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Episodes from KQED's The California Report
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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...