California Update

Governor Gavin Newsom is deploying one thousand members of the California National Guard to protect critical infrastructure around the state including the State Capitol this weekend.

Story by Scott Rodd.

(Photo: A temporary fence surrounds the California State Capitol Thursday, Jan 14, 2021 - Andrew Nixon / CapRadio).

While people anxiously await their turn to receive a shot, counties are scrambling to figure out when more vaccines will be available and how they can distribute them quickly and safely.

Story by Sammy Caiola.

Andrew Nixon / Capital Public RadioState lawyers have given the final okay to a regulation allowing home cannabis deliveries statewide, even in communities that have banned commercial cannabis sales.

Story by Julia Mitric.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, right, hugs TSA employee Miguel Pagarigan at the Sacramento International Airport Thursday. Credit: Rich Pedroncelli / AP / via capradioCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom says the Trump administration has told states they can’t offer unemployment benefits to federal employees who are required to report to work without pay during the government shutdown.

Story by Ben Adler.

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. Credit: Rich Pedroncelli / AP Photo / via capradioThe bail industry’s effort to force a referendum on the new California law that ends cash bail has qualified for the November 2020 ballot, freezing the law’s implementation until voters weigh in nearly two years from now.

Story by Ben Adler.

Friday, January 18, 2019

President Biden signed a flurry of executive orders to help curb climate change, including rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement and asking his government to start work immediately on confronting the crisis. But his orders also challenge California to do better.

Story by Ezra David Romero.

(Photo: President Joe Biden signs his first executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in Washington - AP Photo/Evan Vucci).

Many of California’s struggling renters will be protected from eviction for another five months after lawmakers voted Thursday to extend the state’s moratorium.

Story by Nicole Nixon.

(Photo: Galen Mancino, left, and Betsy Kinsey, hold up banners during a housing justice demonstration in the Adams Point neighborhood of Oakland on Dec. 5, 2020 - Anne Wernikoff / CalMatters).

When it comes to helping people kick-the-habit, California's performance is only satisfactory.

Story by Steve Milne.

Credit: Andrew Nixon / Capital Public RadioLove him or hate him, Jerry Brown was one-of-a-kind. The man whose record fourth term as California governor will come to an end Monday has always relished reeling off Latin quotes, pithy remarks, and obscure literary and historical references. This is the second of two features as Jerry Brown leaves office.

Story by Ben Adler.

Hear more of Ben's interview with Jerry Brown.

Friday, January 4, 2019

As rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C, the scene outside of California’s Capitol was tame by comparison, though still some arrests.

Story by Scott Rodd.

(Photo: Pro-Trump demonstrators march near the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 - Andrew Nixon / CapRadio).

California experienced record high temperatures and extremely dry conditions this fall. That same weather pattern is sticking around this winter prompting concerns of another multi-year drought.

Story by Ezra David Romero.

California’s Department of Justice released a second report on Sacramento policing reforms, following Stephon Clark shooting. Requiring de-escalation tactics, expanding partnerships with mental health professionals, and addressing racial disparities in hiring are just a few of the recommendations in the report. However, none of them are binding.

Story by Scott Rodd.

(Photo: California Attorney General Xavier Becerra leaves leaves the Calvary Christian Center after meeting with SeQuette Clark, Tuesday, March 5, 2019, in Sacramento, Calif. - Rich Pedroncelli / AP Photo)

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

Story by Nicole Nixon.

Low-income families have distinct health care needs, but advocates say red tape can prevent them from signing up for insurance. A bill moving through the California Legislature could better sync Medi-Cal enrollment with other programs

Story by Sammy Caiola.

This story was produced in partnership with the USC Center for Health Journalism Collaborative. Find more stories about health access at Capradio.org/uncovered-california

California is poised to set aside billions of dollars to help power companies pay for wildfire damages. Governor Gavin Newsom has indicated he'll sign the fire liability bill sent to his desk Thursday.

Story by Nick Miller.

(Photo: Flames consume a car dealership as the Camp Fire tears through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled the fast-moving wildfire in Northern California - Noah Berger / AP Photo / via Capital Public Radio)

A proposal heading to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk would require residential candidates to release their tax returns to appear on future ballots in California.

Story by Scott Rodd.

(Photo: California assembly chamber - Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio)

Friday, July 12, 2019

Social distancing recommendations during COVID-19 create what experts are calling a 'perfect storm' of conditions for heat-related deaths among older Americans.

Story by Ezra David Romero.

(Photo: Courtesy National Weather Service Sacramento)

Sacramento County schools became the latest to announce they would begin the school year with remote learning. Superintendent Tony Thurmond says it makes sense for some districts, given recent coronavirus surges.

Story by Nicole Nixon.

A CapRadio investigation found dozens of state agencies failed to provide sexual harassment training to state supervisors in recent years. Governor Newsom set a July 1 deadline for agencies to comply with state law.

Story by Scott Rodd.

(Photo: Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it will not ban a controversial pesticide linked to severe health effects on children's developing brains. The step puts the Trump administration once more at odds with California.

Story by Julia Mitric.

(Photo by Joe Skipper/REUTERS/via PBS)

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: Daniel Schwen [CC BY-SA 4.0])

Friday, July 19, 2019

Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg made eye-opening claims about California’s homeless population, including the soaring rate of homeless deaths in the state. PolitiFact California fact-checked his statements.

Story by Chris Nichols.

Rean more about this and other fact checks at PoltiFact.com/California.

(Photo: via PolitiFact California)

The California Department of Public Health and the California Department of Food and Agriculture put out a notice this week, warning people to take steps to prevent disease while interacting with animals at state and county fairs.

Story by Sammy Caiola.

(Photo: Livestock are on display at the California State Fair - Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio)

California reaches auto emissions deal with four major automakers. The agreement could bolster the state’s chances in its upcoming legal battle with the Trump administration.

Story by Ben Adler.

(Photo: Public Domain – via Capital Public Radio)

Friday, July 26, 2019

Governor Gavin Newsom urges the use of facemasks through launching a new ad campaign.

Story by Nick Miller.

(Photo: Gov. Gavin Newsom wears a protective mask on his face while speaking to reporters at Miss Ollie's restaurant during the coronavirus outbreak in Oakland, Calif., Tuesday, June 9, 2020 - AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

A new Congressional plan to solve the climate crisis says the U.S. should aim to eliminate carbon emissions entirely, meaning get to net zero, by 2050.

Story by Suzanne Potter – California News Service.

Experts say low-income people will be hit the hardest when the weekly $600 unemployment benefits run dry this week. California lawmakers are exploring options to fill the gap, but will it be enough?

Story by Nicole Nixon.

(Photo: The Employment Development Department office in downtown Sacramento - Andrew Nixon / CapRadio)

California lawmakers once again grilled leaders from the Employment Development Department over its handling unemployment claims during the pandemic. Legislators say there’s a backlog of about 1 million applicants seeking benefits.

Story by Scott Rodd.

Harmful algae blooms have been discovered across the state from Shasta to the Central Valley to San Diego. The neon-green or white scum is often found as temperatures rise and as waters calm.

Story by Ezra David Romero.

(Photo: A blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) bloom at Clear Lake, Lake County, California, resulted in oxygen depletion in the water and the subsequent mortality of multiple aquatic species, including carp, catfish, bluegill and crappie – Courtesy of California Department of Fish and Wildlife)

You might not be working Friday, but California lawmakers are. They’re expected to vote on the final pieces of the state budget package. They’re also coming to collect expense money known as “per diem.”

Story by Ben Adler.

(Photo: California state capitol building in Sacramento – Andrew Nixon/Capital Public Radio)

There’s a new way to report incidents of pesticide exposure in California. The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) recently launched a bilingual mobile app aimed at those who want to report pesticide incidents without paperwork or phone calls.

Story by Steve Milne.

Download CASPIR here.

  Friday, July 5, 2019

Cal Fire is gearing up for wildfire season. But how will the agency handle social-distancing and other coronavirus restrictions in the midst of a natural disaster?

Story by Steve Milne.

(Photo: Thom Porter, director of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, at a news conference Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019, in Sacramento - Rich Pedroncelli / AP Photo)

A new bill that aims to protect renters from being evicted during the COVID-19 crisis was introduced at the state Capitol Wednesday.

Story by Chris Nichols.

Lake Tahoe got a lot murkier in 2019 compared with the previous year. Clarity measured 62.7 feet. The year before it was a lot deeper: 70.9 feet. But scientists say year-to-year fluctuations are common.

Story by Steve Milne.

A popular Facebook post suggests California’s millions of independent voters must re-register with the GOP in order to vote for Republican candidates this November. PolitiFact California found that's false.

Story by Chris Nichols.

(Photo: A Sacramento County voter drops their ballot off at a vote center March 3, 2020 - Andrew Nixon / CapRadio)

Californians without legal residency are celebrating the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of DACA.

Story by Nicole Nixon.

California is now requiring residents to wear a mask or face-covering in public. Until now, there'd been a patchwork of rules throughout the state.

Story by Nicole Nixon.

Police officer Tara O'Sullivan, age 26, died in the line of duty while responding to a domestic violence call that turned into a multi-hour standoff.

Story by Sammy Caiola.

(Photo by Rich Pedroncelli / AP Photo / via Capital Public Radio).

The California Assembly has given final approval to a series of tax law changes that will net the state more than $1 billion a year. And the Senate approved an increase to California’s fee on landlines and cell phones to modernize the 911 system.

Story by Ben Adler.

(Photo: Assemblyman Phil Ting, D-San Francisco, chairman of the Assembly Budget Committee urges lawmakers to approve a measure to raise fees on phones to pay for an upgrade to the 911 system during the Assembly session in Sacramento - Rich Pedroncelli / AP Photo / via Capital Public Radio).

Minorities make up more than half of the state’s population, but account for only 30 percent of the lawyers in the California Department of Justice. Some legal experts warn this lack of diversity may ignore the needs of some communities.

Story by Scott Rodd.

(Photo: Beth Cortez-Neavel / Flickr / via Capital Public Radio)

Friday, June 21, 2019

Does Gov. Newsom really have the legal authority to make face coverings mandatory in California? A Northern California mayor and some viral social media posts say he does not. PolitiFact California rated those claims.

Story by Chris Nichols.

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

(Photo: Gov. Gavin Newsom wears a protective mask on his face while speaking to reporters at Miss Ollie's restaurant during the coronavirus outbreak in Oakland, Calif., Tuesday, June 9, 2020 - AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

For the first time in three days, California did not set a new one-day record for new COVID-19 cases.

Story by Nick Miller.

Electric trucks are very likely to become a common sight in California now that state air officials passed a rule that will require all new trucks to be zero-emission by 2045.

Story by Ezra David Romero.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has reached an agreement with Democratic legislative leaders on how to incentivize local governments to build more housing — with a carrot and a really big stick.

Story by Ben Adler.

(Photo: Gov. Gavin Newsom, center, discusses the homeless problem facing California after a meeting with the mayors of some of the state's largest cities held at the Governor's office, Wednesday, March 20, 2019 - Rich Pedroncelli / AP Photo / via Capital Public Radio)

California leaders are reacting with cautious relief to Thursday's Supreme Court decision that – at least for the moment – blocks the Trump administration from adding a citizenship question to the U.S. census.

Story by Ben Adler.

(Photo: Courtesy census.ca.gov)

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) approves the new rules mandating 13 major California airports upgrade shuttles to zero-emission vehicles.

Story by Randol White.

(Photo: Courtesy of San Francisco International Airport)

California lawmakers revealed a budget agreement Wednesday, well ahead of the deadline. But, there’s a catch.

Story by Nick Miller.

(Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

As the battle against the coronavirus continues many California counties are carrying out recovery plans without health department leaders.

Story by Scott Rodd.

It’s Black Birders Week. Five days of national action on social media aimed to boost representation of black people working in careers based in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Story by Ezra David Romero.

Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order Thursday to limit large gatherings and create other measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Story by Nicole Nixon.

(Photo: Gov. Gavin Newsom holds a bottle of hand sanitizer during a coronavirus-related news conference on March 4 - Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)

Nursing homes and senior facilities are trying to strike a balance between protecting elderly residents from coronavirus and making sure they don't become lonely and depressed.

Story by Sammy Ciola.

(Photo: This undated electron microscope image made available by the U.S. National Institutes of Health in February 2020 shows the Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 - NIAID-RML via AP)

“We are monitoring everything on a day to day basis," says Sen. Scott Wiener. "It would not surprise me if there were changes made at the Capitol, like there have been at the U.S. Capitol.”

Story by Scott Rodd.

Photo: State Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, left, during a committee hearing Wednesday, April 24, 2019, in Sacramento - AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

Credit: Dickson Phua / Flickr / via CapRadioPolice unions across California offered Thursday to help speed up the removal of guns from people who are mentally ill or otherwise prohibited from having them.

Story by Chris Nichols.

Children light candles at a vigil for Stephon Clark in South Sacramento. Credit: Andrew Nixon / Capital Public RadioStephon Clark supporters teamed up with several hundred high school students on the steps of the Capitol Thursday to advocate for gun control legislation.

Story by Sammy Caiola.

A housing project near Broadway in Sacramento. Credit: Andrew Nixon / Capital Public RadioA group of Democrats in the California Legislature are taking another shot at rent control and anti-gouging measures that failed last year at the state Capitol and the ballot box.

Story by Ben Adler.

Friday, March 15, 2019

California’s nearly 40 million residents have been directed to stay at home. Governor Gavin Newsom issued the order for nonessential needs Thursday night.

Story by Nicole Nixon.

(Photo: Rich Pedroncelli / AP Photo)

Sacramento County residents can now be cited and even arrested if they leave their home for non-essential activities.

Story by Steve Milne.

(Photo: A salt-water taffy store is closed in Old Sacramento on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - Andrew Nixon / CapRadio)

In a letter to President Donald Trump, Newsom said projections show around 56% of the state will be infected with the virus over an eight-week period, though that number does not take into account mitigation and social distancing.

Story by Nicole Nixon.

(Photo: California Gov. Gavin Newsom updates the state's response to the coronavirus, at the Governor's Office of Emergency Services in Rancho Cordova Calif., Tuesday, March 17, 2020 - Rich Pedroncelli, Pool / AP Photo)

Credit: Art Siegel / Flickr / via CapRadioTwo hundred and nine million pounds of pesticides were applied to Californian fields in 2016. Under state law, local Agricultural Commissioners must consider safer alternatives to highly toxic pesticides. But they're not according to a new UCLA study.

Story by Julia Mitric.

People wait at counters at the DMV in Fullerton, Calif. Credit: Micah Sittig / Flickr / via CapRadioA new law allows people to choose an “X” in the gender section instead of a male or female marking.

Story by Sammy Caiola.

IRS Form 1040. Credit: Wikimedia CommonsWith Tax Day coming up, the Franchise Tax Board is reminding California taxpayers that their state and federal returns might be more different this year than in years past. That's because there are major changes to federal law but not state law.

Story by Ben Adler.

Friday, March 22, 2019

There’s some confusion and misinformation about the National Guard’s role during the coronavirus crisis. PolitiFact California explains who’s in charge of the Guard and their mission in California.

Story by Chris Nichols.

You can find more fact checks at PolitiFact.com/California.

(Photo: via PolitiFact California)

There are a lot of uncertainties over the coronavirus, but for California lawmakers, one thing remains unchanged: Their constitutional mandate to pass a budget in June.

Story by Nicole Nixon.

Health officials say Californians who smoke or vape can reduce their risk of catching COVID-19, and improve their chances of recovering from it, by quitting.

Story by Sammy Caiola.

A group of 15 attorneys general, led by California’s Xavier Becerra, has sent a letter to the Trump administration requesting the repeal of a 2019 ban on fetal tissue for medical research.

Story by Sammy Caiola.

High winds caused havoc for a man using an umbrella as rain pelted Sacramento on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019. Credit: AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli/via CapRadioThe northern, central, and southern Sierra Nevada have precipitation measuring stations used to calculate rainfall. These are different from the tools used to monitor snowpack. Just about everything is above average except groundwater.

Story by Randol White.

Alex Proimos [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)]A single-payer health care system doesn’t appear to be on the table this year, but Democratic lawmakers are pushing 21 other bills to expand coverage and make it cheaper.

Story by Sammy Caiola.

Friday, March 8, 2019

After reports of possible statewide action, Governor Newsom closes all Orange County beaches.

Officials were caught off guard by the decision.

Story by Nicole Nixon.

(Photo: Beachgoers flocked to Orange County seashores on Sunday, as pictured here in Huntington Beach. An order announced Thursday, by California Gov. Gavin Newsom will prohibit people from visiting any beaches or state parks in Orange County - Marcio Jose Sanchez / AP / via CapRadio)

A new proposal could mean 300,000 zero-emission trucks on California’s roads by 2035. This proposal comes at a moment that opposing sides are asking state leadership to relax or uphold standards during the pandemic that would further climate goals.

Story by Ezra David Romero.

California is launching a new effort to connect farm waste to desperate food banks during the coronavirus pandemic.

Story by Nicole Nixon.

California’s proposed budget update has cuts and reductions across environmental sectors including climate resilience programs to state parks. But one agency was largely spared from those cuts.

Story by Ezra David Romero.

(Photo: Bob Moffitt – CapRadio)

Lawmakers from both parties offer reaction to Newsom's May revised budget.

Story by Scott Rodd.

ABC wants to step up enforcement against California restaurants opening too quickly.

Story by Scott Rodd.