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.