California Weekly Roundup: MAHA Derides Anxiety Treatments

Plus: Kaiser Permanente strike ends; student homelessness; mumps exposure; disability services; nitrous oxide ban proposed; social media restrictions for teens; and more ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­  

Not a subscriber? Sign Up Wednesday, February 25, 2026 Visit KFF Health News for the latest California headlines California Weekly Roundup THIS WEEK'S FEATURE As More Americans Embrace Anxiety Treatment, MAHA Derides Medications (JACKIE MOLLOY FOR KFF HEALTH NEWS) By Phillip Reese   After a grueling year of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation to treat breast cancer, Sadia Zapp was anxious — not the manageable hum that had long been part of her life, but something deeper, more distracting.   "Every little ache, like my knee hurts," she said, made her worry that "this is the end of the road for me."   So Zapp, a 40-year-old communications director in New York, became one of millions of Americans to start taking an anxiety medication in recent years. For her, it was the serotonin-boosting drug Lexapro.   "I love it. It's been great," she said. "It's really helped me manage."   The proportion of American adults who took anxiety medications jumped from 11.7% in 2019 to 14.3% in 2024, with most of the increase occurring during the covid pandemic, according to survey data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That's 8 million more people, bringing the total to roughly 38 million, with sharp increases among young adults, people with a college degree, and adults who identify as LGBTQ+.   Even as psychiatric medications gain public acceptance and become easier to access through telehealth appointments, the rise of a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, known as SSRIs, has triggered a backlash from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other supporters of the "Make America Healthy Again" movement who argue they are harmful.   For many people, however, the side effects are mild and tolerable and the benefits of treating chronic anxiety are worth it, said Patrick Kelly, president of the Southern California Psychiatric Society. "The statements about SSRIs were just not grounded in any sort of evidence or fact," Kelly said of Kennedy's comments.   Read the full story. Follow us online for more KFF Health News coverage: Top Health Headlines From Around California Health Industry KQED: Widespread Kaiser Strike Ends After 4 Weeks With No Full Deal Yet A four-week strike by thousands of Kaiser Permanente health care workers in California and Hawaii ended Tuesday morning. (Romero, 2/24)   San Francisco Examiner: Mental Health Care Workers Authorize Strike Against Kaiser  Kaiser Permanente mental-health workers voted over the weekend to authorize a one-day strike over alleged unfair labor practices. The strike date will likely be announced sometime next week. (Gurevich, 2/24)   The San Diego Union-Tribune: Thousands Of Seniors In San Diego County Forced To Find New Doctors  Changes to SCAN health plan offerings affect many who were forced to leave Scripps in 2023 when the provider pulled its main medical groups out of the Medicare Advantage program. (Sisson, 2/22)   Los Angeles Daily News: Cities Gearing Up For A Fight Against LA County's One-Half Cent Healthcare Sales Tax There will be a battle over a half-cent sales tax measure for LA County voters in June, but you may be surprised who is against it. (Scauzillo, 2/20)   Los Angeles Blade: Where Medicine Meets Dignity: Be Well Medical Group Founder Isaac Berlin Is Here And Queer To Serve The Community As the founder of Be Well Medical Group, Berlin has made it his goal to ensure that "safe and affirming" isn't just a catchphrase for PR but an actual experience where patients are met with evidence-based care and genuine respect in equal measure. (Sloan, 2/23) Homelessness San Francisco Chronicle: Former S.F. Nonprofit CEO Misspent $1.2 Million, Collected Hidden 'Double Salary,' DA Says The former chief executive of a major San Francisco homeless services provider is facing charges for allegedly misappropriating at least $1.2 million in public funds, some of which appeared to bankroll her luxury lifestyle, prosecutors said Monday. (Barba, 2/23)   Sacramento Bee: Elk Grove Homeless Shelter Could Cost Up To $350K Per Bed  Elk Grove is spending up to $350,000 per bed to build a new homeless shelter — a decision that homeless activists said could be better spent on permanent housing. (Dadey and Clift, 2/25)   CalMatters: 1 In 10 Cal State Students Face Homelessness. This Emergency Housing Program Helps  Rapid Rehousing has helped thousands of students who are either homeless or housing insecure, such as one student who was sleeping in a garage. (Khan, 2/24)   Los Angeles Times: L.A. Wanted To Dismantle Homeless RVs. A Judge Just Shut That Down  An attorney for a group of homeless advocates said city leaders have a pattern of making decisions that are "patently illegal." (Zahniser, 2/22)   San Francisco Chronicle: Boston Is Turning Empty Office Buildings Into 1,500 Homes. Why Can't San Francisco? Boston is turning empty office buildings into 1,500 new homes since 2023. Meanwhile, San Francisco has zero conversions done. (Dineen, 2/23) Public Health The Sacramento Bee: California Sues HHS Over Rollback Of Childhood Vaccines  The suit names Acting CDC Director Jim O'Neill and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as defendants. (Russell, 2/24)   Berkeleyside: Possible Mumps Exposure At 2 Berkeley Schools, But City Says Risk Of Community Transmission Is 'Very Low' People at Berkeley High and Sylvia Mendez Elementary were possibly exposed to mumps but the risk of community transmission is "very low," according to letters sent Friday afternoon by school leaders and the city's health officer. (Arredondo, 2/19)   San Francisco Chronicle: SF Bay Area Regulators Issue $10 Million Penalty Against Refinery An East Bay refinery will pay $10 million to settle allegations stemming from more than 100 notices of environmental violations over four years, including multiple releases of harmful dust that blanketed nearby properties. (Park, 2/23)   The San Diego Union-Tribune: State Appeals Court Rejects Asbestos Lawsuit By San Diego City Workers  The judges said any damages should be pursued through the state workers' compensation program. (McDonald, 2/23)   USA Today: Are Forever Chemicals In Your Drinking Water? Check Tulare County EPA Data Here Toxic forever chemicals have recently tested above EPA limits in over 1,050 cities, including several in Tulare County. Check your drinking water on our map. (Fast, 2/24)   CBS Sacramento: Rain Forces Delays As Cleanup Continues After Yuba County Pipeline Failure Nearly two weeks after a major pipeline failure at the Colgate Powerhouse in Northern California's Yuba County, the weather has been making things even more difficult. (Moeller, 2/24) Special Needs and Disabilities Los Angeles Times: San Diego Teachers Cancel Strike After District Agrees To Address Special Education Needs San Diego teachers canceled their planned Feb. 26 strike after reaching a tentative agreement with the San Diego Unified School District to increase special education staffing, provide additional teacher support and stipends, and secure future pay raises pending restoration of state funding. (Brennan, 2/24)   CalMatters: CA Parents Push To Expand Disability Services At Regional Centers Their children suffered brain injuries as young adults. California's network of regional centers, serving people with developmental disabilities, wouldn't help. (Ibarra, 2/24)   Los Angeles Times: Autism Training For Law Enforcement Aims To Prevent Tragic Outcomes  In a room filled with pounding noises and clanging cowbells, L.A. County deputies learn that sometimes the best way to handle a crisis is to simply wait. (Putill, 2/24) Substance Use San Francisco Chronicle: San Francisco Lawmaker Pushes Ban On Nitrous Oxide Sales If such a ban becomes law, S.F. could join other cities and counties in California that prohibit retail sales, such as San Mateo, San Jose and Santa Cruz. (Park and McFadden, 2/24)   Voice of OC: More Orange County Cities Eye Kratom Bans A couple more Orange County cities could be joining the growing list of cities restricting kratom amid state and county bans and crackdowns being introduced. (King, 2/19)   Los Angeles Times: Soon After Giving Narcan To Suspect, CHP Officer Died From Ingesting Fentanyl  The cause of death for CHP Officer Miguel Cano was revealed to be an accident due to fentanyl. (Harter, 2/24) Other California News Politico: Exclusive: Newsom Backs Social Media Restrictions For Teens Under 16 Gov. Gavin Newsom stepped into the fight over age limits on social media Thursday, saying he wants state legislation that would restrict access to the powerful online platforms for teens under 16. (Katzenberger and Mui, 2/19)   AP: California Program Sends Birthday Cards To Babies Treated For Botulism  The California program that identifies and treats cases of dangerous infant botulism also comforts families by sending silly cards on their babies' first birthdays. (Aleccia, 2/24)   Los Angeles Times: California Serial Child Molester Granted Parole. Victims Are Outraged David Allen Funston approached children playing outside their homes in the Sacramento suburbs and used candy and toys to lure them into his vehicle in 1995 and 1996, prosecutors said. (Harter, 2/22)   Bay Area News Group: As Costs Balloon, 'Diaper Insecurity' Is A Growing Problem For Parents. A New California Program Is Offering Free Diapers To Help Them. "Anyone who has had to buy a seemingly endless supply of diapers and wipes knows how quickly the costs add up," California Attorney General Rob Bonta said at a launch event in Oakland. "Unfortunately, our federal administration is failing in that regard. It's actively working to make life harder and more expensive for families." (Hunter, 2/23)   Marin Independent Journal: Mill Valley Church Plans Program For Dementia Patients The initiative at Mt. Tamalpais United Methodist Church is intended to both help elder residents and relieve caregivers. (Rosenfeld, 2/23) This Week's 'KFF Health News Minute' Some health systems are using AI tools to help patients get primary care, and the Trump administration's new data-sharing rules make going to the hospital more dangerous for people without legal status. 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