rally in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday.
Mass demonstration by Los Angeles teachers
By Dan Conway, 17 December 2018
The demonstration, which involved up to 50,000 protesters, was the latest indication of the resumption of resistance by educators across the US who have been involved in the largest strike wave by teachers in decades.
Over 4,000 Kaiser Permanente mental health workers on limited strike in California
By Kevin Martinez and Kim Saito, 14 December 2018
The National Union of Healthcare Workers is ending the five-day strike tomorrow without resolving workers’ demands for higher wages, more staffing and the restoration of pensions for new-hires.
Los Angeles teachers and the fight for social equality
By the WSWS Teacher Newsletter, 14 December 2018
This statement will be distributed at a mass demonstration of teachers and their supporters in Los Angeles, California on Saturday.
“Our action is part of a broader fight for education”
Teachers in Oakland, California speak out at wildcat demonstrations
By Kayla Costa, 11 December 2018
Teachers in Oakland, California participated in wildcat “sickouts” and demonstrations on Monday to demand pay raises, smaller class sizes, and better school conditions.
Oakland, California teachers hold wildcat “sickout”
By Jonathan Burleigh, 10 December 2018
Teachers from over five schools carried out a coordinated “sick out” on Monday to protest low wages and millions of dollars in planned cuts to the district.
Oakland, California public schools face $60 million in cuts, state takeover
By Jonathan Burleigh, 4 December 2018
The Oakland Unified School District is proposing $60 million in cuts over two years and potentially closing a third of the district’s schools.
011 California fire interviews video
23 November 2018
The fire in Paradise, California: From natural disaster to social catastrophe
By David Brown, 21 November 2018
While wildfires, like hurricanes, are rooted in natural causes, the horrific consequences are the product of corporate malfeasance and government neglect.
Photo Essay: The social cost of the Camp Fire
By Toby Reese and Douglas Alan, 19 November 2018
World Socialist Web Site reporters visited a tent camp set up outside of a Walmart near Chico, California, as well as parts of Paradise, California, which was destroyed by the Camp Fire.
Death toll rises to 71, more than 1,000 missing from devastating California wildfires
By Evan Blake, 17 November 2018
Most of those listed as missing are elderly, with 91 percent over the age of 50, and therefore more likely to have perished given the rapidity of the wildfire’s spread and the lack of a citywide warning system.
World Socialist Web Site speaks with California wildfire evacuees
By our reporters, 16 November 2018
The death toll in Northern California’s Camp Fire jumped to 63 on Thursday with the number of missing increasing to 631.
Investigations point to energy corporation’s negligence in California wildfire
By E.P. Milligan, 15 November 2018
The PG&E utility company admitted Tuesday that it had submitted an “electric incident report” moments before the outbreak of the Camp Fire, the deadliest fire in California history.
As death toll rises to 48
Evacuees in California wildfire share their stories
By Evan Blake and Ben McGrath, 14 November 2018
There is a growing mood of anger among survivors over the indifference of the state and federal governments.
020 California fire update
13 November 2018
California wildfire deadliest and most destructive in state history
By David Brown, 12 November 2018
Social infrastructure, including fire departments, have been starved of funds for decades as trillions of dollars have been funneled into the bank accounts of the rich.
California wildfires kill nine, drive 150,000 from their homes
By David Brown, 10 November 2018
Driven by heavy winds, three major fires broke out Thursday across California, one of which destroyed the northern town of Paradise.
Ian David Long, the Thousand Oaks, California shooter, likely suffered from PTSD
By Rafael Azul, 10 November 2018
“We train a generation to be as violent as possible, then we expect them to come home and be OK ... we’re not responding to the needs they have.”
Gavin Newsom: A California governor groomed by the financial aristocracy
By Dan Conway, 23 October 2018
The Los Angeles Times recently published a report documenting the role of eight wealthy San Francisco families in bankrolling the political career of Democrat Gavin Newsom.
San Diego State University and the military-university complex
By Anthony del Olmo with the IYSSE at SDSU, 18 October 2018
Over the past several decades, universities in San Diego have developed into key assets for US militarism by becoming regional hubs for military training programs.
Los Angeles teachers union continues to delay strike action as negotiations proceed
By Dan Conway, 6 October 2018
The union for Los Angeles teachers is fighting to block strike action, despite teachers working without a contract and authorizing a strike.
Horrors at ICE prison in California: nooses found hanging in majority of cells
By Norisa Diaz, 4 October 2018
An unexpected visit from DHS inspectors found three quarters of the cells had nooses hanging from overhead pipes at a California immigrant detention center.
050 LA port truck drivers strike/TPS protest
4 October 2018
Los Angeles harbor drivers hold three-day strike
By Adam Mclean, 2 October 2018
Truck drivers at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, California began a three-day strike Monday over their misclassification as “independent contractors.”
A warning to students and the working class
Who are California Governor Jerry Brown’s appointments to the University of California Board of Regents?
By Evelyn Rios, 10 September 2018
Brown appointed his chief fiscal policy advisor, a top union bureaucrat, a former EPA official, and prior vice president of Lockheed Martin, the weapons manufacturer.
8 September 2018
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