The migration of fentanyl into illicit stimulants such as cocaine is especially dangerous for people who are not regular opioid users. That’s because they have a low tolerance for opioids, putting them at greater risk of an overdose. They also often don’t take precautions — such as not using alone and carrying the opioid reversal medication naloxone — so they’re unprepared if they overdose.
Partner Content
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Agricultural poisons tell a tale of two Californias
The Golden Rule doesn’t apply in the Golden State when it comes to protecting Latino and Indigenous farmworker communities from toxic pesticides.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
California almost legalized psychedelics. Now, supporters are looking for a good test case
Two states legalized psychedelic therapies since 2020 and President Biden signed a law supporting studies of how they might help veterans. Proposals like those keep dying in California.
Posted inEducation
New law inspired by ex-lawmaker’s DUI adds to alcohol education in California schools
California public schools will expand alcohol education in 2025 thanks to a new law. The law’s author, Wendy Carrillo, wrote the legislation following her arrest for driving under the influence, saying she didn’t want students to make the same mistakes she did.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
This nonprofit helps Californians get back on their feet with bikes
People who have spent time in jail can learn how to repair and sell bikes if they get into a cohort program for Community Cycles of California, a San Jose-based nonprofit that helps people who typically face barriers to employment develop business skills.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California’s lemon law is changing and car buyers have fewer protections in the new year
Californians who purchase a clunker car in 2025 face a confusing year as new lemon law rules take effect and the state Supreme Court limited warranty protections for used vehicles. Lawmakers are revisiting the rules, but consumers could see weaker protections until new laws are passed.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
Newsom declares bird flu emergency in California
While there have been no known cases of human-to-human bird flu transmission so far, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday issued an emergency proclamation to combat the spread of the virus and provide state and local agencies “additional flexibility around staffing, contracting, and other rules to support California’s evolving response.”
Posted inEducation
California wants to give degrees based on skills — not grades. It’s dividing this college
California’s community colleges are experimenting with a new model, known as competency-based education, but at Madera Community College, it’s created a divide between faculty and college administrators.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
Troubled California teens gain protections under a new law championed by Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton, the latest celebrity to lobby the California Legislature, persuaded it to pass a law that brings more transparency on the use of restraints and seclusion rooms.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
‘No way, not possible’: California has a plan for new water rules. Will it save salmon from extinction?
Growers and cities support the Newsom administration proposal, saying it strikes a balance for uses of Delta water. But environmentalists say the “healthy rivers” rules would actually harm California’s iconic salmon.