California Update

Asm. Shirley Weber (D-San Diego), left, the author of AB 392, chats with Assembly Public Safety Committee Chairman Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), on the Assembly floor Thursday. Credit: Ben Adler / Capital Public RadioJust days before a showdown in the California Legislature over when police can use deadly force, law enforcement groups are embracing changes recommended by Attorney General Xavier Becerra.

Story by Ben Adler.

Via Wikimedia CommonsCalifornia’s Franchise Tax Board is suggesting that any taxpayers surprised by how much they owe on their state and federal returns this year increase how much tax is withheld from their paychecks for next year’s returns.

Story by Ben Adler.

Credit: A. / Flickr / via CapRadioSacramento based U.S. Attorney McGregor Scott announced the arrest of fentanyl and heroin dealers who prosecutors say were using the darknet to peddle the drugs. Among those charged was a former RN from Rancho Cordova.

Story by Chris Nichols.

Californians are seeing their electricity bills rise as they’re forced to spend more time at home. This comes amid the uncertainty and economic hardship caused by the pandemic.

Story by Scott Rodd.

(Photo: ullstein bild/Getty Images/via CapRadio)

It’s wildfire season and over the past few years, some of the largest were started when trees or branches fell on power lines. Now one scientist has a solution for tracking trees nested along hundreds of thousands of miles of power lines.

Story by Ezra David Romero.

A top California health official says a technical glitch that caused a lag in collecting coronavirus test information has been fixed, but there could be a backlog of up to 300,000 records

Story by Drew Sandsor.

Residential ‘impact fees’ are a big reason it’s so expensive to build a home in California. Those charges are not only expensive, but unpredictable and lack transparency, according to a new state-commissioned study.

Story by Chris Nichols.

(Photo: via Capital Public Radio)

Lawmakers return to California’s Capitol Monday for a final five weeks of hashing out legislation, with more than 1,000 bills awaiting action.

Story by Scott Rodd.

(Photo: A Yee / Flickr / via CapRadio)

A controversial bill that aims to crack down on fake medical exemptions won the support of the state’s medical board Thursday.

Story by Sammy Caiola.

(Photo: Measles, mumps and rubella vaccines are seen at the Rockland County Health Department in Pomona, N.Y., Wednesday, March 27, 2019 - Seth Wenig / AP Photo / via Capital Public Radio)

Monday, August 12, 2019 

Californians broadly support the Black Lives Matter movement, a range of police reforms and — despite the desire for changes — their own local police departments by wide margins, according to a new pair of UC Berkeley polls.

Story by Nicole Nixon.

(Photo: Protesters demonstrating against the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police take a knee near the east steps of the California state Capitol as police stand on June 3, 2020 - Andrew Nixon / CapRadio)

A new UC Berkeley study estimates 20 thousand essential workers in California could have avoided contracted coronavirus… if the state had stockpiled protective equipment or PPE before the pandemic.

Story by Scott Rodd.

A coalition – that includes the Environmental Defense Fund, California and eight other states – is suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, to force it to implement rules for air pollution from landfills.

Story by Suzanne Potter – California News Service

A year and a half after the fatal Sacramento police shooting of Stephon* Clark, California Governor Gavin Newsom is expected to sign into law on Monday a new standard for when officers can use deadly force.

Story by Ben Adler.

(Photo: Assemblymembers Kevin McCarty, left, and Shirley Weber, left, are coauthors of AB 392 - Ben Adler / Capital Public Radio)

Imagine Tahoe with little to no snow, a lot more people, extreme wildfires and maybe even a change of lake color. That's what scientists say could happen in Tahoe by the year 2100.

Story by Ezra David Romero.

(Photo: Lake Tahoe - Ezra David Romero / Capital Public Radio)

A new property tax increase could raise $10 billion a year for schools, community colleges, and local governments.

Story by Ben Adler.

(Photo: Courtesy of Capital Public Radio)

Monday, August 19, 2019 

Sanders discusses ambitious climate change policy in Northern California. The plan calls for the U.S. to eliminate its carbon footprint by 2030 and shift to renewable energy across the economy in the coming decades.

Story by Scott Rodd

(Photo: This Sept. 22, 2006 file photo shows the Conoco Oil Refinery in Rodeo, Calif. - Rich Pedroncelli / AP File / via Capital Public Radio)

A statewide outbreak of acute lung disease among people vaping cannabis in California has reached 22 potential cases.

Story by Randol White.

(Photo: Vaping has been linked to a cluster of hospitalizations - sestovic / Getty Images / via Cap Radio)

AB5 could reshape the workforce for millions of Americans. Some industries are pushing for an exemption from the bill, but labor groups are fighting to preserve the broad scope of the legislation.

Story by Scott Rodd.

(Photo: Jessica Paterson / Flickr / via Cap Radio)

Monday, August 26, 2019

Credit: LM Otero / APICE agents arrested an undocumented man inside Sacramento Superior Court this week, sparking concerns from immigrant rights groups.

Story by Chris Nichols.

In this Oct. 14, 2017, file photo, Pacific Gas & Electric crews work on restoring power lines in a fire ravaged neighborhood in an aerial view in the aftermath of a wildfire in Santa Rosa, Calif. Credit: Marcio Jose Sanchez / AP file, 2017California lawmakers have released an outline of a plan to improve the state’s preparedness and response to wild fires — and to soften the financial cost of those fires on electric utilities.

Story by Ben Bradford.

Monday, August 27, 2018

President Trump has repeatedly claimed “absentee voting” is safe but attacked "mail-in" voting as fraudulent. But PolitiFact California found there’s no difference in the safeguards and verification process between the two.

Story by Chris Nichols.

Find full versions of all fact checks at Politifact.com/California.

(Photo: President Donald Trump holds articles as he speaks during a news conference at the White House, Thursday, July 30, 2020, in Washington - AP Photo / Evan Vucci)

Once a year, scientists release data about how Lake Tahoe is changing. This year they found the lake lost eight feet of clarity and partly blame it on trillions of tiny shrimps. But researchers have an answer… Dog treats.

Story by Ezra David Romero.

Senator Kamala Harris has repeatedly said she ‘took on the big banks’ as California attorney general following the foreclosure crisis. PolitiFact California examines her accomplishments and where consumer advocates say she fell short.

Story by Chris Nichols.

(Photo: California Attorney General Kamala Harris speaks at the Justice Department in Washington, D.C., in 2013 - Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo)

Governor Gavin Newsom has unveiled a new system to replace the state's COVID-19 watchlist.

Story by MH/Drew Sandsor.

CHECK THE STATUS OF YOUR COUNTY

Three decisions on ports, energy, and electric cars were made Thursday by California leaders to reduce pollution and to curb climate change.

Story by Ezra David Romero.

California Sen. Kamala Harris’ record as a prosecutor was attacked at the Democratic debate. PolitiFact California took a closer look at that record and the accuracy of the attacks.

Story by Chris Nichols.

(Photo: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii attacked California Sen. Kamala Harris' record as a prosecutor at the Democratic presidential debate in Detroit / Associated Press / via Politifact California)

The clarity of Lake Tahoe's blue water improved "dramatically" in 2018... and this comes after researchers measured the worst clarity ever a year prior. But how do scientists from UC Davis actually determine the lake's clarity level?

Story by Emily Zentner.

(Photo: Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio)

Which California counties have the highest poverty rates? Well, that depends on how you measure.

Story by Ben Adler.

(Photo: jondoeforty1 / Flickr / via Cap Radio)

Monday, August 5, 2019

Utility workers make repairs in Paradise Dec. 3, 2018. Credit: Andrew Nixon / Capital Public RadioBills Aim To Get Butte County ‘Back On Our Feet’ After Camp Fire.

Story by Chris Nichols.

Credit John Locher / AP Photo / via CapradioButte County residents are confronting another monumental task after surviving the deadly Camp Fire: navigating insurance policies.

Story by Nick Miller.

California Republican Party chairman Jim Brulte. Credit: Chris Carlson/AP PhotoCalifornia Republican Party chairman Jim Brulte says the national GOP should take very seriously the state party’s dismal showing in last month’s midterms.

Story by Ben Adler.

Monday, December 10, 2018

California’s 55 presidential electors will meet Monday afternoon in the Assembly Chamber of the State Capitol to cast their votes for Democrats Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.

Story by Nicole Nixon.

(Photo: On Monday, the Electoral College will meet (some virtually) to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory - Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images)

The COVID-19 pandemic hit California’s state budget hard, but lawmakers will get a one-time windfall of around 26-billion dollars next year.

Story by Nicole Nixon.

A few years ago, drought threatened giant sequoias. This year wildfire killed hundreds of the enormous trees, and now a new threat is here: bark beetles.

Story by Ezra David Romero.

The California State Capitol on September 12, 2017. Credit: Andrew Nixon / Capital Public RadioRestaurants in California that offer kids meals will be required to serve flavorless milk or water as the default drink options under a new law that goes into effect January 1st. Parents will still be able to ask for soda or juice for their kids.

Story by Chris Nichols.

Find more new laws going into effect in the new year.

Little was left of some Santa Rosa neighborhoods by October 12, 2017, after the Tubbs Fire swept through. Credit: Andrew Nixon / Capital Public RadioPG&E is proposing a $1.1 billion rate hike that would increase electric bills an average of $8.73 per month. Why are they proposing this, and what do consumer groups have to say about it?

Story by Chris Nichols.

Monday, December 17, 2018

California is one of many states that will get 40 percent fewer doses of the Pfizer vaccine than planned. Governor Gavin Newsom called the slimmed-down allotment "unfortunate."

Story by Nicole Nixon.

(Photo: In this March 16, 2020, file photo, pharmacist Michael Witte holds a tray with a syringe containing a shot that will be used in the first clinical trial of a potential vaccine for COVID-19 - AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)

Rural hospitals are designed to stabilize patients and send them to larger facilities nearby. But with ICU capacity dwindling in California, hospital administrators say that system is faltering.

Story by Sammy Caiola.

Despite a coronavirus surge, a new poll suggests the roads won't be nearly as empty as you might think this holiday.

Story by Steve Milne.

Sacramento Police Department officers wear body cameras. Under a new law, any footage of use-of-force incidents must be released within 45 days. Credit: Andrew Nixon / Capital Public RadioUnder a new law, police, sheriffs, or district attorneys must releases video of interactions with the public that cause severe injury or death -- unless the agency can show it shouldn't.

Story by Bob Moffitt.

Here are more new California laws taking effect in the new year.

Nick Bruno, a technician at LifeSafer in Sacramento, installs a breathalyzer in a vehicle. Credit: Chris Nichols / Capital Public RadioMore Californians convicted of DUI offenses will be required to pass breathalyzer tests to start their cars under a new law taking effect on January 1st.

Story by Chris Nichols.

Here are more new California laws taking effect in the new year.

Photo via CapradioUC Davis researchers are studying water temperatures of lakes of all sizes and shapes throughout the mountains of California to see how climate change is affecting them.

Story by Ezra David Romero.

Monday, December 24, 2018

California Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakayue is ordering the expedited use of retired judges to help clear a huge backlog of criminal cases made worse by the pandemic.

Story by Mike Haggerty.

(Photo: California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye - https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov)

California Governor Gavin Newsom made two big appointments last week for U.S. Senate and Secretary of State. But he has one more important decision to make: choosing a replacement for outgoing Attorney General Xavier Becerra.

Story by Nicole Nixon.

A movement is growing to counter domestic violence with social justice and mental health programs in order to reduce police involvement.

Story by Suzanne Potter – California News Service.

Credit: Andrew Nixon / Capital Public RadioThe 93rd session of the California Legislature begins Monday with Democrats holding wide supermajorities in both houses after their victories in last month’s midterm elections.

Story by Ben Adler.

Deb Yoder, Paradise resident, runs with visually impaired athlete Phillip Ashley in the 2017 California International Marathon. Photo courtesy of Shawna Brayley / via Cap RadioBefore the Camp fire hit Paradise, resident Deb Yoder had volunteered to lead a visually and hearing-impaired runner at this year’s California International Marathon. Three weeks after losing her home, she’s sticking to that plan.

Story by Sammy Caiola.

Monday, December 3, 2018

Credit: tiffany terry / Flickr / via CapradioOne thing diners will have to start asking for in the new year are plastic straws when at a sit-down restaurant. That's thanks to a new law passed in 2018.

Story by Ezra David Romero.

People wait to cross the street in front of a fruit cart Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, in Los Angeles. Credit: Jae C. Hong / AP Photo / via CapradioCalifornia will soon limit the kind of rules and punishments local governments can impose on sidewalk vendors.

Story by Julia Mitric.

Monday, December 31, 2018

California is at a peak of the coronavirus pandemic, but state lawmakers are planning to gather Monday in Sacramento to take the oath of office.

Story by Nicole Nixon.

(Photo: The California State Capitol in Sacramento August 28, 2020 - Andrew Nixon / CapRadio)

California’s new stay-at-home order would require barbershops, salons, and other businesses to close down yet again. State officials say it’s an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus at places where people are in close contact with one another.

Story by Chris Nichols.

Californians with disabilities are worried they’ll be overlooked in the state’s vaccine distribution plan, following an announcement from health officials that priority will now be determined by age group.

Story by Sammy Caiola.

(Photo: California Army National Guard Medic Jenny Rafailov prepares syringes with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday, Jan, 21, 2021 while nurse Katherine Ambrose watches. Andrew Nixon / CapRadio)

Most of California’s public-school students have been in distance learning for nearly a full year, and there are still no concrete plans to reopen schools.

Story by Nicole Nixon.

After a rough legislative session last year, California lawmakers are dreaming of ways to adapt to or prevent the climate crisis. Bills this session explore corporate accountability, funds for sea-level rise adaptation, and billions for prevention.

Story by Ezra David Romero.

Courtesy of Cal OES.Progress is being made toward the cleanup of thousands of homes sites that were destroyed last year by California wildfires.

Story by Bob Moffitt.

Credit: Andrew Nixon / Capital Public RadioCampaign finance reports for local candidates would have to be posted online under a new bill proposed at the Capitol. Those same documents for state and federal candidates must already be available on the Internet.

Story by Chris Nichols.

Voters cast ballots in person at the Maple Neighborhood Center in South Sacramento. Credit: Andrew Nixon / Capital Public RadioThere’s new data out on which Californians voted in the November election. And it turns out — not all those pre-election predictions came true.

Story by Ben Adler.

Monday, February 11, 2019

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra (right) and Gov. Gavin Newsom said California will sue President Trump over his emergency declaration to fund a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. Credit: Rich Pedroncelli/AP/via NPRCalifornia's governor and attorney general say the state will file suit against President Trump over his border emergency declaration.

Story by Nick Miller.

Attorney General Xavier Becerra during a news conference. Credit: Rich Pedroncelli / AP Photo / via Capital Public RadioCalifornia Attorney General Xavier Becerra says he's taking a wait-and-see approach when it comes to a new police open records law.

Story by Drew Sandsor.

Credit: Andrew Nixon / Capital Public RadioHospitals across California will soon have a new strategy for treating opioid-addicted patients. It’s called medication-assisted treatment, and it involves using a lower-intensity painkiller to taper people down from addiction.

Story by Sammy Caiola.

Monday, February 18, 2019

Is California's State Capitol safe from rioters? A retired officer and current criminal justice professor says he has confidence in the California Highway Patrol, which protects the state Capitol.

Story by Chris Nichols.

(Photo: CHP officers guard the Capitol steps during a demonstration on Friday, May 1, 2020 - Andrew Nixon / CapRadio).

Governor Gavin Newsom's proposed record $227 billion budget focuses on pandemic relief, reopening schools for young kids, and speeding up the vaccination process.

Story by Nicole Nixon.

Governor Newsom’s proposed budget also includes funding to adapt to climate change and prevent wildfires.

Story by Ezra David Romero.

Via TwitterIn the small college town of Davis, which is 15 minutes from the state capital, 22-year-old rookie cop Natalie Corona was gunned down during a routine traffic stop on Thursday evening.

Story by Chris Nichols.

Credit: Andrew Nixon / Capital Public RadioGov. Gavin Newsom’s budget proposal calls for expanding trauma screenings for children. It’s a moveteachers and medical professionals say could improve academic performance and prevent chronic illness down the line.

Story by Sammy Caiola.

Credit: Ben Adler/Capital Public RadioIn his budget proposal unveiled last Thursday, California Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the need to expand Medi-Cal coverage to undocumented young adults age 19 to 25.

Some people found the need for umbrellas as rain fell Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Sacramento, Calif. The first in a series of Pacific storms brought rain to much of the state and snow in the mountains. Credit: Rich Pedroncelli / AP Photo / Via capradioA large storm system moving into the region today will dump loads of rain and snow across the state. The National Weather Service says it could result in blizzard-like conditions in places like Lake Tahoe and could cause flooding.

Story by Ezra David Romero.

CalFresh EBT card. Credit: via SonomaWest.comCalFresh benefits are being released today and recipients are being advised to make the aid last through next month.

Story by Bob Moffitt.

California prescription pad. Credit: via rxpaper.comCalifornia doctors are supposed to be using new prescription pads issued by the Department of Justice, but they say the state didn't make them available by the January first deadline.

Story by Sammy Caiola.

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Things remained quiet at California’s Capitol over the weekend...despite the FBI warning of possible armed protests.

Story by Scott Rodd.

(Photo: Police in front of the state Capitol ahead of anticipated pro-Trump rallies on Sunday, January 17, 2021 - Andrew Nixon / CapRadio)

California lawmakers will consider a bill to require use-of-force in the private security industry, which the author argues will reduce harmful/violent confrontations with security guards.

Story by Mike Haggerty.

Californians have accumulated as up much as $1 billion in unpaid water bills since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a survey by the State Water Resources Control Board.

Story by Nina Sparling.

(Photo: Nicolas Comte / Unsplash)

President Joe Biden has extended a national eviction moratorium through March. But California lawmakers are still pushing to extend statewide tenant protections.

Story by Scott Rodd.

California is piloting a much-anticipated system where people can sign up for COVID-19 vaccine information. But right now appointments are only available in Los Angeles.

Story by Sammy Caiola.

California Sen. Kamala Harris launched her 2020 presidential campaign with a massive rally in downtown Oakland Sunday afternoon. Credit: Andrew Nixon / Capital Public RadioCalifornia Sen. Kamala Harris launched her 2020 presidential campaign with a massive rally in downtown Oakland Sunday afternoon, branding herself as a “progressive prosecutor” who will fight “for the people.”

Story by Ben Adler.

Credit: Peg93, from Wikimedia CommonsA USC study indicates there’s a link between exposure to pollution and unhealthy diets of teens. The research was prompted by an earlier USC study that showed mice exposed to diesel exhaust ate more.

A new law requires employers to notify workers of potential COVID-19 exposures in the workplace.

Story by Nicole Nixon.

(Photo: Courtesy of CapRadio)

California car dealerships were initially hit hard by the pandemic, now many have rebounded. But starting in 2021, a law to protect aquatic species will make it hard to sell high-end Camaros.

Story by Ezra David Romero.