Richmond's Homeless Coping with Covid

As the corona virus began to spread in the U.S. in late February, experts predicted that homeless encampments would be devastated by the pandemic because of poor sanitation, underlying health conditions, and close proximity living. This has not proved to be the case in some nearby eastbay communities. Tom Herriman reports from Richmond.

KPFA 94.1-FM Berkeley · Richmond's Homeless Coping with Covid

Lawmakers Told Trump’s New Water Rules Will Push Salmon Closer to Extinction

The Trump Administration’s new rules governing water deliveries will push California’s salmon population closer to extinction. That’s the consensus of experts who testified to a legislative panel. The panel met for its annual review of the condition of the state’s fisheries and the multi-billion-dollar industry that employs nearly twenty-five thousand workers and provides seafood for the world. Vic Bedoian reports from Fresno.

AG Barr Escalates Attacks on Sanctuary Jurisdictions

Attorney General William Barr says he’s escalating federal actions against sanctuary jurisdictions, such as California, as well as other states, cities and counties that do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement actions. He announced new lawsuits against New Jersey and King County, Washington, as well as attacking local district attorneys who he says charge undocumented immigrants with lower offenses so they will not become subject to deportation.
Christopher Martinez reports.

Fresno Mayor’s Race Pits Progressive Vision Versus the Establishment

Fresno County prosecutor Andrew Janz gained national attention in 2018 when came close to defeating incumbent Republican Devin Nunes in California’s heavily Republican 22nd Congressional District. Now, he’s campaigning to become the first Democrat in decades to become the mayor of Fresno. Janz is in a tight race with former Fresno police chief Jerry Dyer Fresno, with its population of over half a million residents is the fifth largest city in California. Vic Bedoian reports from Fresno.

Organizers Work to Meet 2020 Census Challenges in the Valley

As the countdown to the 2020 Census approaches, community organizers in the San Joaquin Valley are launching an educational campaign stressing the importance of census data for everything from social services funding to political representation. In Fresno recently the Dolores Huerta Foundation has embarked on a mission to maximize participation among hard to reach populations. Vic Bedoian reports from Fresno.

Gray Wolf Killer Sought as Feds Seek to End Species Protection

Ever since endangered Gray Wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park, they have thrived and spread throughout the West. California now has a wolf population residing in Lassen and Plumas counties. In 2018 the Gray Wolf known as OR-59 was shot and killed in Northern California. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has been investigating the incident and recently offered a $2500 reward for information leading to the killer of OR-59. KPFA’s Vic Bedoian reports from Fresno.

Environmental Advocates Wary of New Delta Tunnel Plan

Governor Gavin Newsom has restarted a project to build a single tunnel to ship billions of gallons of water from the San Joaquin Delta to Southern California. Newsom issued a Notice of Preparation on Wednesday which will begin a lengthy process of environmental review. KPFA’s Vic Bedoian reports from Fresno.

Bill Would Ban Toxic Chemicals in Cosmetics

Democratic lawmakers and consumer groups are making a push for a bill that would ban toxic chemicals like lead and asbestos that are commonly used in cosmetics. The legislation would ban 13 toxic chemicals that are already banned from cosmetics in the European Union.
Christopher Martinez reports.

Tom Steyer Opens State Campaign Headquarters in Fresno

Democratic Party presidential candidate Tom Steyer went to Fresno last night to open his first California campaign headquarters. Steyer is a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, who was late in getting into the election race, promises to invest a hundred million dollars of his own money in seeking the presidency. Vic Bedoian reports from Fresno.

BLM Issues Environmental Study of Fracking in Central California

The Bureau of Land Management has finalized a controversial plan to open up 1.2 million acres of federal land in California to oil and gas production. Earlier this year, the BLM held hearings on its study on the environmental impacts of petroleum development on federal land in the San Joaquin Valley, the central coast region and areas near Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks. Environmental groups throughout the state vigorously opposed the plan at several public meetings. Vic Bedoian reports from Fresno.