Kqeds The California Report

The Alisal Fire has burned more than 13,000 acres in Santa Barbara County. That’s prompted evacuation orders in rural areas and forced the shut down of parts of Highway 101. Reporter: Rachel Showalter, KCBX Los Angeles continues its push to dismantle large homeless encampments in the city and move people into temporary shelters. It's already happened in the city's Echo Park and Venice neighborhoods. Now, the unhoused who are living in a section of MacArthur Park west of downtown, will be required to move by the end of this week. Reporter: Saul Gonzalez, The California Report In the Coachella Valley, desert cities are passing laws restricting or banning short-term rentals. And that’s squeezing supply in the city of Palm Springs. Reporter: Benjamin Gottlieb, KCRW California’s committee on reparations met again Tuesday to discuss housing and environmental inequities that have specifically disadvantaged African Americans. The committee looked at how reparations could be given in the form of direct payments and

California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta and U.S. Senator Alex Padilla visited the site of the Orange County oil spill on Monday. Bonta has pledged to work with federal and local law enforcement to investigate the disaster. Reporter: Marisa Lagos, KQED So far, more than two dozen birds have been rescued by the Oiled Wildlife Care Network, which is leading recovery and rehabilitation efforts for wildlife impacted by the Orange County oil spill.  Pacific Gas & Electric has been blamed for numerous fires in recent years and the utility is mired in debt. Fire survivors have struggled to get any type of compensation from the company. But there's one group that has benefited from all of the pain -- Wall Street hedge funds. Guest: Lily Jamali, Former Co-Host, The California Report

City and state beaches are reopening in Huntington Beach after more than a thousand volunteers and workers continued with clean-up efforts over the weekend, following the recent oil spill. Investigators are looking into whether the pipeline in question may have been damaged far earlier than first thought. Homekey is the centerpiece of California’s multi-billion dollar plans to fight homelessness. Started last year, it focuses on turning old or underused businesses, especially motels, into permanent supportive housing for the homeless. But the program is also showing other benefits in some cities. Reporter: Saul Gonzalez, The California Report On Friday, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill requiring California high school students to take an ethnic studies class in order to graduate. The courses must be offered by the 2025-26 school year. Reporter: Katie Orr, KQED  A new law will afford tribes the same ambulance certification exemptions given to city and county fire departments. Previously, tribes had to j

Nearly a week after oil was first reported off the coast of Orange County, investigators still have not been able to determine exactly how much crude has spilled into the Pacific. Tar balls have been spotted further south in San Diego County, but it's unclear if they're from the oil spill. During the pandemic, people have taken up lots of new hobbies and activities. That includes yoga. And some yoga instructors have found ways to create culturally sensitive spaces for students of color, in an industry where many feel white westerners have co-opted the practice.  Reporter: Gabriella Frenes, The California Report  As COVID-19 cases decline in California, Los Angeles County health officials are encouraged by another metric -- more teenagers are getting vaccinated. In the past month, there was a 5% increase in Latino 12-15 year olds receiving the free shots. The percentage was similar for Native American children in the same age group, followed by Black children.  Reporter: Jackie Fortier, KPCC  Bay Area publi

The investigation continues into this past weekend’s oil spill off the coast of Orange County, with attention now focused on a cargo container vessel named “The Rotterdam Express.” The German-owned ship was anchored near the site of the oil spill for more than a week, before the pipeline owned by Amplify Energy ruptured. The Los Angeles City Council has passed an ordinance requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter many indoor businesses, city-owned buildings and large events. Reporter: Benjamin Gottlieb, KCRW As California’s drought persists, there’s once again attention on saving water and a renewed push to make our homes and gardens more water efficient. Reporter: Saul Gonzalez, The California Report

The Coast Guard says a section of the pipeline that ruptured off the coast of Orange County moved more than a hundred feet along the ocean floor. It’s still unclear what caused the rupture, as authorities have not been able to confirm reports that it may have been caused by a ship’s anchor. Southern California Congressman Mike Levin is renewing a call to pass his legislation, that would ban new offshore drilling off the coast of Southern California. He says the massive oil spill in Orange County is further evidence of the importance of the bill. Guest: Congressman Mike Levin, Representative for California's 49th District Governor Gavin Newsom was at a Fresno elementary school on Tuesday to sign historic education bills into law. One will expand free access to early Pre-K and fund a college savings account for low-income students.  Reporter: Soreath Hok, Valley Public Radio  In a split decision, a three judge panel on the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that California’s ban on private prisons a

There are growing questions about why the emergency response wasn’t faster to a massive oil spill in Orange County over the weekend. And an investigation into the pipeline’s rupture is also underway. The oil spill is also threatening to destroy ecologically sensitive marsh areas in Southern California. Wetlands in Huntington Beach, which have been carefully restored and maintained since the 1990s, are now inundated with oil, and they're critical for coastal life. Reporter: Jacob Margolis, KPCC Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill that aims to address racial health disparities for new moms of color and their babies.  Reporter: April Dembosky, KQED In response to an investigation by California public radio stations into the health risks from wildfire smoke, state and federal lawmakers plan to introduce legislation and hold at least one hearing on the topic. Reporter: Scott Rodd, CapRadio  

Crews are working to contain a massive oil spill off the coast of Huntington Beach. The oil spill has closed many beaches in the area, and environmental groups are working frantically to save wildlife that has been impacted by the spill. In surveys, half of Californians say they have to wait too long to see a mental health provider when they need one. A new bill currently on the governor’s desk would require health insurers to reduce those wait times to no more than 10 business days.  Reporter: April Dembosky, KQED  California’s statewide eviction moratorium has expired. And now many tenants are looking for rent relief and legal guidance.  Reporter: Molly Solomon, KQED 

California should see big changes in police practices and an increase in transparency and accountability for officer misconduct because of a set of bills signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. The laws include an expansion of police transparency, allowing public access to cases involving racial discrimination, unlawful arrests and excessive force by officers. Reporter: Alex Emslie, KQED This week, The California Report is losing a key member of our family, our team. Co-host Lily Jamali is moving onto exciting new challenges outside of KQED. Lily came to The California Report as co-host and reporter in mid-2018, and it’s overwhelming what she’s been able to accomplish these last three years. Reporter: Angela Corral The state’s eviction moratorium has expired. But applying for rent relief can still put off an eviction,at least for now.  Reporter: Erika Kelly, KQED  A prominent California lawyer who advised President Donald Trump on overturning election results is facing calls to be investigated -- and possibly dis

As part of our continuing investigation, “Dangerous Air,” NPR's California Newsroom found out how some Californians are coping with all the smoke created by wildfires in the state, and why the smoke hits some parts of California harder than others.  Reporter: Caleigh Wells, KCRW With so much social media inundated with vaccine misinformation, YouTube has announced it’s cracking down on it, again. The company said it would remove videos claiming that vaccines do not reduce rates of transmission or contraction of disease, and content that includes misinformation on the makeup of the vaccines.  Reporter: Rachael Myrow, KQED The L.A. City Council was supposed to vote on a sweeping municipal ordinance Wednesday that would require people to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination before entering many indoor public spaces. But the council had to delay action after one councilmember withheld his vote. Reporter: Benjamin Gottlieb, KCRW 

In the second part of NPR's California Newsroom investigation, Dirty Air, we traveled to rural Northern California. There's been a shocking increase in wildfire smoke, and unhealthy air recently in California, and it can be particularly damaging for children. Reporter: Farida Jhabvala Romero, KQED The KNP Complex Fire and Windy Fire continue to grow as they scorch parts of Sequoia National Park. Thousands of firefighters are battling challenging conditions, including steep and rugged terrain. During a contentious meeting, the San Diego Unified School District Board of Education unanimously approved a COVID-19 vaccination mandate for eligible students and staff. The plan calls for younger students to be vaccinated as well, once the vaccine is approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

An analysis by NPR’s California Newsroom of more than ten years of data found a tremendous spike in the amount of smoke we are breathing, from San Diego to the Oregon border, with disturbing health outcomes. In some parts of rural Northern California, people are living with unhealthy air months at a time. Reporter: Farida Jhabvala Romero, KQED  From now on, California voters will get a ballot in the mail, by default, in all future elections. It’s the result of a new law signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday.  Reporter: Guy Marzorati, KQED  A federal judge is ordering all state prison guards and other staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19, in order to enter any prison facility. Reporter: Alex Emslie, KQED

PG&E is facing manslaughter and other charges after its equipment started the 2020 Zogg Fire that killed four people and destroyed hundreds of homes. On Friday, Shasta County District Attorney Stephanie Bridgett announced 31 charges against the utility, saying it failed to perform its legal duties. Californians with the most basic homeowners insurance policies have long complained that when disasters strike, they just don't have enough coverage to pay for all of their expenses. But change is coming . Reporter: Saul Gonzalez, The California Report California’s groundbreaking task force on reparations for Black Californians wrapped up its latest meeting on Friday. The group is working on drafting a reparations proposal.  Reporter: Cristina Kim, KPBS  COVID-19 cases among young people were increasing last month as students started the school year. Cases have since declined, but even small COVID outbreaks at schools in the Central Valley are having major impacts on families in rural communities. Reporter: Madi

Now that it’s received approval from the Food and Drug Administration, and been endorsed by a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory panel, state health officials say they’re ready to give COVID-19 booster shots to anyone who’s eligible. Before it’s widely distributed, the efficacy of a third dose of the Pfizer vaccine still needs to be reviewed by the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup.  Movie fans will soon be able to enjoy a new museum in Los Angeles that is aimed specifically for them. The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures opens on Septemeber 30, and will provide guests with a rich, visual history of the filmmaking industry. Reporter: Saul Gonzalez, The California Report During a visit to the site of KNP Complex Fire in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a $15 billion climate package. But how will the money be spent? Reporter: Laura Klivans, KQED The KNP Complex Fire and Windy Fire are both burning in Sequoia National Park. Fire crews are t

While the Caldor Fire has destroyed more than a thousand buildings and continues to burn, communities around South Lake Tahoe mostly escaped the fire's destruction -- despite lying square in its path. That's thanks to firefighters, but also years of work preparing the forest. Reporter: Danielle Venton, KQED  Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 701. It’s a bill that requires warehouse operators to disclose more about the quotas and algorithms they use to squeeze more productivity out of workers, possibly creating more dangerous workplaces. Reporter: Rachael Myrow, KQED After a month and a half-long preliminary hearing, Paul and Ruben Flores will stand trial for crimes related to the disappearance and murder of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo student Kristin Smart, who went missing in 1996. Smart was never found and was declared legally dead in 2002.  Reporter: Rachel Showalter, KCBX 

In July, as a response to the worsening drought, Governor Gavin Newsom asked the people of California to voluntarily reduce their water use by 15%. But so far, Californians have only reduced water consumption by less than 2 %. Reporter: Ezra David Romero, KQED  Los Angeles County has two juvenile halls, but state officials say they’re both failing in their duties. The facilities are accused of treating the young people housed there so poorly, that within the next two months, they’ll have to either fix the way they operate, or remove juveniles from the detention centers all together.  Reporter: Tara Atrian, KCRW With extremely high COVID-19 hospitalization rates in the Central Valley, pediatricians are warning local doctors to be on the lookout for a related condition found in children who have been exposed to the virus. Cases of Multi Inflammatory Syndrome , or MIS-C tend to increase following a rise in COVID-19 cases. Reporter: Madi Bolanos, Valley Public Radio  Next year in Los Angeles, residents will el

In response to California's ongoing wildfires, State Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has issued an order requiring insurance companies with policy holders living in fire zones to keep people's policies in place and to honor insurance renewals. Guest: Ricardo Lara, California Insurance Commissioner The KNP Complex Fire burning in Sequoia National Park continues to threaten a grove of giant sequoias. That includes the General Sherman, considered one of the oldest and largest trees on earth.  Reporter: Soreath Hok, Valley Public Radio  Wildland firefighters accept risk when they head out to battle a blaze. But Cal Fire firefighters are getting sick, and some have even died, during training. Reporters: Jacob Margolis, KPCC and Brian Edwards, Columbia Journalism School The chair of the National Transportation Safety Board has told the Wall Street Journal that Tesla should address “basic safety issues” before offering its “full self-driving” package to more drivers.  Reporter: Rachael Myrow, KQED Bay Area A

Los Angeles County health officials have added in-home care workers to the list of high-risk health jobs that must get COVID-19 vaccines by the end of September. The move has emboldened advocacy groups, who are pushing to make it statewide. Reporter: Jackie Fortier, KPCC A statewide bill that aims to diversify California’s arts and culture workforce, and jobs that pay a living wage, has landed on the governor’s desk after winning near-unanimous support in the Assembly and Senate. The California Creative Workforce Act is the first of its kind in the country. Reporter: Chloe Veltman, KQED Pacific Gas & Electric says it’s possible that electricity continued to flow through a set of power lines for several hours after a tree fell into them and ignited the Dixie Fire. That’s according to court filings from the company. Reporter: Alex Emslie, KQED Labor unions made a massive effort to help Governor Gavin Newsom beat the recall and stay in office. Now, unions are expecting Newsom to show up for them. Reporter: K

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a package of bills aimed at boosting housing supplies across the state. One of them, SB 9, would increase density and affordable housing options in neighborhoods dominated by single family homes.  Reporter: Erika Kelly, KQED California health officials are now requiring that people who work in high risk medical settings be fully immunized against COVID-19. That includes employees of hospitals, nursing homes and doctors’ offices, but it doesn’t include care workers in private homes. Reporter: Jackie Fortier, KPCC  An FDA committee is meeting Friday to decide whether to recommend booster shots for seniors and the general public. As of mid-August, 119,000 Californians have gotten booster shots, according to records that KQED News requested from California’s Public Health Department.  Reporter: Raquel Maria Dillon, KQED Governor Newsom will soon get a chance to make his second appointment to the California Supreme Court. That's because Associate Justice Mariano-Florentino Cuell

California Democrats are looking into reforming the recall process less than 24 hours after Governor Gavin Newsom survived an effort to remove him from office. Both the Senate and the Assembly will hold hearings in the coming months to explore possible reforms. Reporter: Katie Orr, KQED Governor Newsom has until October 10 to decide whether to sign a bill that softens production quotas for warehouse workers. AB 701 is widely seen as targeted at Amazon, which runs more than 60 warehouses across the state.  Reporter: Rachael Myrow, KQED  A new health order in Los Angeles County would require proof of vaccination for COVID-19 at indoor bars, wineries, breweries, nightclubs and lounges. It would also encompass large outdoor events and theme parks. Fire crews are ramping up the battle against the so-called KNP Complex Fire threatening Sequoia National Park. The fire is moving closer to an iconic grove of giant sequoias, some of which are more than 2,000 years old.  Reporter: Alex Hall, The California Report As