California Update

Under a new that goes into effect January 1st, landlords in California will no longer be able to reject rental applications based solely on a tenant’s use of the federal housing voucher program, previously called Section 8.

Story by Scott Rodd.

Find more new laws taking effect in 2020.

(Photo: Icons courtesy of Font Awesome – via Cap Radio)

As PG&E works to settle with wildfire victims and tousles with California leaders over restructuring, experts say the company risks bankruptcy negotiations spilling into next year’s wildfire season.

Story by Chris Nichols.

(Photo: Camp Fire, 2019 - NASA Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager/Public domain)

Advocacy groups around the state honored hundreds of homeless Californians who died in 2020 during events on National Homeless Memorial Day.

Story by Chris Nichols.

(Photo: Faye Wilson Kennedy holds a sign remembering Vanessa Diane Franklin, who died earlier this year, Monday, December 21, 2020 - Andrew Nixon / CapRadio)

While farmworkers may be part of an earlier wave of vaccinations against COVID-19, a new poll of field workers in California’s Central Valley suggests many may be wary of getting inoculated.

Story by Ezra David Romero.

As the California Legislature reconvenes in a few weeks, education advocacy groups are calling on lawmakers to prioritize adult education in the next budget.

Story by Suzanne Potter – California News Service.

Sacramento area state Senator - and pediatrician - Richard Pan says he's cautiously optimistic about a coronavirus vaccine arriving soon in California.

Story by Steve Milne.

(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)

Could President Donald Trump pardon himself? CapRadio’s Mike Hagerty spoke with PolitiFact California reporter Chris Nichols to explore that question in our weekly Can You Handle The Truth segment.

Story by Mike Haggerty.

Climate change has been top-of-mind for many people in 2020. The City of Stockton recently made headway to tackle warming temperatures with a new city initiative meant to help the most vulnerable San Joaquin residents adapt.

Story by Ezra David Romero.

(Photo: Sammy Nunez, Founder and Executive Director of Fathers & Families of San Joaquin, poses for a portrait in the Brandon Harrison Memorial Garden in Stockton, Calif. on September 23, 2020 - Salgu Wissmath for palabra/CapRadio).

Learn more about Stockton’s new climate initiative and see more photos.

The California Legislature launched a new office earlier this year to investigate sexual harassment complaints. But the Senate and Assembly are declining to release data on allegations from the new “Workplace Conduct Unit.”

Story by Ben Adler.

Read the full story.

(Photo: Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio)

Changes to the food stamp program could have a big impact on California. Under the new rule, the limits can only be avoided in areas with high unemployment rates.

Story by Scott Rodd.

(Photo: The new rule would limit food stamp benefits for single able-bodied adults who can't show that they work more than 20 hours a week, though legal challenges are possible - Robert F. Bukaty / AP / via Cap Radio)

Throughout his campaign, Governor-elect Gavin Newsom praised his “cradle-to-career” education plan, pledging to establish a data system that tracks California kids from early childhood and into the workforce.

Story by Nadine Sebai.

LA Metro Rail / FlickrA highly controversial bill designed to increase housing near transit stops in California died quickly last spring. Now, it's back in the fall with a new name and more support.

Story by Randol White.

Thursday, December 6, 2018

Credit: Andrew Nixon / Capital Public RadioA group of five state lawmakers each introduced a bill today aimed at reducing theamount of sugary drinks that are sold in California. The suite of bills is co-sponsored by the California Medical and Dental Associations.

Story by Randol White.

Via Capital Public Radio NewsIn less than a century, scientists predict the climate in cities across the U.S. will no longer feel like they do today. Sacramento could be as hot as Bakersfield, Reno as warm as Southern Utah and Los Angeles as dry as the tip of Baja California.

Story by Ezra David Romero.

Find out how your city will be affected.

Thursday, February 21, 2019

Gov. Gavin Newsom presents his 2019-2020 California budget proposal. Credit: Ben Adler/Capital Public RadioWhen Jerry Brown ran for California governor in 2010, he vowed in TV ads and on the campaign trail that he would not raise taxes without voter approval. Gavin Newsom’s position on tax increases is murky.

Story by Ben Adler.

Tom Arthur, via Wikimedia Commons [CC BY-SA 2.0]Secretary of State Alex Padilla says many systems are at or near their life expectancy, with counties unable to get replacement parts or tech support.

Story by Randol White.

Thursday, February 28, 2019

Unlike in previous years, California’s presidential primary is on March 3rd—or Super Tuesday. But voting in the Golden State starts well ahead of election day. California starts sending out ballots statewide Monday. Here’s what you need to know.

Story by Ezra David Romero.

(Photo: Frederic J. Brown / AFP via Getty Images / via CapRadio)

There's a discussion going in California over whether four native bubble bee species should get listed under the California Endangered Species Act. It's unprecedented because there are no insects on the list.

Story by Scott Rodd.

(Photo: Tony Hisgett [CC BY 2.0])

A Border Patrol vehicle rides beside an already existing portion of the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border south of San Diego. Credit: Sandy Huffaker / Getty Images / via NPRPresident Trump claimed in his State of the Union Address that San Diego’s border wall “almost completely ended illegal crossings.” PolitiFact California fact-checked that claim and found it was more than just a wall that led to the dramatic drop.

Story by Chris Nichols.

Find more fact-checks at Politifact.com/California.

File Photo / AP / via Capital Public RadioPG&E says it's going to revamp its wildfire-prevention strategy, which may leave customers in the dark when the risk of flames is high.

Story by Ezra David Romero.

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra delivers the Spanish-language State of the Union response from McClatchy High School in Sacramento on Feb. 5, 2019. Credit: Andrew Nixon / Capital Public RadioCalifornia Attorney General Xavier Becerra is refusing to budge when it comes to releasing law enforcement misconduct records required undera new state law.

Story by Nadine Sebai.

Thursday, February 7, 2019

California Congressman David Valadao was one of the ten Republicans who crossed party lines and voted to impeach President Donald Trump Wednesday.

Story by Nicole Nixon.

(Photo: Rep. David Valadao, R-Calif. - AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

California says seniors over age 65 are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. The state also plans to create a notification system so people can figure out when it's their turn.

Story by Sammy Caiola.

California Democratic Party Chairman Rusty Hicks claimed this week that the growing effort to recall Governor Gavin Newsom should be called “the California coup.” Reporter Mike Hagerty spoke with PolitiFact California reporter Chris Nichols about that claim in this week's “Can You Handle The Truth” segment. 

Story by Mike Haggerty.

It’s a rare instance of California and the Trump administration being on the same page. In November, the president issued an executive order to create a similar task force at the federal level.

Story by Scott Rodd.

(Photo: Andrew Nixon – Capital Public Radio)

Supporters of California’s new renter protections law have launched a website to help tenants learn how the law works and whether they are affected by it.

Story by Chris Nichols.

(Photo: Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio)

Mental health advocates were hoping to see more funding for child behavioral health services in the recent budget.

Story by Sammy Caiola.

(Photo: California Gov. Gavin Newsom presents his proposed 2020-2021 state budget Jan. 10, 2020 - Andrew Nixon / CapRadio)

Joe Biden is reversing key environmental policies that affect California. The new president is implementing an executive order that would reverse Trump administration policies that prevented California from easily pursuing a cap on vehicle emissions which are a major cause of greenhouse gases.

Story by Nick Miller.

(Photo credit: Evan Vucci – AP)

Downtown Sacramento saw some inauguration day protests, but not the confrontational ones law enforcement had prepared for.

Story by Scott Rodd.

COVID-19 patients are currently being treated inside the former Sacramento Kings arena in Northern California.

Story by Pauline Bartolone.

President Joe Biden’s new immigration proposal is getting rave reviews from immigration advocates for providing an eight-year path to citizenship.

Story by Suzanne Potter.

Uber is testing a new feature that allows some California drivers to set their own fares. It’s a reaction to a new state law that threatens to drastically change the company’s business model.

Story by Scott Rodd.

(Photo: Elvert Barnes / Flickr)

California leads the nation with organic farming. But when you look at trends, the numbers show fewer acres in the state are in the process of becoming organic.

Story by Randol White.

(Photo: Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio)

A new LAO report on school budgets finds support staff for teachers has sharply increased, and the need is expected to persist in the coming years.

Story by Scott Rodd.

(Photo: US Navy 061026-N-5271J-014 - Public Domain)

FILE - In this April 21, 2017, file photo, students walk past Sather Gate on the University of California, Berkeley campus in Berkeley, Calif. Credit: Ben Margot / AP Photo / via CapradioThe UC and CSU systems say they do not plan to raise tuition this fall because Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed hundreds of millions of dollars more than previous state budgets under former Gov. Jerry Brown.

Story by Ben Adler.

Via WikipediaGovernor Gavin Newsom's budget includes a tax to help provide disadvantaged communities safe drinking water.

Story by Ezra David Romero.

John King, a water resource engineer with the California Department of Water Resources, Snow Survey Section, inserts a long aluminum snow depth survey pole into the snow for the first DWR snow survey of the 2019 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada Mountains on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019. Credit: Ken James / California Department of Water ResourcesThe Sierra Nevada is seeing an above average snowpack following recent storms. Snowpack is about 115-percent of average compared to last year's 23-percent at this date, according to electronic sensor readings.

Story by Nadine Sebai.

Thursday, January 24, 2019

A state audit shows EDD has known about major internal deficiencies for nearly a decade

Story by Mike Haggerty.

(Photo: Courtesy of the EDD)

The American Lung Association releases its annual State of Tobacco report card Wednesday.

Story by Steve Milne.

Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg vented at last night's city council meeting after learning that homeless warming centers weren't being opened

Story by Steve Milne.

California Gov. Jerry Brown, center, signs a budget bill as he is joined by Assembly member Phil Ting, from left, Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon and budget chairs Senator Holly Mitchell, June 27, 2018. Credit: Jae C. Hong / AP Photo / via CapradioJerry Brown will depart the California governor’s office Monday with a healthy budget surplus and a streak of political victories — but only because of a crucial moment six years ago. This is the first of two features as Jerry Brown leaves office.

Story by Ben Adler.

Thursday, January 3, 2019

Firefighters battle flames at a burning apartment complex in Paradise, Calif., in November. State fire officials say power lines coming into contact with trees have sparked multiple Northern California wildfires in recent years. PG&E filed for bankruptcy on Tuesday. Credit: Josh Edelson / AFP/Getty Images / via Capital Public RadioThe state agency that regulates California utilities is exploring whether to place new conditions on PG&E to improve the safety of its equipment and reduce wildfire risk.

Story by Ben Adler.

Credit: Reed Saxon / AP / via Capital Public RadioCalifornia has earned top grades in the American Lung Association's annual tobacco control report.

Story by Steve Milne.

Removal of individual mandate may be the cause of a big drop in new sign-ups for Covered California.

Story by Drew Sandsor.

Thursday, January 31, 2019

California state and federal lawmakers are reacting to pro-Trump extremists storming the U.S. Capitol.

Story by Nicole Nixon.

(Photo by Mike Theiler – Reuters/via NPR)

As pro-Trump protests took place at state Capitols around the country, the California Highway Patrol said its officers were prepared for demonstrators outside the state Capitol in Sacramento.

Story by Chris Nichols.

While news of political demonstrations in Washington DC and in Sacramento may become a topic during family dinners this week, experts say parents should keep an eye on how children are reacting.

Story by Sammy Caiola.

California hospitals in some counties must delay non-essential surgeries under new state order. Procedures such as heart surgeries and cancer treatments will be able to continue, while non-life-saving procedures will be delayed.

Story by Sammy Caiola.

AB 979 will mandate that all publicly held companies headquartered in California add at least one board member of color by the end of 2021.

Story by Sara Mizes-Tan.

Find more new laws taking effect in 2021.

Californians love the outdoors and even more so with the pandemic. Camping and backpacking are considered relatively low risk activities when it comes to COVID-19. But how should people get into nature responsibly as the threat grows?

Story by Ezra David Romero.

(Photo: Rock climbing in Yosemite - Ezra David Romero / CapRadio)

Six California counties have no access to the federal Wireless Emergency Alert System. Some have applied. Others have differing reasons for a failure to get the application in.

Story by Bob Moffitt.

(Photo courtesy Vino Noceto Winery/via Capital Public Radio)

California’s bail industry is already asking voters to overturn a new state law that would end cash bail. Now, voters could also be asked next fall whether to enshrine bail in the state’s constitution.

Story by Ben Adler.

(Photo: Gov. Jerry Brown hands a copy of a bill to end bail he signed to Assemblyman Rob Bonta, D-Alameda, right, who along with state Sen. Bob Hertzberg, D-Van Nuys, third from right, co-authored the measure, during a signing ceremony, Aug. 28, 2018 - Rich Pedroncelli / AP Photo /via Capital Public Radio)

  Thursday, July 18, 2019

Did you notice? California's gas tax just went up three cents a gallon as the result of a law passed more than three years ago.

Story by Drew Sandsor.

(Photo: Public domain)

A botched inmate transfer in May has led to more than 1,100 inmates catching the coronavirus. One state lawmakers called it “the worst prison health screw-up in state history."

Story by Nicole Nixon.

California is mandating that bars close and indoor activities stop at restaurants, movie theaters, and museums in 19 counties hardest-hit by a surge of new COVID-19 cases. Those counties are: Contra Costa, Fresno, Glenn, Imperial, Kern, Kings, LA, Merced, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Solano, Stanislaus, Tulare, and Ventura.

Story by Nick Miller.

A popular Facebook post falsely claims people are checking into ERs with fungal lung infections from wearing masks. Statewide and national emergency physicians’ groups say the claim is bogus.

Story by Chris Nichols.

(Photo: A pedestrian wearing a mask walks in front of a billboard displaying California flags in San Francisco, April 30, 2020, during the coronavirus outbreak. AP Photo/Jeff Chiu/via PolitiFact)

Very few bills about the environment have survived this legislative session in California because of the financial burden of the pandemic. But one bill is hanging on.

Story by Ezra David Romero.

A new lawsuit argues California parents and children are being denied their right to a “basic minimum education” under the state Constitution because of COVID-era distance learning.

Story by Nicole Nixon.

Housing production in California is expected to increase in 2019, but just barely, and far below the pace needed to meet demand. Still, experts say an infusion of state money could boost production in future years, including for affordable housing.

Story by Chris Nichols.

Follow this story at Politifact.com/california.

(Photo: Housing construction has gradually rebounded in California since the Great Recession - Associated Press file photo/via Capital Public Radio)

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill that promises an end to the undrinkable water that plagues some impoverished California communities.

Story by Ben Adler.

(Photo: USEPA Environmental-Protection-Agency [Public domain])

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Sacramento had to close five of its testing sites because they’re running out of the fluid needed to transport samples to the lab. Because of increased demand, some counties have had to limit who they test, and deal with longer wait times for results.

Story by Sammy Caiola.

(Photo: Certified Medical Assistant Ashlee Wright and Nurse Lisbet Real swab a patient showing symptoms of COVID-19 at the Ampla clinic's drive-through testing center in Yuba City Wednesday, March 25, 2020 - Andrew Nixon / CapRadio)

A statue of Christopher Columbus was removed from the California capitol. The statue had been in the Capitol Rotunda for 137 years, but groups representing Native Americans had long wanted it removed.

Story by Randol White.

If you’re headed to the beach sometime this summer, you may just want to check the pollution score. The annual Beach Report Card by the group Heal The Bay found that about 92% of all beaches received good marks for water quality last year.

Story by Ezra David Romero.

Gov. Newsom says he's not worried about a threat from President Trump to reopen schools or risk federal funding.

Story by Nicole Nixon.

Democratic State Assemblyman Mike Gipson has introduced legislation that would ban police from using controversial restraints. That includes the carotid hold.

Story by Steve Milne.

(Photo: Demonstrators at the east steps of the California State Capitol in Sacramento on June 3, 2020 protest the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police - Andrew Nixon / CapRadio)

Yosemite National Park has been closed for nearly three months because of stay-at-home orders. But on June 11 the park is reopening in a limited way. The closure has had a huge impact on gateways into the park.

Story by Ezra David Romero.

As some areas in California report spikes in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations, Gov. Gavin Newsom isn’t backing down from plans to let additional businesses resume operations this weekend.

Story by Nicole Nixon.

Some recreational activities across California are reopening this weekend, but operators must follow safety guidelines and social distancing rules.

Story by Ezra David Romero.

Gov. Gavin Newsom presents his revised 2019 budget proposal. (Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio)California lawmakers are expected to approve a budget Thursday that would make the state the first in the nation to help middle-class consumers purchase health insurance on Covered California, the state’s health insurance exchange.

Story by Ben Adler.

(Edna Winti / Flickr / via CapRadio)UC Davis research shows drinking water served to roughly 350,000 people in the San Joaquin Valley is tainted. Clean-water advocates are praising lawmakers for addressing the problem. They say low-income & communities of color are most affected.

Story by Randol White.

Cal Fire Division Chief Mark Higgins directs helicopters dropping water as the River Fire burns in Lakeport, Calif., Tuesday, July 31, 2018. (Noah Berger / AP Photo / via CapRadio)Mark Ghilarducci, director of California’s Office of Emergency Services, discusses the communication systems and the need for personal preparation for natural disasters.

Story by Scott Rodd.

Thursday, June 13, 2019

Several viral Facebook posts claim “the CDC confirmed a 0.2% death-rate for COVID-19,” lower than what many experts have projected. PolitiFact California found they present a misleading picture.

Story by Chris Nichols.

(Photo: Nurses in Sacramento, Calif., test a patient for COVID-19 in April - Andrew Nixon / CapRadio)

A statue of Christopher Columbus will be removed from its prominent position in the California Capitol, top lawmakers announced Tuesday.

Story by Nicole Nixon.

California Attorney General is responsible for representing the people in court. But the office isn’t nearly as diverse as the state it represents, and this may leave the legal needs of some Californians ignored.

Story by Scott Rodd.

(Photo: California Attorney General Xavier Becerra - Rich Pedroncelli / AP Photo / via Capradio)

Donated marijuana for chronically ill, low-income Californians gets taxed under Prop 64. Advocates for “compassionate use” say these patients deserve a break.

Story by Sammy Caiola.

(Kirill Vasikev/EyeEm /Getty Images/via Capradio)

Thursday, June 20, 2019

During a Sacramento Press Club event Wednesday, CapRadio health care reporter Sammy Caiola interviewed Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading infectious disease expert, about the trends in the state and what we can do about it.

Story by Sammy Caiola.

Find the full interview at capradio.org.

(Photo: Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr. Anthony Fauci testifies before a House Committee on Energy and Commerce on the Trump administration's response to the COVID-19 pandemic - Kevin Dietsch / Pool via AP)