Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Government By Mark Baldassare, Dean Bonner, Rachel Lawler, Deja Thomas Mar 23, 2022 Key findings include Majorities of Californians across party lines support sanctioning Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, even if sanctions lead to higher energy prices. A third of Californians—and nearly half of lower-income residents—say recent price increases have caused serious financial hardship in their households. Over half of Californians are concerned about covering their housing costs, and six in ten say homelessness is a big problem in their part of the state. Partisans are divided on the need for restrictions to control the spread of COVID-19.
blog post Two Years of Wide Variation in Crime Trends By Magnus Lofstrom, Brandon Martin Mar 21, 2022 Increases in crime during the first year and a half of the pandemic—particularly in homicide and aggravated assault—have been troubling, but most crime numbers are now relatively close to the low levels seen over the last decade.
blog post Dangers Lurk in the San Joaquin Valley’s Dust By Sarah Bardeen Jan 10, 2022 In the San Joaquin Valley, concerns about airborne dust—and its health impacts—are growing. We speak with two experts who say people are right to be concerned.
blog post 2021 Year in Review By Mark Baldassare Dec 16, 2021 The past year has been another deeply challenging one for California and the nation. As 2021 draws to a close, president and CEO Mark Baldassare reflects on the role PPIC has played in providing essential information—and fostering constructive dialogue—on the critical policy issues facing our state.
blog post After Decreases in 2020, Both Property and Violent Crimes Are Up in 2021 By Magnus Lofstrom, Brandon Martin Dec 14, 2021 Preliminary data from four major California cities—Los Angeles, Oakland, San Diego, and San Francisco—show that property and violent crime numbers have increased and are now similar to pre-pandemic levels.
event Policing in California Nov 4, 2021 Recent debates over police reform have centered on how law enforcement officers engage with the communities they serve—and ways to increase transparency and accountability. PPIC researchers Magnus Lofstrom and Deepak Premkumar will discuss key takeaways from new research that examines law enforcement stops, use of force and misconduct, and the stark racial disparities in police interactions.
blog post Uncertain Fate Awaits Prison Worker Vaccine Mandate By Heather Harris, Joseph Hayes Oct 28, 2021 As the battle over mandating COVID-19 vaccinations for prison workers unfolds, the well-being of prisoners, prison staff, and their communities hangs in the balance.
event Achieving Digital Equity for California’s Students Oct 28, 2021 The importance of digital connectivity in K–12 education has never been more apparent. Did student access to devices and the internet improve during the pandemic? Did unprecedented investments in broadband help close equity gaps in digital access? PPIC researcher Joseph Hayes will outline key findings from a new report, and a panel of experts will discuss how local, state, and national stakeholders can continue working together on this vital issue.
Report Police Use of Force and Misconduct in California By Deepak Premkumar, Alexandria Gumbs, Shannon McConville, Renee Hsia Oct 26, 2021 Nearly 200 Californians die each year in police encounters. Amid growing concern over civilian deaths and racial injustice, we examine what the existing data can—and cannot—tell us about police use of force and misconduct. We also offer recommendations for strengthening the state’s ongoing efforts to improve police transparency and accountability.
Policy Brief Policy Brief: Achieving Digital Equity for California’s Students By Joseph Hayes, Niu Gao, Vicki Hsieh Oct 25, 2021 Unprecedented investments during the pandemic led to great strides in digital access for California’s students. But progress stalled in spring 2021 and major equity gaps remain for low-income, Black, and Latino households. Learn what steps the state can take to achieve the goal of affordable broadband and devices for all.
