California is a land of glittering wealth and grinding poverty. Its residents struggle with soaring housing costs, job displacement and a divide over liberal policies that are boiling over into the November election, leaving California at a crossroads. Here are the stories The Associated Press is planning. All times EDT:
WEDNESDAY, Oct. 17:
CALIFORNIA AT A CROSSROADS-CHANGING ORANGE COUNTY (Moved)
Mostly white conservatives in California's Orange County delivered winning margins for Republican candidates for years. But the Latino and Asian population has doubled, and many are looking to Democrats for leadership. A Hispanic Democrat and an Asian-immigrant Republican are dueling for an open congressional seat in November, underscoring demographic shifts reshaping politics across California and the nation. Democrats are trying to flip as many as four GOP-held seats in the Southern California county in their bid to control the House. By Michael Blood. UPCOMING: 1,000 words, photos, video by 2 a.m.
With:
— CALIFORNIA AT A CROSSROADS-CHANGING ORANGE COUNTY-CANDIDATES — Short profiles of the diverse candidates running in Orange County. UPCOMING: 400 words by 2 a.m. (moved)
THURSDAY, Oct. 18:
CALIFORNIA AT A CROSSROADS-HOUSING WOES
Few cities exemplify California's housing crisis better than Salinas, an hour's drive from Silicon Valley and surrounded by farm fields. It's one of America's most unaffordable places to live, and many residents believe politicians lack a grip on the reality of the region's housing crisis. Some hope a November ballot measure on rent control provides relief. By Kathleen Ronayne. UPCOMING: 1,300 words, photos, graphic by 2 a.m.
With:
CALIFORNIA AT A CROSSROADS-HOUSING WOES-ABRIDGED — UPCOMING: 800 words by 2 a.m.
CALIFORNIA AT A CROSSROADS-HOUSING WOES-GLANCE — A look at some key information about Salinas. UPCOMING: 350 words by 2 a.m.
FRIDAY, Oct. 19:
CALIFORNIA AT A CROSSROADS-POVERTY
Halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco is a part of California where work is often done by hand in fields and people scrape to get by. In tiny towns like Huron, many are more concerned about putting food on the table than taking part in politics this November while others are unable to vote because they're in the country illegally. It means low voter turnout that's helped Republicans hold on to congressional seats despite a Democratic voter registration advantage in the farm region. By Brian Melley. UPCOMING: 1,300 words, photos, video by 2 a.m.
With:
CALIFORNIA AT A CROSSROADS-POVERTY-ABRIDGED — UPCOMING: 800 words by 2 a.m.
CALIFORNIA AT A CROSSROADS-POVERTY-MAYOR — A look at the mayor of Huron, who grew up in the impoverished town, left to attend a prestigious university and came back to lead his hometown. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos by 2 a.m.
SATURDAY, Oct. 20
CALIFORNIA AT A CROSSROADS-NEVADA ANGST
The Republicans running in Nevada's hotly contested races for governor and U.S. Senate are taking aim at a common target: California. As more Californians have poured in to Nevada, Republicans fear a state that already has become a political battleground will begin to resemble its deep blue neighbor. By Michelle L. Price. UPCOMING: 1,000 words, photos by 11 a.m.
With:
CALIFORNIA AT A CROSSROADS-NEVADA ANGST-RENO HOUSING
Dozens of motor lodges in downtown Reno that provided vacation retreats for middle-class tourists in the 1950s are becoming the last stop before homelessness for those who can't afford anyplace else. Californians have poured in to Reno for more affordable housing and to work at outposts for Tesla, Google and Apple. But with the flood of people has brought the housing problems that have long tormented California. By Scott Sonner. UPCOMING: 1,000 words, photos by 11 a.m.
