Brown Signs Free Community College bill, Vetoes Cel Tower Fast-Track

Governor Jerry Brown has completed his work on legislation passed by state lawmakers this year. The bills he signed include a measure to provide a year of free Community College for first time students. Vetoes include a controversial bill that would have made it easier for telecom companies to install antennas and wireless boosters over the objections of local communities and city governments.
Christopher Martinez reports.

Brown Signs Criminal Justice, Women's Bills

Governor Jerry Brown has signed into law a series of bills dealing with criminal justice reform and support for women, children and families. The action comes ahead of an October 15th deadline to act on bills passed in the final days of the legislative session.
Christopher Martinez reports.

Southern California Water District Approves Tunnels Project

The Municipal Water District of Southern California voted Tuesday to opt into California Water Fix. The water wholesaler serves 19 million residents in 26 public agencies and water districts in southern California. In doing so, the agency agreed to pay 26 percent of the cost of building and operating the controversial Delta Tunnels. The vote comes shortly after the 600,000-acre Westlands Water District declined to support the project because farmers there found the costs would outweigh the benefits of the project. The vote keeps California WaterFix on life-support, but just barely. Two other major water agencies will decide later this week whether to underwrite the project. Vic Bedoian reports from Fresno.

CA Emergency Officials Give Wildfire Update

The deadly combination of high winds and low humidity is continuing to fuel devastating fires in northern California. They’re on track to become the deadliest fires in California history. Some experts are pointing to the role climate change could be playing in making wildfires worse.
Christopher Martinez reports.

Wildfires Send People to Evacuation Centers

As the wildfires continue to rage in northern California, people are taking refuge in evacuation centers. Marin County opened up an evacuation center Monday, adding to other centers in Napa and Sonoma counties.
Christopher Martinez reports.

California Passes Sanctuary State Law

Governor Jerry Brown has signed into law a raft of bills aimed at protecting California’s immigrant communities from President Donald Trump’s immigration and deportation policies. Chief among those bills is Senate Bill 54, sometimes called the “sanctuary state law.”
Christopher Martinez reports.

Paid Maternity Leave for Teachers Awaits Action

Teachers and other supporters are urging Governor Jerry Brown to sign a bill on paid maternity leave. Assembly Bill 568 would guarantee six weeks of paid maternity leave for K-12 and community college teachers and school workers.
Christopher Martinez reports.

Arpaio's Fresno Visit Stirs Controversy and Rallies

Controversial Sheriff Joe Arpaio stirred dissent and praise at a demonstration during his appearance at the annual dinner of the Fresno County Republican Party. Hundreds of protesters and a few dozen supporters of Arpaio gathered on opposite sides of the street with Fresno police in between keeping the peace. Arpaio was defeated after 24 years as Maricopa County Sheriff, after being convicted of criminal contempt of court. Meanwhile, at the nearby banquet hall Arpaio continued issuing provocative statements. Arpaio reportedly told the Republican audience that people with DACA status should be sent back to their country of origin, and then given a fast-track back to the U.S. Vic Bedoian reports from Fresno.

Free Community College Bill Awaits Governor's Action

Full-time community college students could get a year of free tuition, under a bill awaiting action on the desk of Governor Jerry Brown. The bill is aimed at encouraging full-time enrollment, helping students avoid crippling debt, and providing increasing numbers of much-needed college graduates for the California economy.
Christopher Martinez reports.

Latest Mass Shooting Revives Gun Control Debate

Calls for stricter gun control are increasing in the wake of the Las Vegas mass shooting. It’s become a familiar scenario, where a mass shooting tragedy leads to calls for legislative action, along with opposition from critics that say gun control is not the answer and only politicizes the tragedy.
Christopher Martinez reports.