California Policy Lab February 2022 Newsletter

San Francisco’s Make-it-Right Program Reduces Rearrests by 30%

New CPL research shows the results from a randomized control trial which found that youth who were given the opportunity to participate in the Make-it-Right restorative justice program had dramatically lower rearrest rates than the control group who faced traditional prosecution. Policy Brief

Challenges Faced by College Students in Accessing CalFresh Benefits

This policy brief shares the findings from interviews with students, basic need specialists, and local and state government representatives about the barriers college students face in obtaining CalFresh benefits. CPL is partnering with higher education systems and safety-net agencies to build a new data system focused on getting more students the support they need to thrive. Policy Brief

38% Drop in Entrances to California Since Start of Pandemic

CPL’s recent analysis found that every county in California has seen fewer people moving in (from other states) since the start of the pandemic and declines were especially steep in the Bay Area. Exits to other states also increased in eight out of nine economic regions in the state. Policy Brief

Recall, Re-Employment, and Industry Transitions During the Pandemic

This new report finds that workers who transitioned to new industries most often moved to an industry that required similar skills. For example, Accommodations & Food Services was the largest “receiver” of workers from the Retail Trade sector. Policy Report

Three New Positions

1) Research Associate, UC Berkeley

2) Data Analyst, UCLA

3) Director of Data Partnerships and Compliance, UCLA

Webinar: Tracking Re-Employment Patterns of Unemployed Workers During the Recovery (February 23, 12p)

Professor Till von Wachter, a co-author on CPL’s series of reports on the pandemic employment crisis, will be presenting. This one-hour webinar will include a focus on reemployment patterns during the recovery. Sponsored by the California Labor Lab. Sponsored by the California Labor Lab. Registration

Interview about Make-it-Right research

Alissa Skog, a co-author of the new policy brief, and Demarris Evans from the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, were interviewed about the findings and the impact of the program.

The most unusual job market in modern American history, explained

Article cites CPL’s December 2021 report, finding that 68% of California workers who were laid off in Q2 2020 and who returned to work went back to the same industry – as compared to 62% before the pandemic.

This District Attorney Is Fighting Crime — and Angering the Police (Op-Ed)

This Op-Ed cites a recently published CPL journal article focused on felony diversion programs in San Francisco and their impact on recidivism.

Fewer people moving to California, more leaving during the pandemic, study shows

Article cites CPL’s research which found fewer people have been moving into California since the start of the pandemic and that exits to other states have also increased.

Will worker shortage disrupt California homeless strategy?

Article quotes Earl Edwards, a co-author of CPL’s recent report focused on disparities in Black residents leaving Permanent Supportive Housing in Los Angeles and returning to interim housing or to street homelessness.

Pivoting During the Pandemic After Being Laid Off

Article cites CPL’s research showing that workers in low-wage industries typically transferred to other low-wage industries.