KQED's The California Report
KQED's statewide radio news program, providing daily coverage of issues, trends, and public policy decisions affecting California and its diverse population.
Oakland Airport Worker Says Workers' Comp System Failing Her
Workers’ compensation benefits are intended to help people injured on the job. But sometimes, they fall through the cracks.
Reporter: Farida Jhabvala Romero, KQED
California civil rights leaders are expressing relief and gratitude. That’s after the Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that all children born on US soil are US citizens, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.
Reporter: Tyche Hendricks, KQED
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Supreme Court Upholds Birthright Citizenship
The Supreme Court upheld equal citizenship for all born on American soil Tuesday, in a landmark victory for the country’s immigrant communities.
Guest: Kevin Johnson, UC Davis Law Professor
The Humboldt County Sheriff says the rescue at the center of a multiagency investigation into potential fraud and animal abuse will stay open for now, even though the remains of more than 117 dogs were found on the property.
Reporter: Sukey Lewis, KQED
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Federal Policy Change Leaves Immigrant Youth Without Protections
Search and rescue crews from Los Angeles have arrived in Venezuela to help after two massive earthquakes devastated large swaths of the Northern part of the country last week.
Reporter: Keith Mizuguchi, KQED
Dilapidated mobile home parks across the state are getting revamped…thanks to a state program that launched a few years ago.
Reporter: Ben Christopher, CalMatters
President Trump’s second term in office has been marked by a crackdown on immigration. Now, the government has ended a program that protected some kids from depo...
Older Adults Reaping the Benefits of Going Back to Class
Although “students” are typically thought of as young people enrolled in K through 12 schools or college…many people over 64 also make up the student population in the San Joaquin Valley. And they’re still reaping the benefits of learning…physically and emotionally.
Reporter: Rachel Livinal, KVPR
California voters will decide on 14 state ballot measures this November. That includes a controversial wealth tax on California billionaires that remains on the ballot after yesterday's deadline despite a flurry of negotiations.
Reporter: Guy Marzorati, KQED
Senator Alex Padilla is launchi...
Officers Disciplined for Biased Conduct, but They Rarely Lost Their Jobs
A new investigation reveals how California law enforcement agencies disciplined about 150 officers, who used racial slurs and acted in other prejudiced ways, and in many cases, officers kept their jobs.
Guests: Emily Zentner, California Newsroom and Lisa Pickoff-White, UC Berkeley's Investigative Reporting Program
The Trump Administration is taking another step toward restarting oil and gas development on federal lands in California.
Reporter: Gabriela Fernandez, KCBX
The Los Angeles Unified School Board voted unanimously Wednesday to appoint Andrés Chait as superintendent.
L...
How Chinese Immigrants From San Francisco Helped Establish Birthright Citizenship
The Supreme Court is expected to hand down its highly anticipated ruling on birthright citizenship in the coming days. The decision arrives as the nation prepares to mark its 250th anniversary. And it highlights a legacy of Chinese immigrants, and the role they played in building American democracy.
Reporter: Cecilia Lei, KQED
A federal judge in San Jose has ruled that it’s illegal for immigration officers to arrest people at courthouses.
Reporter: Tyche Hendricks, KQED
A major earthquake in Southern California is more likely th...
California Labeling Bill Could Help Increase Demand for Local Wine Grapes
Americans are drinking less wine, but growers say there’s another reason demand is down for California grapes. It’s a law that allows U.S. wineries to include cheaper imported wines in products labeled as American. On Tuesday, the State Senate will vote on a bill sponsored by California grape growers that aims to close that international blending loophole.
Reporter: Tina Caputo
California is suing the Trump administration over its latest attempt to undo Clean Air Act waivers, which govern many of the state's auto emission standards.
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More and More Communities Speaking Out in Opposition of Data Centers
In Monterey Park, which is east of Los Angeles, the city made history when it became the first to ban data centers earlier this month. But it’s likely not the last, as data center fights are erupting across California.
Reporter: Anthony Victoria, KVCR
Firefighters have made significant progress in the warehouse fire that has been burning for several days in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles.
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Advocates Continue Fight for Reparations in California
On this Juneteenth holiday, we’re taking a closer look at the reparations movement here in California. The state has been at the forefront of efforts to atone for state-inflicted harms from slavery to the present day. But some of that momentum stalled last year after Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a handful of reparations-related bills.
Guest: Kristin Nimmers, California Black Power Network
California lawmakers included one year of funding in the state budget to keep alive a federal program many small farmers and food banks rely on. The Local Food Purchase Assistance Pr...
Family Medicine Doctors Help Provide Maternity Care in South Monterey County
Over the past decade, dozens of maternity wards have shut down across California, and that raises risks for pregnant patients. At one rural Monterey County hospital, family medicine doctors are stepping in to help fill the gaps in service.
Reporter: Ngozi Cole, KAZU
A controversial proposal to tax California billionaires has qualified for the November ballot.
In Orange County, workers earning six figures can now qualify for low-income housing.
Reporter: David Wagner, LAist
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Latino Winemakers Bring New Life to Sonoma County Industry
It’s been a tough time for the California wine industry because alcohol sales are dropping. But a growing number of Latino winemakers in Sonoma County hope to turn that tide.
Reporter: Shandra Back, KRCB
California lawmakers adopted a state budget on Monday. The legislature’s spending plan pushes back on some of Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed cuts.
Reporter: Laura Fitzgerald, CapRadio
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Can Controlled Burns Help With California's Air Pollution?
A new study in the journal Science finds that annual prescribed burning could substantially reduce smoke pollution during California’s worst wildfire years.
Reporter: Danielle Venton, KQED
Eight people are dead after a military plane crashed on Monday shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in the Mojave Desert.
An Imperial Valley data center developer has filed a lawsuit seeking access to water from the Colorado River.
Reporter: Kori Suzuki, KPBS
A migrant from Belize, who was leading a hu...
How Iranian Americans Feel About Iran in the World Cup
The state legislature is expected to vote today on a budget plan that rejects some of the health care cuts proposed by Governor Gavin Newsom.
Reporter: Guy Marzorati, KQED
California Democrats are urging the Trump administration to release millions in transportation funds it withheld in a dispute over drivers licenses for immigrant truckers.
Reporter: Tyche Hendricks, KQED
Iran’s men’s soccer team is scheduled to play its first match in this year’s World Cup this evening in Inglewood. But many members of the Irania...
Former USMNT Player on How the '94 World Cup Popularized U.S. Soccer
This week, the FBI served a search warrant at the GKN Aerospace plant in Orange County. That’s the facility where a near-explosion triggered an evacuation of more than 50-thousand residents last month.
Reporter: Molly Peterson, CalMatters
The California Department of Fish & Wildlife is celebrating the survival of five rehabilitated bear cubs. CDFW says the orphaned black bears were released last November and have successfully hibernated through the winter and returned healthy and active.
Reporter: Chris Felts, CapRadio
The U-S Men’s Soccer Team takes the field Friday even...
How Young Progressive Candidates Challenged the Democratic Establishment
In California’s congressional primaries, a slate of younger, often progressive, Democrats challenged some of their party’s aging incumbents…testing voters’ appetite for generational change.
Reporter: Izzy Bloom, KQED
Reports of medical neglect in immigration detention are rampant – and deaths are rising. And when sick or injured detainees do get to an outside hospital, many say their care is still compromised.
Reporter: Tyche Hendricks, KQED
Two of California’s largest courts are testing an AI tool that can do a lot of the same work as a legal assistant. Right now, judges...
Republican Steve Hilton Advances to November General Election, Beating Out Democrat Tom Steyer
Millions of Californians who buy their own health insurance on Covered California are struggling to keep up with the cost. Now, Governor Gavin Newsom wants the state to chip in, and pay a bigger share of their monthly premiums.
Reporter: Jackie Fortier, KFF Health News
Republican Steve Hilton is advancing to the general election for California governor, edging out Democrat Tom Steyer for the second spot in the November race.
Reporter: Guy Marzorati, KQED
The White House is appealing a judge’s de...
Immigration Attorneys, Sacramento Advocates Concerned About New ‘Mega Master’ Immigration Hearings
It's been one week since California's primary Election Day and a handful of closely watched races are still up for grabs.
Imperial Valley voters have rejected a controversial candidate for the Imperial Irrigation District, the region’s powerful water and power agency. Carlos Duran’s campaign was backed by a Southern California data center developer.
Reporter: Kori Suzuki, KPBS
Immigration courts across the country are using a new tactic to expedite hearings, which advocates say could lead to more deportation orders. Reporter: Gerardo Zavala, CapRadio
Scientists Warn of Double Threat to Marine Sea Life
California scientists are nervous about the fate of sea life, which could face a double whammy of warming water later this year. Coastal waters have already warmed during an ongoing marine heat wave and could warm further if a potential super El Niño materializes.
Reporter: Ezra David Romero, KQED
Hundreds of residents of Orange Cove in rural, eastern Fresno County are speaking out against a clean energy trial that city leaders agreed to.
Reporter: Marek Warszawski, KVPR
It's been nearly a week since California's primary e...
In Santa Cruz, Cannabis Culture Faces Challenges From Increased Regulations
Cannabis businesses say California’s weed regulations are hurting the industry, but public health groups are pushing back, saying regulators are leaving protections for youth on the table. In Santa Cruz, known for its cannabis culture, the city says keeping both groups happy is an ongoing challenge.
Reporter: Alonso Daboub, KQED
New data shows cuts to Medi-Cal — the state’s Medicaid program — are taking a steep toll on California’s once-celebrated “Health Care for All” movement.
Reporter: Salina Arredondo, Public Health Watch
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Drone Testing in Yolo County Part of Big Plans to Expand Delivery Service
San Francisco drone delivery company Zipline hopes to one day fly your burrito — and other consumer goods — right to your front porch. It’s already doing so in Dallas and elsewhere across the country. But before it can expand, Zipline’s drones are flying thousands of test missions above a serene Yolo County cattle ranch near Esparto.
Reporter: Chris Nichols, CapRadio
San Diego is exploring selling its Colorado River water to other states that need it. Desalinated seawater is making it possible.
Reporter: Katie Anastas, KPBS
Voters...
Race Too Close to Call for California Governor
The California's governor's race remains too close to call. Republican Steve Hilton currently leads the pack, but is closely followed by Democrat Xavier Becerra. Fellow Democrat Tom Steyer is sitting in third but still has a chance to overtake one of the two other candidates, with millions of ballots left to be counted.
Guest: Guy Marzorati, KQED
We already know the two candidates advancing to several congressional races here in California. But others are still very much up for grabs.
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Voters Take to the Polls on Primary Election Day
It's election day. And California's first truly open governor's race in decades has sparked a lot of speculation, including early fears that the state's top-two primary system could leave Democrats shut out of the general election entirely. But that scenario is looking far less likely.
Guest: Marisa Lagos, KQED
About 150 immigrants detained at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center are on their 11th day of a hunger strike. Members of Congress toured the facility Monday to seek answers.
Reporter: Anthony Victoria, KVCR
Authorities say a months-long...
New Congressional Maps Mean Longtime Democrat Has to Appeal to New Voters
California voters passed Prop 50 last year to flip some congressional seats in favor of Democrats. That means one of the most progressive Democrats in congress will now have to make a case to some of the most conservative voters.
Reporter: Roman Battaglia, Jefferson Public Radio
In a controversial move, state regulators have approved major changes to a key state climate program. California’s Air Resources Board voted Friday to create a $4 billion fund for big polluters to invest in decarbonization projects.
1,037 people donning white halter dresses and pl...
Two Democrats Battling to Unseat Longtime Central Valley Congressman
One of the most competitive primary races for Congress right now is a swing district in the Central Valley. Democrats there are hoping to flip a seat long held by Republican David Valadao. But first they need a nominee. With just days until the primary , the party’s two candidates in the 22nd Congressional District are competing for who can appeal to the most voters - as the national Democratic Party contemplates its own identity.
Reporter: Kerry Klein, KVPR
California is rolling out first-of-its-kind regulations pushing manufactures to cut plastic pollution. One of...
California's 3rd Congressional District Race Pits Longtime Politician Against Progressive Newcomer
This week, we’ve been looking at the rise of "generational change candidates" in Democratic primaries. That's a politician who has positioned themselves as a fresh, modern alternative to long-term incumbents. Think passing the torch to Millennials or Gen Zers who are more focused on climate and health care for all. Well, Prop 50, the ballot measure voters passed in November. has opened up an opportunity for one of those change candidates to emerge in the race for Congressional District 3, which stretches from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe.
Reporter: Laura Fitzgerald, CapRadio
A new po...
Progressive Candidates in San Francisco, Los Angeles Look to Shake Up Races
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has become the darling of progressives with his populist platform and his ability to connect with young voters. Here in California, two candidates are trying to take a similar message to voters - in the San Francisco race to replace Nancy Pelosi and the Los Angeles Mayor's race.
Reporters: Sydney Johnson, KQED and Frank Stoltze, LAist
All evacuation orders have been lifted in Orange County after authorities determined that there was no further danger of an explosion, chemical leak or fire at an aerospace manufacturing plant...
Young Progressive Candidates Look for Change of Guard in CA Congressional Races
We're just a week away from the June 2 primary and in California, several younger, more progressive-leaning candidates are looking to replace longtime incumbents. Two congressional races are highlighting this potential "generational change"- the District 7 race pitting Doris Matsui against challenger Mai Vang and the 32nd Congressional District with incumbent Brad Sherman facing off against Jake Levine.
Guest: Maya Miller, CalMatters
Evacuation orders have been lifted for more than 30,000 Orange County residents who were ordered to leave their home, over concerns a damaged chemical tank in Garden Grove might explode. Many who...
Fire Officials Rule Out Threat of Explosion From Damaged OC Chemical Tank
Some good news from Orange County, as fire officials have ruled out the possibility that a damaged chemical tank will explode. About 50,000 people remain under evacuation orders in Orange County, and several shelters have quickly filled up. It's unclear when evacuees might be able to return home.
Reporter: Chelsea Kurnick A young boxer from the remote Fresno County town of Huron won bronze in her weight class in the national Golden Gloves tournament in Tulsa, Oklahoma this month. To get there, she had to win the California Golden Gloves State Championship in Pasadena in April. But her...
California Gubernatorial Candidates Try to Distinguish Themselves on Housing Policies
In California's crowded race for governor, almost every candidate has made housing affordability a central part of their campaign. While the candidates have varied approaches on this issue, and there's a lot they agree on, there are also some key differences.
Guest: Adhiti Bandlamudi, KQED
Data centers are expanding into water-stressed communities across California, like the Imperial Valley. At the same time, data center operators are using loopholes to hide how much water these facilities are using. These findings are from a new report backed by Santa Clara University and the think...
California Students Left in Dark Trying to Contact Relatives in Iran
For the past four months, many people with friends and family in Iran haven't known if their loved ones are safe. The Iranian government cut off internet access inside the country on January 8 amid widespread protests. There were moments in the weeks that followed when Iranians could access the outside world. But when the U.S. and Israel attacked the country in late February, the blackout resumed. Now, despite the fragile ceasefire, many Americans of Iranian descent are left in limbo, including students at UC Santa Cruz.
Reporter: Elena Neale-Sacks, KAZU
The Fi...
Can Gubernatorial Candidates Make California a More Affordable Place to Live?
The crowded field of candidates running for governor in the June 2 primary all agree on one thing — the need to make California a more affordable place to live. Prices for housing, electricity and gas here remain far above the national average. But it could be a challenge for any of the candidates to deliver on affordability.
Reporter: Guy Marzorati, KQED
The Muslim community is mourning the death of three men who were killed in a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday.
Reporter: Katie Anastas, KPBS
...
Deadly Shooting at Islamic Center of San Diego Investigated as Hate Crime
Five people are dead including two suspected gunmen after a shooting at San Diego's largest mosque. The shooting is being investigated as a hate crime.
This week we’ve been taking a look at PG&E. On Monday, we talked about the utility's efforts to keep its Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant open. Today, we’re looking at their political spending.
Reporter: Guy Marzorati, KQED
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There's Growing Local Support for Extending Life of Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant
Nuclear advocates are pushing to keep Diablo Canyon – California’s only running nuclear power plant – open even longer than planned. The plant passed its final hurdle to run until 2030 last month, but legislators are talking about extending that expiration date even further.
Guest: Laura Klivans, KQED
While lawmakers debate how long Diablo Canyon should stay open, local support for the nuclear plant is growing.
Reporter: Kendra Hanna
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Why Gas Prices Could Rise Even Further in California
Six weeks. That's how long state officials say California has until it runs out of a stable supply of gasoline. After that, the supply picture gets a little murky. With the Iran War now in its third month and gas averaging more than $6 a gallon, the state is racing to lock in long-term deals with overseas refiners before that window closes. It's a crisis that's also exposing the tensions in California's long push away from fossil fuels.
Guest: Alejandro Lazo, CalMatters
Governor Gavin Newsom is pushing for a November ballot measure to stash more of...
Stonecutters Who Can't Work Struggle Through Workers' Compensation Process
Hundreds of Californians who make countertops are getting sick with an often deadly, job-related lung disease. Those who can no longer work because of it are often left struggling to make ends meet, even after pursuing benefits that are supposed to help them long term.
Reporter: Farida Jhabvala Romero, KQED
State health officials have identified another California resident who has been exposed to the deadly hantavirus strain.
State lawmakers have a new report on how California can better avoid - or recover from - wildfires and other...
Chad Bianco Wants Changes in Sacramento in Run for Governor
In the crowded field of mostly Democratic candidates vying to be California’s next governor, one MAGA Republican has had surprising staying power. That’s Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco. He’s recently been in national headlines for seizing hundreds of thousands of ballots, among other controversies. Bianco has built his profile on bashing the state’s Democrats and Governor Gavin Newsom.
Reporter: Madison Aument, KVCR
The World Cup is officially one month away. And some LA advocates aren’t happy about how organizers plan to address human rights.
Reporter: Libby Rain...
How CA Disciplines Teachers Accused of Sexual Harassment
Driven by concerns that Democrats could be locked out of this year's governor's race, a new ballot initiative seeks to repeal California’s top-two primary system.
Reporter: Izzy Bloom, KQED
State lawmakers are considering a bill that would require California’s DMV to notify vehicle owners when their towed cars are sold for profit.
Reporter: Byrhonda Lyons, CalMatters
An investigation from KQED and ProPublica's Local Reporting Network found dozens of cases where California has not revoked educators’ teaching credentials, despite schools determining they committed sexual harassment or misconduct of a sexual nature...
Preschools Struggle As Transitional Kindergarten Grows
Several state bills pending in Sacramento this week seek more guardrails on Artificial Intelligence in the workplace.
Reporter: Farida Jhabvala Romero, KQED
A proposed state budget change could stall the program that sends behavioral health workers — instead of police — to respond to mental health emergencies.
Reporter: Ana Ibarra, CalMatters
California’s newest grade — transitional kindergarten — has been lauded as a success, with enrollment doubling over the past few years. But that growth has come at a cost, pulling 4-year-olds out of community-based preschools.
Reporter: Daisy Nguyen, KQED
Learn...
Volunteer Helps With Monitoring Sea Otters in Monterey County
Ron Eby spent 20 years in the Navy before he retired from his role as a commander. But after a while, he got bored - so he signed up for a new covert mission. Looking for otters. Not enemy warships, but threatened sea otters, as a volunteer with the Elkhorn Slough Reserve in Moss Landing.
Reporter: Elena Neale-Sacks, KAZU
U.S. Senator Adam Schiff and Central Coast Congressman Salud Carbajal joined Chumash Coastal Band leaders and environmental groups on the Central Coast Thursday. They criticized the Trump administration’s support for restarting an oi...
Teaching First Responders About Human Remains Recovery After Wildfires
As wildfires become more destructive in California, the need for forensic investigations is increasing. Specifically: the need for finding and identifying bodies after a wildfire. A recent intensive academy at Fresno City College addressed this need by training working professionals.
Reporter: Rachel Livinal, KVPR
Advocates are criticizing the state's tracking of evictions, saying California has failed to accurately count them for decades, and drumming up support for a bill that would more closely monitor it.
Reporter: Alex Hall, KQED
Humboldt County Supervisors are looking at...
