Veteran Journalist Daniel Weintraub Launches HealthyCal.org

SACRAMENTO, Feb. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Veteran political reporter, columnist and public policy expert Daniel Weintraub has added a new line to his resume – webmaster – with the launch of HealthyCal.org, a new website designed to add a human perspective to the ongoing political dialogue surrounding California health care, environmental issues and the health of our communities.

"This is something new," said Weintraub, the site's founder and editor. "There are other sites and blogs discussing public policy and health care, but HealthyCal.org is the first serious attempt to connect the people being served -- the community -- with the people making the decisions. It breaks down barriers," Weintraub said.

HealthyCal.org isn't just a link aggregator. The site features a number of exclusive features, including, original reporting from communities around California, an active public forum, expert commentary from a diverse array of individuals and Weintraub's new public policy blog, "California Health Report."

Another section of the site, the "Community Report," features articles by freelance and citizen journalists discussing local issues. From gun violence in Richmond to the lack of healthy, fresh food alternatives in South Sacramento, "Community Report" provides a gripping, personal perspective on challenges facing California's communities.

Registered users will also be eligible to receive an online newsletter that recaps and analyzes the week's biggest stories and participate in monthly conference calls with Weintraub and prominent guest speakers. Site registration is fast, non-intrusive and free.

"HealthyCal.org won't just cover health care," said Weintraub. "Our readers will find coverage and commentary on land-use, environmental policy, urban economics, criminal justice and all the other issues that affect the health of our communities."

HealthyCal.org is an independent web site created with initial funding from the California Endowment.

"California has long needed a place like HealthyCal.org that brings together health policy issues with the concerns of communities whose everyday lives are greatly affected by decisions that are made in Sacramento," said Daniel Zingale, The Endowment's Senior Vice President, Healthy California.  "Under the leadership of respected journalist Dan Weintraub, HealthyCal.org will be a "must read" website for health policymakers throughout the state and shine a spotlight on the many ways that community health is affected by state laws and practices."

A career journalist, Weintraub has reported on California and public policy for the Los Angeles Times, Orange County Register and Sacramento Bee. He was the first political columnist in California to create a blog, authored a biography of Arnold Schwarzenegger and hosted "The Conversation" in the Bee's Sunday Forum section. Weintraub currently writes for the New York Times.

The California Endowment, a private, statewide health foundation, was established in 1996 to expand access to affordable, quality health care for underserved individuals and communities, and to promote fundamental improvements in the health status of all Californians. The Endowment makes grants to organizations and institutions that directly benefit the health and well-being of the people of California. To date, The Endowment has awarded over 11,000 grants across California totaling more than $2 billion. For more information, visit The Endowment's Web site at www.calendow.org.

SOURCE HealthyCal.org