KQED's The California Report

Latest Episodes:

Four Year Voyage To Take Polynesian Voyaging Canoe Across Pacific Ocean Dec 28, 2023

Show notes

A Polynesian voyaging canoe is on a four-year journey circumnavigating the Pacific Ocean, using only traditional methods of seafaring - so no GPS, no motor, no high tech sensors, but lots of sails and wind power. The canoe and its crew recently sailed down the California coast, meeting with indigenous communities along the way.

Reporter: Katherine Monahan, KQED

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Podcast Looks At Ways To Make A Difference When It Comes To Climate Change Dec 27, 2023

Show notes

We spend a lot of time on this show talking about the grim effects of climate change, but not as much on the steps each of us can take to make a difference. That's the idea behind KCRW's new "Anti-Dread Climate Podcast"

Reporter: Caleigh Wells, KCRW

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Many Families Sticking With Homeschooling Dec 26, 2023

Show notes

The pandemic caused homeschool enrollment to boom across California. In the LA Unified School District, almost twice as many kids are homeschooled as before the pandemic – up 90% in 5 years. And many have stuck with it, even after schools fully opened.

Reporter: Robin Estrin, KCRW

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Meadows A Key Part Of Forest Health Dec 25, 2023

Show notes

Meadows can be a key to forest health. In the Sierra Nevada, however, most have been degraded or lost. But there are efforts underway to restore these habitats.

Reporter: Kerry Klein, KVPR

A unique holiday tradition here in the Bay Area. The Misfit Cabaret is a variety show that features eccentric performers, often performing burlesque and drag.

Reporter: Rachel Martin, NPR

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Conservationists Help Coho Salmon Return To Pescadero Dec 22, 2023

Show notes

The town of Pescadero on the San Mateo County Coast was once known for fish. But a few decades ago salmon in Pescadero Creek went extinct. Now conservationists, with the help of farmers, scientists and federal money for combating climate change, are helping them come back.

Reporter: Danielle Venton, KQED

California could lose multiple seats in the US House of Representatives, if new population estimates from the Census Bureau bear out

Reporter: Sameea Kamal, CalMatters

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Farmers See Uncertain Future With Plans For New City In Solano County Dec 21, 2023

Show notes

In eastern Solano County, a group of Silicon Valley billionaires have a vision: an urban, walkable city filled with jobs, restaurants, sidewalks and bike paths. Their ambition is to put a dent in California’s gaping housing shortage. But for the farmers who currently own that land, that idea is upending their businesses and their future.

Reporter: Adhiti Bandlamudi, KQED

California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis is joining calls to remove former President Donald Trump from California's primary ballot.

Reporter: Guy Marzorati, KQED

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California Approves Rules To Turn Wastewater Into Drinking Water Dec 20, 2023

Show notes

California will soon allow water agencies to heavily treat wastewater, converting it into drinking water. The State Water Resources Control Board approved regulations to extensively treat sewage water for human consumption.

Reporter: Ezra David Romero, KQED

Congressman Kevin McCarthy officially submitted his letter of resignation on Tuesday, announcing he will step down December 31.

Reporter: Marisa Lagos, KQED

Right now, people all over the world are sending friends and family Christmas cards and holiday gifts. But often overlooked is the one delivering this mail, the mail carrier.

Reporter: Billy Cruz, The California Report

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Credit Unions Charge Millions In Overdraft Fees Dec 19, 2023

Show notes

Not-for-profit credit unions have long billed themselves as community-based alternatives to big commercial banks. Yet, many California credit unions charged customers millions in overdraft fees last year.

Reporter: Scott Rodd, KPBS

A new law protecting California workers who use marijuana goes into effect next year. Starting January 1, it will be illegal for employers in California to discriminate against an employee for their marijuana use off the job.

Reporter: Billy Cruz, The California Report

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Law Enforcement's Claims About Dangers Of Officers Handling Fentanyl Met With Skepticism Dec 18, 2023

Show notes

New numbers show that fentanyl continues to have a devastating effect on the general public in California. Law enforcement also says the drug poses a threat to officers. For example, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office says one of its deputies recently needed the overdose-reversing drug known as Narcan, after handling fentanyl. But experts say opioids were probably not the cause of his symptoms.

Reporter: Brian Krans, The California Newsroom

The conservative Christian majority that brought national attention to Temecula in Riverside County no longer runs that city’s school board, at least for now. A board member who was elected last year with the help of a Christian political action committee has resigned.

Reporter: Madison Aument, KVCR

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Closed Jewish Bakery's Legacy To Live On Dec 15, 2023

Show notes

Diamond Bakery, an institution for generations of Los Angeles Jews, closed this month after 77 years. But, in what could be considered a Hanukkah miracle, the bakery’s original recipes will live on.

Reporter: Robin Estrin, KCRW

California workplace regulators have approved new emergency temporary protections to stall a surge in silicosis, an irreversible lung disease disabling and killing countertop fabrication workers.

Reporter: Farida Jhabvala Romero, KQED

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