By Cassandra Garibay and Ximena Loeza
Escalating housing costs in Oakland are creating additional hardships for unaccompanied minors, many of whom are young migrants. These minors face difficulties securing stable housing, which affects their ability to work, attend school, and receive essential support services, such as mental health care and legal aid, further complicating their transition to life in the U.S.
By Vanessa Flores and Ximena Loeza
Noncitizen parents in Oakland won the right to vote in school board elections through Measure S in 2022, but two years later, the city has yet to establish a process for them to register and cast ballots. The delay, attributed to complexities with other voting measures, has frustrated immigrant parents eager to participate in decisions that affect their children's education.
By Jasmine Aguilera and Ximena Loeza
Contra Costa County has launched an insurance plan called Basic Health Care (BHC) to cover undocumented residents who do not qualify for Medi-Cal. The plan, which will expand coverage to about 10,500 residents, offers services like primary and specialty care, dental, vision, and behavioral health, though the county faces challenges with increasing demand and a limited healthcare workforce.