NEWS ▸ News
For a Path Forward on Climate, Let’s Learn From the Original New Deal
Dr. Manuel Pastor and J. Mijin Cha | To envision a path forward on environmental policy, we should remember some key lessons from the original New Deal, the 1930s-era policies that pulled the United States out of the Great Depression through a combination of relief programs, public-works projects, financial reforms and progressive regulation.
After COVID-19, Here’s How We Can Make Sure Everyone Can Heal
Dr. Manuel Pastor | When we emerge from this crisis, it will be a bit like the end of a movie about an imagined apocalypse: Many people will be crawling out of their homes with their savings demolished, health shattered, jobs lost and education interrupted — and they will be suffering from trauma. Expecting everyone to just bounce back is a bit like thinking a computer-based vaccination system will give everyone an equal shot at a vaccine.
The Business Case for Vaccine Equity
Dr. Manuel Pastor | No one should be surprised that America’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout system has produced sharp racial disparities in vaccination rates – the system has played upon existing inequalities from digital access, to quality of employment, to transportation access. Indeed, I would have flunked any of my graduate students had they failed to anticipate what was soon to occur. The positive news is that together with the business community, we can achieve vaccine equity in a way that gets us back on our feet for good.
Why the Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Shouldn’t Be Viewed as Second Class
California failed to center its vaccine rollout around equity, according to Manuel Pastor, the director of USC's Equity Research Institute and a member of Governor Gavin Newsom's COVID Recovery Task Force. But that’s changing, he says. “Things that...
Three California Latinos serve in Joe Biden’s cabinet now that Xavier Becerra is confirmed
Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra is the latest Hispanic American from the Golden State to join the Biden administration. The state attorney general now joins other cabinet-level Latinos leaders who held prominent positions in...
In L.A. County, Covid Is Hitting Black and Latino Residents Hardest
In Los Angeles County, this winter’s Covid surge revealed a stark racial and economic divide. The disease killed Black and Latino residents at two to three times the rate of white Angelenos. The New York Times went inside the homes and hospital...
Stop Asian hate, Stop Black hate, stop all hate: Many Americans call for unity against racism
Manuel Pastor, director of the University of Southern California's Equity Research Institute in Los Angeles, said hate crimes are not the issue of one community. “People understand they are something that could happen to other groups, too,” he...
How California’s ‘deeply flawed’ vaccine rollout failed Latino and Black communities
California remains one of the states with the worst disparities in vaccinating its Latino population despite efforts like Abraham's and a statewide mandate that allocates 40% of vaccine doses to underserved communities. According to state data, 20%...
California Prepares for Wildfire; Disparity in Covid Deaths Highlight Need for Vaccine Equity
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation this week that allows the state to spend $536 million dollars on wildfire prevention this year, but will it be enough? CalMatters’ Emily Hoeven joins Elizabeth and Nicole talk about the ongoing push for vaccine...
Will California’s wildfire prevention efforts be enough?
California is facing a drought again. Governor Gavin Newsom prepared for wildfire season by signing a deal to set aside $536 million for prevention efforts, including forest health maintenance and fuel breaks. CalMatters’ Emily Hoeven helps review...