KQED's The California Report

Harris and Pence Spar Over Forest Management and Wildfires During DebateIssues important to California, like climate change and wildfires came up in Wednesday’s Vice Presidential debate. The candidates started off discussing the COVID pandemic and the administration’s handling of it, but the conversation soon turned to the environment. Reporter: Katie Orr, KQEDFacebook Bans Political Ads Until After the ElectionFacebook has announced plans to prohibit all political ads until after the polls close on November 3rd. The tech giant says it will also place notifications at the top of the News Feed, reminding users that no winner is decided until “real news outlets” announce one.Reporter: Rachael Myrow, KQEDChanges to White Collar Worker Visa Has Bi-Partisan SupportThe U.S. Department of Labor enacts big changes today, to the H1-B visa program for high-skilled guest workers. The changes are supported both by pro-labor Democrats and anti-immigration Republicans. Reporter: Sam Harnett, KQEDGovernors New Executive Order Dedicates 30% Of California's Land to ConservationGovernor Gavin Newsom is setting a goal of conserving 30% of state land and coastal waters by the year 2030. Yesterday he signed an executive order that calls for using the state’s own natural resources to remove carbon emissions which drive climate change.Wineries Struggle With Fires and Other Impacts of Climate ChangeThe Glass Fire has ravaged 67,420 acres of land around California's wine country. The vineyards and wineries lucky enough to have survived are still struggling with the impacts of the smoke and hotter temperatures driven by climate change.Reporter: Scott Rodd, CapRadio7th Grader Remembers Tubbs Fire Three Years OnThree years ago today, dozens of fires broke out in Northern California’s wine country. Those fires ultimately killed 44 people and destroyed or damaged more than 20,000 homes. including the home of 7th grader Leo Abrams.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before Reopening, Counties Must Increase COVID-19 Testing, Reduce Positive CasesStarting this week in order to qualify to reopen more industries and loosen restrictions, California will require its 35 largest counties to bring down coronavirus rates in hard-hit neighborhoods. That means hitting goals both for overall testing and in lowering the percentage of new positive cases.Reporter: Jackie Fortier, KPCCData Indicates In-Person Learning Hasn't Caused More COVID TransmissionCalifornia’s Health and Human Services secretary Dr Mark Ghaly says in-person learning hasn’t caused an uptick in COVID-19 transmission rates in the counties where schools have re-opened.Vallejo Declares Public Safety Emergency to Implement Police ReformsThe Vallejo City Council has declared a public safety emergency in an effort to reform a police department plagued by officer misconduct, controversial police shootings and low morale. Police departments across the state are facing similar criticism.Facebook Bans All QAnon Accounts, But Implementation Could Take WeeksLess than a month before Election Day, Facebook has announced it’s banning all QAnon accounts from its platforms. Previously only QAnon accounts that discussed violence were banned. The tech giant warns implementing the ban will take weeks. Reporter: Rachael Myrow, KQEDFirefighters Save Historic Napa Valley Grist MillCalifornia’s record breaking wildfires have destroyed many beloved local attractions, from parks to restaurants and wineries. But in Napa Valley, firefighters went went to great lengths to save one local treasure. Reporter: Raquel Maria Dillon, KQEDGig Workers Divided Over Prop 22A "yes" vote on Proposition 22 means app-based ride hailing and delivery drivers in California would be classified as independent contractors. A "no" vote means the drivers are classified as employees of the companies, and receive protections, like minimum wage, sick time and health insurance.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First Openly Gay Justice Nominated to State Supreme CourtGovernor Gavin Newsom has nominated veteran Judge Martin Jenkins as his first appointee to the California Supreme Court. If he's appointed Jenkins will be the first openly gay justice on the California Supreme court.Reporter: Scott Shafer, KQEDCalifornia Physicists Awarded Nobel PrizeTwo Californians have been awarded the Nobel Prize in physics with a British scientist. They share the prize for discovering a supermassive black hole at the center of our Milky Way galaxy.Reporter: Danielle Venton, KQEDTenants Protest Eviction as Moratoriums ExpireAs local rent moratoriums expire, landlords have begun filing evictions across the state, and tenants are now protesting a new state law that they say creates new problems for renters instead of protections.Reporter Max Rivlin-Nadler, KPBSLAUSD Conflicted About How To Cut Police BudgetIn June, a divided Los Angeles Unified School Board voted to reduce the school police budget by 25 million dollars and to reallocate the money to schools with more Black students. More than three months later, the district still hasn’t figured out how to do it.Reporter: Carla Javier, KPCCColossal August Complex Fire Chars More Than a Million AcresIn a season of disastrous and record-setting wildfires across California, one blaze stands out. The August Complex began seven weeks ago with a series of lightning strikes scattered through remote forests. It has since scorched more than a million acres, and is the largest fire ever recorded in the state. Reporter: Dan Brekke, KQEDCommunities in Los Angeles Unimpressed with Community Policing EffortsIn the wake of George Floyd’s death at the hands of the police many law enforcement agencies are wrestling with how to better serve the communities they’ve sworn to protect. In Los Angeles, the LAPD thinks it has a program that works. It’s called the Community Safety Partnership and it’s about strengthening relationships between cops and residents. Reporter: Benjamin Gottlieb, KCRW Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Record Four Million Acres Scorched in California, With Months of Fire Season RemainingState fire officials announced yesterday that wildfires have burned a record four million acres this year in California. That’s more than double the previous record year of 2018 when 1.8 million acres burned in the state.Elder Care Homes Keep Familiar Routines While EvacuatedCalifornia’s wildfires have forced tens of thousands of Californians to evacuate from their homes. Such evacuations can be stressful even for those who are young, healthy, and mobile. For residential care homes, keeping elderly residents comfortable and safe while evacuating can be a challenge. Reporter: Polly Stryker, KQEDFollowing Complete Destruction, Beloved Santa Rosa Stables Will Be RebuiltThe Glass Fire has burned through Napa and Sonoma counties destroying or damaging many wineries and vineyards. The blaze also annihilated beloved community stables, the Pony Express Ranch.  Reporter: Kate Wolffe, KQEDBallots for All Californians' Mailed This WeekBecause of the pandemic, every California voter will get a ballot in the mail. This week is the deadline for counties to mail those ballots to voters, and in-person voting begins for some counties.  Reporter: Guy Marzorati, KQEDICE Detainees Say They Were Illegally 'Quarantined' in Solitary ConfinementAbout 6,000 undocumented immigrants held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement have tested positive for COVID, including hundreds in California. Some detainees say they were quarantined in solitary confinement for weeks. Reporter: Farida Jhabvala Romero, KQED  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After Positive COVID-19 Test, Trump's Swing Through Southern California Likely On HoldNews that President Trump and first lady Melania Trump have tested positive for COVID-19 is expected to end a swing through Southern California that had been planned for next week. This diagnosis has been confirmed this morning by White House doctors.Guest: Jessica Levinson, Loyola Law School professorRepublicans Are No Longer a Third Party in CaliforniaFor the first time in over two years, more California voters are registered as Republican than no-party-preference, or independent voters. The GOP’s recent gains have done little to chip away at the huge registration advantage still held by California Democrats.Reporter: Guy Marzorati, KQEDNewsom Plans to Increase Already Historic Spending for Battling WildfiresGovernor Gavin Newsom says he plans to dedicate more state resources for wildfire prevention in next year’s budget. Newsom made the announcement Thursday while touring the damaged areas of Santa Rosa where the Glass Fires have been burning.Hotel and Hospitality Workers Disappointed After Newsom Vetoes Labor Protection BillGov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill this week that would have provided extensive new labor protections for laid-off employees during the pandemic.Reporter: Tara Atrian, KCRWWhy Some Civil Rights Groups Oppose Proposition to End Cash Bail in CaliforniaCalifornia voters are being asked whether the state should end cash bail. Some progressive civil rights groups are siding with the bail industry and law enforcement to bail in place.Reporter: Marisa Lagos, KQED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Firefighters Deploy Emergency Shelters Amid Intense ConditionsCal Fire is reporting a close call for two crew members who were forced to deploy emergency shelters while fighting the Glass Fire. The incident occurred Sunday night as gusty northeasterly winds created chaotic conditions on the fire.Reporter: Dan Brekke, KQEDNew State Law Considers Slavery ReparationsGovernor Gavin Newsom made the final call on a slew of bills that passed in the Legislative session that just ended. Among the legislation signed Wednesday are bills tied to racial justice and police reform.Reporter: Katie Orr KQEDCourt Blocks Trump 'Wealth Test' on ImmigrantsA federal court has blocked a plan from the Trump administration to charge immigrants a lot more money to apply for U.S. citizenship, green cards and other benefits. Critics of the plan call it a wealth test. Reporter: Farida Jhabvala Romero, KQEDHow Prop 13 Hurt Schools and Helped CorporationsCalifornia voters have a shot at overturning one of the most notorious propositions of recent decades. Proposition 15 on the November ballot would increase property taxes on corporations undoing a key component of Prop 13. That 1978 landmark ballot measure which was sold to voters as a way to help homeowners. But critics say it decimated state school funding, and helped corporations. Reporter: Scott Shafer, KQED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Immigrant Workers Hit Hard by WildfiresThe Glass Fire is just the latest blow to low-wage immigrant workers in Sonoma and Napa counties, who were already struggling during the pandemic. Many of them don't have the option to stay home from work. Reporter: Farida Jhabvala Romero, KQEDLocal Businesses Step Up Support to Firefighters Fighting the Glass FireSmall businesses in Napa and Sonoma counties have stepped up their efforts to support those on the frontlines of the Glass fire tearing through the community. Food trucks and restaurant owners and feeding and providing supplies to firefighters and other first responders. Reporter: Julie Chang, KQEDCalifornia Still Unprepared For Wildfires After $2.5 Billion InvestmentA Bay Area state Senator says California was not prepared for this current fire season, even though the state recently purchased a dozen black hawk helicopters, seven c-130 air tankers and invested $2.5 billion in emergency preparedness.California Wildfire Policy Flares Up in Presidential DebateCalifornia’s wildfires came up in last night’s chaotic presidential debate. Joe Biden pledged to return to Obama era policies, while President Trump says a billion trees will be planted,Reporter: Scott Shafer, KQEDPoll Finds Declining Concern Around COVID-19California voters’ concern about the coronavirus pandemic is on the decline according to a survey out this morning from the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies.Reporter: Guy Marzorati, KQEDHappiest Place on Earth Lays of 28,000 WorkersDisney says it’s laying off 28,000 employees as the pandemic continues to ravage its theme park division. The entertainment giant says the state of California is partially to blame.Reporter: Benjamin Gottlieb, KCRWAffirmative Action Measure Stuggling Amid Calls for Racial Equity25 years ago California voters banned affirmative action. Now voters will decide on Proposition 16, which would overturn that ban. It comes during a nationwide conversation on race and social justice. But recent polls show the measure is struggling. Reporter: Katie Orr, KQED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heartbreaking Toll of Wildfires Continues to GrowThree people have died in the Zogg Fire burning in Shasta County outside of Redding. The Glass Fire has burned at least 36,000 acres, tripling in size in just 24 hours in Napa and Sonoma counties, and destroying homes. It’s also forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate.California's Emergency Alert System is in ShamblesMaking sure people get advance word about advancing flames is a matter of life and death.  But are California’s emergency alert systems up the task at a time when many people have lost power because of Pacific Gas and Electric utility shut offs?Reporter: Lily Jamali, KQEDWine Industry Faces Big Fire LossesThe fires have dealt a big blow to California’s wine industry. Some wineries have burned to the ground and over a hundred others are within wildfire evacuation zones. The future of some are in question. Reporter: Nina Sparling, KQEDFirefighting Resources Streched Thin Across the StateFirefighting resources are stretched thin, with 18,000 people fighting 27 major wildfires across the state. CalFire officials say crews are focusing resources on containing the Zogg and Glass Fires burning in Shasta, Napa, and Sonoma Counties. Preparation is Crucial When Evacuating AnimalsAs the Glass Fire in Napa and Sonoma counties tripled in size, many evacuees have had to make the difficult decision to leave their animals behind. The Napa Community Animal Response Team helps with livestock and pets left behind.Reporter: Alice Woelfle, KQEDLegislators Anxiously Anticipate Outcome of Pending BillsSeptember 30th, is the last day Governor Gavin Newsom has to sign bills into law or veto them. This can be an anxious time for legislators who are wondering about the fate of bills they’ve championed. Will the Governor take out his pen and sign them or not?Governor Promotes Flu Shot By Getting OneAs a way to encourage people to get their shots early, Governor Newsom got his annual flu shot during a press conference on Monday. He said widespread inoculations could avoid an overlap of influenza and COVID19 infections that might overwhelm the healthcare system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wildfires Burning in Napa and Sonoma Counties Hit Santa RosaWildfires burning in Napa and Sonoma counties north of San Francisco have reached the city of Santa Rosa where homes in a residential neighborhood on the city’s eastern edge have been destroyed.Newsom Signs Law to Expand Access to Mental Health and Addiction TreatmentGovernor Gavin Newsom signed a new law on Friday that gives California some of the most expansive standards in the country for providing access to mental health care.Reporter: April Dembosky, KQED Californians Worried about Integrity of Presidential VotesA lot of Californians are worried about the integrity of their presidential votes, according to a new poll from the Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies.Reporter: Guy Marzorati, KQED The Rematch Heating up in California's 21st District One of the most vulnerable House Democrats in California this year is Representative TJ Cox, who narrowly defeated Republican incumbent Congressman David Valadao two years ago in California’s 21st district. Reporter: Alex Hall, KQED Venture Capitalists Consider Gig Economy Potential of Homecooked MealsBecause of a state law on the books, a homecooked meal might do more than feed you and your family. It could also make you a little extra money. But now venture capitalists are wondering if they too can profit from the law by turning home cooks into the next gig economy workforce.Reporter: Sam Harnett, KQED  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration from Ending Census EarlyA federal judge in San Jose has barred the Trump Administration from putting a halt to counting for the 2020 U.S. Census a month early. Judge Lucy Koh issued a preliminary injunction preventing the administration from doing so.Biden's Massive Lead Against Trump Continues in CaliforniaDemocratic presidential nominee Joe Biden continues to hold a huge lead with state voters over President Trump in California. That's according to a new Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll.Reporter: Scott Shafer, KQEDSome Progressive Democrats Say Feinstein Not Equipped to Lead Supreme Court FightAs the nation waits to see who President Trump will name to the US Supreme Court seat left empty by the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, some are wondering whether Senator Dianne Feinstein is the right person to lead the fight against the confirmation.Guest: Marisa Lagos, KQED  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices