Bishops, Lawmakers Discuss Climate Change

Democratic Senate leader Kevin DeLeon meets with Catholic bishops to discuss a papal encyclical on climate change, as lawmakers consider a controversial bill to slash fossil fuels and increase renewable energy. DeLeon and lawmakers took part in the forum entitled “Dialogue on Our Common Home and its Ecological Future" at the state capitol. Christopher Martinez reports from Sacramento.

Is the Death Penalty Constitutional in California?

A Federal Appeals Court heard arguments this morning to review the decision on a case declaring California's death penalty system unconstitutional. Claire Stremple has the story.

CA Community College Chancellor's Office Raps ACCJC

California may be looking for a new system to accredit its community colleges after a report released by the Chancellor's office found the current accrediting commission to be in dire need of reform -- or replacement. Scott Baba reports.

Mayor Lee Warns Homeless People to Leave Embarcadero

Professional football season is about to begin, but Bay Area businesses are already looking forward to the end of the season. In the week leading up to February's Super Bowl, San Francisco's Embarcadero will be transformed into a so-called fan village that will host a series of parties and events. Mayor Ed Lee has called on the homeless population that sleeps in and around the Embarcadero to leave. KPFA’s John Banister has the story.

Smoking Legislation Wins New Life in Sacramento

The state Senate has approved a package of anti-tobacco legislation that includes a ban on electronic cigarettes in public places and a measure to raise the smoking age from 18 to 21. The measures were approved in a special legislative session on health care. Christopher Martinez reports from Sacramento.

BlackTransLiberation Tuesday Rally Held in SF

A National Day of Action was held in solidarity with the black transgender community across the US, as part of Black Trans Liberation Tuesday. Rallies took place in San Francisco, LA, New York, Chicago, Washington D.C, Portland and other cities and on social media to draw attention to the violence faced by the black transgender women. Lucy Kang has more.

(Photo courtesy of Malcolm Lizzappi)

NASA Report Shows Central Valley Land is Sinking Faster the Ever

The State Department of Water Resources released a study last week showing that land subsidence in the Central Valley due to groundwater pumping is occurring even faster than previously thought. The updated information came from satellite data that was analyzed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena. Land near the town to Corcoran in Tulare County sank 13 inches just in the last eight months of 2014. In Sacramento County, land subsided 2 inches in that same period. The DWR says land subsidence is already causing physical damage to the California Aqueduct as well as to pipelines, well casings and other infrastructure. The DWR identified the main cause is the excessive pumping of groundwater due the drought conditions, and the absence of surface water deliveries to Valley farms through the State and Federal water projects. Vic Bedoian reports from Fresno.

Women's Equality Day Activists Lobby Sacramento

Women’s equality activists rallied at the state capitol Wednesday, where they’re calling for legislation to improve economic opportunity for women and families. Their agenda includes issues ranging from the minimum wage to childcare and state Cal-Works welfare rules. Christopher Martinez reports from Sacramento.

Taxi Drivers Publish Video showing Uber and Lyft Violations at SFO

The SanFransisco Taxi Workers Alliance and two of SF's largest taxi companies released a video today demonstrating independent contractors of companies such as Uber and Lyft violating SFO's pick up and drop off regulations. Playing the video on the steps of city hall, Taxi drivers and managers alike decried the contracting services for their unsafe practices and lack of accountability. From San Francisco city hall Pacifica's Mike Kohn reports.

Activists Urge Fracking Halt at Legislative Hearing

Anti-fracking activists delivered 150 thousand petition signatures to Governor Jerry Brown calling for a halt to fracking in California. The controversial oil and gas drilling practice has sparked opposition nation-wide, including a ban in New York State. The technique was the subject of a recent study by the California Council on Science and Technology that led to a joint legislative hearing Tuesday morning. Christopher Martinez reports from Sacramento.

Rough Fire Threatens Giant Sequoia Groves as Firefighters Expand Containment

One of the largest current wildfires in California has consumed nearly fifty thousand acres in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains and is threatening two groves of ancient Giant Sequoia trees. The Rough Fire started on July 31st by lightning in Sierra National Forest and has spread to Sequoia National Forest and Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park. Some fifteen hundred firefighters of a multi-agency task force are on the front lines trying to suppress the blaze with ground crews and air power. So far they have contained 17 percent of the perimeter. One structure, the Kings Canyon Lodge, has been destroyed and campers were evacuated from the area late last week. The fire is also threatening PG&E hydropower infrastructures in the region. Pacifica’s Vic Bedoian reports from Fresno.

Free Our Dreams Rally

Youth activists are lobbying lawmakers to push legislation to help youth of color in California. They gathered on the capitol grounds for a “Free Our Dreams” rally, urging action on issues ranging from police violence to health care for immigrants and health education for high school students. Christopher Martinez reports from Sacramento.

Mission Street Development Stalled

Mission residents and organizers gathered in number this afternoon to celebrate a victory in the community's struggle to preserve space for affordable housing. Plans to build what opponents call the Monster on Mission have apparently fallen through. Pacifica's Claire Stremple filed this report.

Family of Richard Linyard Question Police Version of his Death

Family and friends of a young black man who died during an encounter with Oakland police last month, gathered at the steps of city hall today, demanding answers to the death of 23 year old Richard Linyard. Linyard's body was found wedged between two buildings after he ran from police following a traffic stop. KPFAs Christina Aanestad reports.

Jerry Brown Calls on Law Makers to Fix CA's Potholes

Gov. Jerry Brown is urging the California legislature to come to agreement on how to pay for billions of dollars in transportation projects the state has been postponing for years. Law makers are floating several ideas to increase tax revenues to pay for the 8 Billion dollars in repairs needed annually, only a fraction of which are currently covered by funds dedicated to transportation infrastructure. Brown issued his appeal with law makers at his side today. From the Port of Oakland Pacifica's Mike Kohn reports.

St Joseph's Nurses Say Hospitals "Falling from Grace"

A new report outlining a critique of current patient care conditions and hospital ethics throughout the St. Joseph Health hospitals was presented at a town hall meeting today in Napa . The report called “Falling From Grace”, reflects what the California Nurses Association says is the experience of nurses from all 16 St. Joseph hospitals and publicly available data. KPFA’s Karin Argoud reports:

Contra Costa County Supervisors Vote 3 to 1 to Endorse Sheriff's Proposal for Jail Expansion

The Contra County Board of Supervisors voted today on the Sheriff's proposal for jail and rehabilitation center expansion in Richmond. Pacifica's Claire Stremple has the story.

California Plans to Seize Delta Farms for Tunnels

State contractors have plans to seize as many as 300 farms in the delta by eminent domain to clear the way for twin water tunnels proposed by Gov. Jerry Brown. That's according to documents obtained by opponents of the tunnels. Mark Mericle has more.

Assemblymember Levine's Plan to Fund Low Income Health Care Services

Service care providers gathered at the state capitol today, to support legislation they say will increase funding to provide health care services for the state's poorest, including low income children, seniors and the developmentally disabled. Pacifica Radio's Christina Aanestad reports.

Proposed San Francisco "Right-of-Way" Policy Allows Cyclists to Yield at Stop Signs

District Supervisor John Avalos is proposing an ordinance which would help protect cyclists who safely yield rather than stopping at stop signs. This is the closest California has come to legislating a difference between bicycle and car laws. KPFA's Claire Stremple reports.

Berkeley's Landmark Preservation Commission to Move Forward on Development

Late last night, Berkeley's Landmark Preservation Commission voted to move forward with a controversial downtown development project. With John Bannister reporting, Claire Stremple has the story.

SF Seniors Fight for Their Homes

In the city of San Francisco no fault evictions, evictions in which the tenant has done nothing wrong but is still removed from the residence, have been on the rise increasing more than 200 percent between 2012 and 2013. Friends and Family gathered at the San Francisco Court house today to support two groups of tenants who are next in line. Pacifica's Mike Kohn reports

Social Security Is Not Ready to Retire Yet

In San Francisco, a group of retirees celebrated Social Security's 80th anniversary. Standing on the corner of Market Street, members of the California Alliance for Retired Americans asked their fellow citizens to protect and improve the programs that are already in place. They are concerned that social security may be in jeopardy due to recent campaigns by conservative Congressmembers to privatize one of the largest public institutions.

Youth File Climate Change Lawsuit Against Federal Government

On Wednesday, International Youth Day, youth ranging in age from 8 to 19 filed a lawsuit against Barack Obama and the federal government over the negative effects of climate change. Lucy Kang has more.

Debate Rages Over East Bay Hills Fire Plan

It's fire season again, as firefighters battle wildfires in Northern California and the state faces another year of drought. Controversy has engulfed a federally-approved plan to mitigate the fire hazard in the East Bay Hills. A decade in the making, the plan now faces lawsuits from advocates who think it cuts too many trees and those who say it doesn't go far enough. Lucy Kang reports.

Animal Rights Activist Says House Arrest Is a Financial Burden

Joseph Buddenberg, one of two animal rights activists arrested last month in Oakland for allegedly conspiring to violate the animal enterprise terrorism act was back in court today. Buddenberg argued that the house arrest he has been placed under is too harsh. Buddenberg's lawyer argued before a federal judge that being confined to his residence full time has created an economic hardship on the defendant. From The Ron Dellums Federal Building in Downtown Oakland, Pacifica's Mike Kohn reports

Former San Quentin Six member Hugo Pinell Killed in Prison

Prison inmate Hugo Pinell has been killed at New Folsom Prison at the age of 71. He was one of the prisoners known as the San Quentin Six. They were involved in an escape attempt from San Quentin 44 years ago that left six dead, including Black Panther George Jackson. Pinell assaulted two prison guards during the incident. Aileen Alfandary reports.

Organizers Demand Community Agreement from East Oakland Coliseum City Project

Proposed plans for an East Oakland “megadevelopment” that includes a new stadium are driving fears of displacement and gentrification. Residents are demanding that community benefits, including job security and affordable housing, be protected. Lucy Kang has more.

Investor and Climate Change Philanthropist Tom Steyer Launches Commission on Income Inequality

NextGen Climate and the Center for American Progress, two progressive political action committees, co-launched an endeavor aimed at creating legislative policy to address income inequality in the state of California. The Commission, lead by investor and environmental activist Tom Steyer held its first meeting in Oakland today and heard from experts on housing, economic, and ethnic inequality. From down town Oakland, Pacifica's Mike Kohn files this report

Contra Costa Community and City of Richmond Say No to Jail Expansion

Protesters gathered outside the Contra Costa Sheriff's department today demanding that the County board of supervisors reject a proposal by Sheriff David Livingston to expand the West County Detention facility in Richmond. The Richmond's city government has voted to oppose the 89 million dollar project, joining faith leaders, health care professionals, and community members in denouncing the project to expand jail capacity. They say the money could be put to better use in the community. Pacifica's Mike Kohn files this report.

Accessories to Murder: Animal Rights Activists Challenge Hermes

Peta protesters took to the street in front of a downtown San Francisco Hermes store this afternoon. They decried the treatment of exotic animals used to create the brand's designer handbags. Pacifica's Claire Stremple filed this report.

National Nurses Union Endorses Bernie Sanders for President

The National Nurses Union announced its endorsement of Senator Bernie Sanders this morning in Oakland California. Claire Stremple filed this report.

Buddihst Author on Death Row Goes on Hunger Strike

Death Row inmate Jarvis Jay Masters has been on hunger strike refusing any nourishment other than water for the past eleven days. Masters, well known as a Buddhist Author has been in prison for 35 years, and on death row for 25. Masters stopped taking food on July 31 after learning there might be a delay in his appeal going before the California Supreme court. Pacifica's Mike Kohn reports

Republican Presidential Debate Includes Top 10 Candidates

The top 10 Republican presidential candidates joined in their first national debate Thursday night, in a Fox broadcast that broke records for cable viewership. The debate broke little new ground, but it did give candidates an opportunity to tout their conservative Republican credentials in an attempt to win conservative voters and campaign donors before the Republican primaries. Christopher Martinez reports.

Yerba Buena Island Residents Face Imminent Eviction

In San Francisco, tenants of Yerba Buena Island and their supporters gathered at city hall to meet with their district supervisor, Jane Kim. Residents of Yerba Buena Island have received official eviction notices from the city, asking for them to relocate to Treasure Island, or to take a small cash sum of $5,500 to move elsewhere. Many residents oppose the move to Treasure Island, citing the island's recorded toxicity levels, and also say they will be unable to afford housing in San Francisco.

You can Google it: Silicon Valley workers are joining unions

A vital group of Hi tech workers have been left out of the money shower generated by the vast revenues and huge profits at such industry giants as google, yahoo and Genentech. Thousands of millionaires have been created among the stockholders and full time employees. According to Dice.com even the average tech worker in Silicon Valley commands a salary of $108,603 and an average annual bonus of $12,458. But the men and women who sweep the floors, guard the gates and drive the buses are struggling to make ends meet. They’re also struggling to form unions as the surest, quickest way to improve their wages and working conditions. Tom Herriman reports from San Jose. Photo: Compass drivers approve union contract at Teamsters Local 853 in San Leandro..

Hiroshima Protesters Block Nuke Lab

The Hiroshima atomic bombing anniversary drew more than 200 protesters to Lawrence Livermore National Lab, a key center for nuclear weapons research and development. Fifty six people were arrested in a civil disobedience action following a rally that featured pentagon papers whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg and other anti-nuclear and anti-war activists. Christopher Martinez reports from Livermore.

S.F. Bay Area Activists Tell Utah Not to Invest in Coal Export Facility

A group of San Francisco Bay Area environmental activists has traveled to Utah to warn local officials not to invest in an export facility at the former Oakland Army Base. Four Utah coal counties hope the Oakland logistics center will export their coal. Aileen Alfandary reports.

Climate Change Symposium Looks at Forests, Cities

State agencies held a joint symposium Wednesday on California’s goals on climate change and greenhouse gas reductions, with a focus on managing natural lands like forests, farmlands and ecosystems that can serve as “carbon sinks” to sequester greenhouse gases. Christopher Martinez reports from Sacramento.

U.S. Justice Department Settles With L.A. County Over Jail Problems

A settlement has been reached between the U.S. Justice Department and Los Angeles County over excessive use of force and suicide risks in county jails. The largest jail system in the country has been under pressure to reform for years. Under the settlement, a federal judge will oversee reforms to safeguard the civil rights of prisoners and to ensure they receive treatment for mental illnesses. Pacifica's Dan Fritz reports from Los Angeles.

In court documents filed on Tuesday, Curtis Briggs, an attorney for Raymond "Shrimp Boy" Chow, says the FBI alleged that San Fransisco's Mayor Ed Lee took bribes in exchange for favors. Chow was arrested as part of the investigation into CA state Senator Leeland Yee, who has plead guilty to corruption chargers. Chow's Lawyer, Curtis Briggs, is seeking to dismiss the indictment against Chow on the grounds that the government is selectively prosecuting him while while turning a blind eye to Ed Lee and other SF politicians who have been caught up the investigation.

Leadership of the Congressional Black Caucus has been meeting this week with tech industry giants like Face Book and Google looking for ways to address the lack of a diverse workforce seen in the tech industry. A few members of the CBC's diversity task force gave a summery of their meetings today before holding a brief discussion with tech companies and Non profit organizations dedicated to bringing diversity to the Silicon Valley and the rest of the tech industry. Pacifica's Mike Kohn reports from the Bloomberg offices in San Fransisco.

Mission Street Residents Declare Rent Strike

On Mission Street in San Francisco this morning, residents of the Midown Apartment complex took to the streets, and then to City Hall. They are declaring a rent strike to protest rent hikes of up to 300% for some residents. Claire Stremple filed this report.

Obama Unveils Clean Power Plan

President Barak Obama has announced the first ever national limits on carbon emissions from power plants. His “Clean Power Plan” is being hailed by environmentalists as the nation’s biggest step in fighting climate change. The announcement could add momentum for the upcoming United Nations climate change conference in Paris in December, as well as elevating the issue in the presidential election campaigns. Christopher Martinez reports.