KQED's The California Report

When a developer buys a building in a working-class neighborhood with plans to tear it down and build new apartments, the current tenants can feel powerless. But, that’s not always the case. For example, a gentrification fight in the Boyle Heights community of LA County had unexpected results.Reporter: Megan Jamerson, KCRW Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gerald Clarke, an ethnic studies professor at UC Riverside and a member of the Cahuilla Band of Indians, brings a rich perspective to Thanksgiving's meaning for California's Native American community. He reveals the stark contrast between traditional celebrations and indigenous practices of gratitude. Clarke highlights misconceptions about the holiday, the importance of accurate historical education, and the ongoing self-determination movement. He emphasizes reflection and cultural significance, urging listeners to recognize the deep historical context behind contemporary festivities.

The festive spirit is alive in Humboldt County as Eureka and Ferndale compete for the title of the tallest living lighted Christmas tree. This rivalry not only celebrates the towering redwoods but also boosts local tourism and community engagement. Meanwhile, the air is thick with political tension as PG&E seeks a hefty rate hike that could burden struggling consumers. Dive into California's vibrant culture and current events while the holiday cheer builds!

Efforts to revive salmon populations in the Tuolumne River are gaining momentum. Environmental groups and irrigation districts collaborate on habitat restoration and creating riffles for better spawning. Once thriving, California's salmon now face severe population decline. The discussion emphasizes the crucial role of effective water management and the balance between agricultural needs and ecological restoration. Local communities and organizations are uniting to support biodiversity and enhance the river ecosystem.

Renters in the small, mostly working-class Southern California city of Imperial Beach are sounding alarms after the owners of one apartment complex issued a mass eviction notice. Tenants are now urging the City Council to step in.Reporter: Kori Suzuki, KPBSThe California Department of Public Health is warning consumers not to drink a specific type of raw milk due to the detection of bird flu. The affected milk is from Raw Farm LLC of Fresno County. The company has issued a voluntary recall of the affected milk.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been more than a year and a half since a levee breach flooded the community of Pajaro. The state of California gave Monterey County $20 million for recovery, with $10 million earmarked for direct aid to residents and businesses. But Pajaro residents are still waiting on most of that money.Reporter: Elena Neale-Sacks, KAZUA powerful atmospheric river continues to slam Northern California. Weather conditions have toppled trees, flooded roads, left thousands without power, and forced the closure of some schools as a precautionary measure. The National Weather Service warns Eureka and Humboldt County could see extensive flooding. Reporter: Sukey Lewis, KQED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head the country's Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy has promised that the Trump administration will advise all U.S. water systems to remove fluoride from public water on day one in office. But what will that mean for water, and our teeth?Guest: Dr. Howard Pollick, Professor of Dentistry, UCSF The state Legislature’s fiscal analyst is out with its first round of budget projections this week. The takeaway? The budget is roughly balanced, for now.Reporter: Alexei Koseff, CalMatters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Several California tribes are renewing their push for the federal government to protect their ancestral lands. They’re urging the Biden administration to create three new national monuments across the state before the end of the year.Reporter: Kori Suzuki, KPBS On Wednesday, unions representing tens of thousands of healthcare, professional, service and technical employees at the University of California launched a two-day strike.Reporter: Farida Jhabvala Romero, KQED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re one of the unlucky people who get bitten by a venomous snake, you’re going to need antivenom. And it’s costly. Millions of Californians live in rattlesnake territory, and are unaware that the medical bill could be enormous.Reporter: Jackie Fortier, KFF Health News It's been two weeks since Lake County’s Measure U asked voters if the town of Kelseyville should change its name to Konocti. Over 70% voted against the change.Reporter: Manola Secaira, CapRadio  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President-elect Donald Trump has yet to announce his pick to lead the Labor Department. His choice will reveal the direction the administration plans for the agency.Reporter: Farida Jhabvala Romero, KQEDThe first case of a more severe strain of mpox has been found in California. State health officials confirmed the first known U.S. case of the strain – known as clade I – in San Mateo County over the weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices