KQED's The California Report

In Kings County, there’s been a 90% increase in deaths among Latino immigrants between 2019 and 2020. That’s according to a data analysis by UC Merced. Reporter: Madi Bolanos, Valley Public Radio Tax day is less than a month away and for out of work Californians who still haven’t filed their returns, the process could feel extra complicated. One Bay Area tax expert said it's best to get it done as soon as possible. Reporter: Mary Franklin Harvin, The California Report Following the news of the pause in administering doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, misinformation and conspiracy theories ran rampant. It raises the question of how to educate the public when it comes to vaccinations as a health measure. Guest: Scott Ratzan, Distinguished Lecturer, CUNY School of Public Health Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More than 300,000 COVID-19 cases involve the nation’s meatpacking workers, leading to billions of dollars in economic damage, according to a new study from U.C. Davis. Reporter: Alex Hall, The California Report With Governor Gavin Newsom's announcement that he wants the state to fully reopen on June 15, the live music industry is preparing for what could be a busy second half of 2021. But not all music venues will open in June. State utility regulators have voted to take new action against Pacific Gas and Electric, after finding the company hasn’t done enough in regards to wildfire safety work. The California Public Utilities Commission said the utility has fallen short when it comes to removing dangerous trees in areas that are prone to wildfires. Reporter: Dan Brekke, KQED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone over the age of 16 in California can now sign up to get a COVID-19 vaccine appointment through the state's My Turn website. But as eligibility expands in the state, some are concerned people in the hardest hit communities will be left behind in trying to get a shot. Guest: Kiran Savage-Sangwan, Executive Director of the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network Restaurants in a dozen California counties have filed class-action lawsuits seeking refunds for pandemic-era business permits, licensing fees, and late charges. Reporter: Rachael Myrow, KQED During the pandemic, lots of Americans have been kept afloat financially with the help of stimulus payments from the federal government, like the most recent one for $1,400. But is that money getting to people most in need, like the homeless here in California? As Republicans in many states work to enact tighter restrictions on voting, California lawmakers are going in the opposite direction. California could become the sixth state in the country to permanently send all voters a ballot in the mail for every election. Reporter: Guy Marzorati, KQED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The state is following federal guidance by pausing the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, as officials investigate six blood clot cases that may be tied to the vaccine. Governor Gavine Newsom said he doesn't anticipate this affecting the state's vaccination or reopening timeline. Whistleblower Sophie Zhang details how authoritarian governments used Facebook to target activists and journalists, and spread misinformation campaigns, and the company did little about it. Guest: Julia Carrie Wong, Senior Technology Reporter with The Guardian The San Francisco-based online newsletter platform Substack has become a popular home for many well-known journalists who’ve abandoned mainstream media outlets. But now, the company's choice of some of the writers it’s invited aboard has come under fire. Reporter: Rachael Myrow, KQED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The FDA has called for a pause in use of the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, after six people developed a rare disorder involving blood clots within about two weeks of vaccination. Nearly 7 million people in the United States have already received a Johnson and Johnson dose. Guest: Sydney Lupkin, Pharmaceuticals Correspondent, NPR As the holy month of Ramadan continues, health leaders are encouraging Muslims to get the COVID-19 vaccine. And they're trying to spread the word that vaccines can be safely administered, even while people are fasting. Reporter: Jackie Fortier, KPCC Street vendors in Central Valley communities have been victimized by violence and thefts. Just last month vendor Lorenzo Perez was shot and killed while he was selling corn in southeast Fresno. Reporter: Madi Bolaños, Valley Public Radio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In San Francisco, schools will only be open for the youngest students. In San Diego County, the state's second largest school district, in-person learning will be an option for all students. The Biden Administration's infrastructure plan includes a huge push for getting more electric vehicles on the roadway. At least one expert says a lot can be learned from California's EV push. Guest: Chelsea Sexton, Electric Vehicle Industry Analyst The site in L.A. County is expected to hold up to 2,500 unaccompanied migrant children at a time. It will be the third site to open in Southern California, after the cities of Long Beach and San Diego also added temporary shelters. Reporter: Benjamin Gottlieb, KCRW Much of the controversy surrounds Commissioner Alison Collins. But now, some students say they want their voices heard as the board makes decisions on the future of schools. Guest: Holly McDede, KQED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

California’s health agencies offer information about COVID-19 in many languages – including Spanish, Hmong and American Sign Language. But one language that’s largely been missing is Punjabi. Reporter: Kerry Klein, KVPR Governor Newsom has struck a deal with lawmakers and hopes to sign the plan into law next week. This comes after a record-breaking fire season in 2020, and mostly dry winter, which could make California more susceptible to fires in 2021. In the private sphere, California is a high-tech mecca, but the pandemic has exposed the frailties and age of the state government’s technology infrastructure. One Bay Area lawmaker said he has a plan to fix some of the state's issues. Reporter: Mary Franklin Harvin, The California Report The family of a mentally ill man, who was beaten by Ukiah police officers, is planning to sue the city and the men who beat him. This is not the first incident that’s drawn criticism for the Ukiah Police Department. Reporter: Sarah Reith, KZYX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many Californians are still suffering from COVID-19 symptoms, months after they were initially diagnosed. Many of these long haulrs are hoping to get answers for what's ailing them from long term COVID-19 clinics. Guest: Dr. Lekshmi Santhosh, Physician Faculty Lead, UCSF OPTIMAL Clinic. State health officials tell the Mercury News that California's allocation of Johnson & Johnson doses from the federal government will drop by 90% next week. This comes as the state will allow everyone over the age of 16 to get their vaccination shot. Fresno leaders have announced a proposal to respond to a rise in violence against the Asian and Pacific Islander communities. The city hopes to create an Office of Community Affairs, hiring local community liaisons. Reporter: Soreath Hok, Valley Public Radio A community of Haitian migrants has been in Tijuana for nearly a decade, fleeing a devastating earthquake, hurricanes, financial collapse and now, deep political instability and violence. But many have been unable to make a life for themselves in Mexico. Reporter: Max Rivlin-Nadler, KPBS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Governor Newsom said the reopening will happen, as long as enough people are vaccinated and hospitalization rates remain low. 20 million vaccines have been administered in California so far. Reporter: April Dembosky, KQED As California continues pushing forward with reopening, thousands of people in the state continue to struggle with COVID-19 symptoms, months after their initial diagnosis. San Francisco resident San Francisco resident Charlie McCone is one of the long haulers who has struggled with symptoms for more than a year. Guest: Charlie McCone, San Francisco Resident and COVID-19 long hauler Pacific Gas and Electric is facing mutiple felony and misdemeanors in connection with the its role in starting the 2019 Kincade Fire. The fire in Wine Country destroyed hundreds of buildings and burned nearly 78,000 acres. Reporter: Dan Brekke, KQED Wedgewood drew national scrutiny last year after a group of Black homeless mothers occupied a vacant home the company owned in West Oakland. A KQED investigation has found that despite a new law aimed at keeping corporations from snapping up homes, Wedgewood has purchased at least 276 properties across the state during the pandemic. Reporter: Erin Baldassari, KQED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The plan would turn the Long Beach Convention Center into a temporary shelter for unaccompanied migrant children. If approved, the city would be able to house up to a thousand children at a time. For the first time since becoming vice president, Kamala Harris returned to her hometown of Oakland Monday. The visit focused on jobs and infrastructure. Reporter: Scott Shafer, KQED The Major League Baseball season is underway and minor league teams are preparing for their season. But there will be big changes, including for teams here in California, in large part due to the pandemic. Guest: Benjamin Hill, Writer who covers the business of minor league baseball Merced County has been hit especially hard during the pandemic. While efforts continue to try to get vaccine doses to the hardest hit communities, there is still some vaccine hesitancy, and a shortage of doses. Reporter: Scott Rodd, CapRadio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

L.A. County is the latest to move into the state's less restrictive orange tier for reopening. Meanwhile, concerts, theater performances and other indoor gatherings will be allowed with restrictions beginning April 15. Reporter: Michelle Wiley, KQED Across the country, members of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities continue to speak out against a spike in violence targeting them. Guests: Myrla Baldonado, organizer at L.A.'s Filipino Workers Center, Hypein Im, President and CEO of Faith and Community Empowerment California is home to an estimated 900,000 undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children. Many are now waiting for the Senate to pass legislation that would offer them a path to citizenship. Reporter: Farida Jhabvala Romero, KQED At the start of the pandemic, Congress passed an emergency expansion of food stamps, but it was blocked by the Trump administration. Participants in California sued and now, the Biden administration said it will settle the suit, and send out extra benefits. Reporter: Guy Marzorati, KQED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Police have identified the suspect as Aminadab Gaxiola Gonzalez and said he had a business or personal relationship with the four victims. Officers recovered a backpack at the scene containing pepper spray, handcuffs and ammunition that they believe belong to the suspect. Reporter: Saul Gonzalez, The California Report California's Employment Development Department has been besieged with numerous problems as it tries to deal with a huge backlog of unemployment claims during the pandemic. But there are new concerns about the debt that's piling up and who will be on the hook to pay for these claims. Guest: Mary Franklin Harvin, The California Report with Lauren Hepler, Reporter, CalMatters The federal government was going to stop operating the Oakland Coliseum vaccination site later this month. But the state is working with Alameda County officials to keep it going past April 11. Reporter: Guy Marzorati, KQED Hospitals up and down the state have been overwhelmed at times during the pandemic. KQED Health Reporters April Dembosky and Lesley McClurg got a firsthand look inside a Sacramento hospital. Guests: April Dembosky and Lesley McClurg, KQED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The shooting took place in the city of Orange on Wednesday afternoon. Another victim has been hospitalized and the suspect was also wounded, though it's unclear if it was self-inflicted or if he was shot by police. Reporter: Saul Gonzalez, The California Report First Lady Dr. Jill Biden used the occasion of Cesar Chavez Day to show support for farmworkers. She visited the original headquarters of the United Farm Workers union, known as The 40 Acres. Reporter: Alex Hall, The California Report Six years ago, author Brad Balukjian spoke with The California Report from Kansas City. At the time he was on a road trip sparked by an idea to track down all the players in a single pack of 1986 Topps baseball cards. The result is a book called "The Wax Pack." Guest: Brad Balukjian, Author, "The Wax Pack" Californians who are 50 and older can now get a COVID-19 vaccine But news of manufacturing problems with one of the vaccines could prove to be problematic, as more people try to sign up for appointments. Reporter: Jackie Fortier, KPCC Arguments were heard Wednesday in the U.S. Supreme Court over student-athlete compensation involving the NCAA. It's still unclear which way the justices will lean once they come to a decision, but it will have widespread ramifications for amateur athletics. Guest: Alicia Jessop, Associate Professor at Pepperdine University, Sport Law Expert Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The campaign to recall Governor Gavin Newsom is facing early opposition from a majority of California voters, according to a new survey from the Public Policy Institute of California. About four out of five Republicans polled said they support the effort. Reporter: Guy Marzorati, KQED More than 700 migrant children are now being housed temporarily at the San Diego Convention Center, including 70 who have tested positive for COVID-19. Those children are being quarantined in an effort to stop the spread of the virus. Reporter: Joe Hong, KPBS Munipal fees in the city and county of Sacramento have been found to more heavily impact low income communities and people of color. It's also had an impact on residents who are just getting out of jail and often face huge bills when they return home. Reporter: Sarah Mizes-Tan, CapRadio More businesses are being allowed to open Wednesday in Alameda and Santa Cruz counties. The transmission of COVID-19 is low enough to propel both regions into the orange tier of the state’s reopening blueprint. Reporter: Lesley McClurg, KQED The pandemic has made it hard for some Californians to pay their utility bills. There's debate over how to cover the shortfall by customers who’ve racked up utility debt. Guest: Melissa Kasnitz, Legal Director, The Center for Accessible Technology Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The massive failure of California’s Employment Development Department when it comes to unemployment claims during the pandemic are in large part due to outdated technology. Officials are looking to make it easier to update those systems. Reporter: Katie Orr, KQED Democrats in California’s Congressional delegation are calling on the Biden Administration to expand federal firefighting capacity. They argue that in large part due to climate change, fires in the state are a year-round problem. Reporter: Scott Shafer, KQED Under new guidelines, people can bring adult family members to get vaccinated if one person has an appointment. But L.A. County officials worry the process could create logjams at vaccination sites. Reporter: Jackie Fortiér, KPCC The Placer County Sheriff’s Office is under scrutiny for spreading misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine. This comes after statements made by the sheriff following the death of a man back in January, shortly after he was vaccinated. Guest: Ryan Sabalow, Reporter, Sacramento Bee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Public school students won't be returning to the classroom at L.A. Unified schools until later next month. But the district has been helping those who have fallen behind academically, through mobile science labs in city parks. Reporter: Deepa Fernandes, Reporting Fellow Pacific Oaks College, funded in part by First 5 LA A street medicine team in Kern County is taking mobile vaccine clinics to remote homeless encampments. The hope is to get as many people experiencing homelessness doses of the vaccine. Reporter: Madi Bolanos, Valley Public Radio Monday marked the first day of in-person instruction for kids in preschool through second grade in Berkeley Unified School District. Students will be attending classes five days a week, but families also have the option of continuing remote learning. Guest: Brent Stephens, Berkeley Unified School District Superintendent An outbreak of the stomach bacteria H. pylori at an immigrant detention center in San Bernardino County has sparked concerns about the health and safety of detainees held there. It's prompted advocacy groups to call for the Adelanto Detention Center to be shut down. Reporter: Benjamin Purper, KVCR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Starting next week, California will vastly expand eligibility for the coronavirus vaccine. Everyone over 50 will be eligible starting April 1, and Californians over 16 will be able to get a shot starting on April 15. Reporter: Jackie Fortier, KPCC The University of California San Francisco and the San Francisco Opera have teamed up to develop a new type of mask to keep performers safe as they return to the stage. Reporter: Chloe Veltman, KQED Defendants in California can no longer be held in jail simply because they can’t afford to post bail. This comes following a ruling by the State Supreme Court on Thursday. Reporter: Alex Emslie, KQED At a House hearing Thursday, the chief executives of Facebook, Twitter and Google defended their mixed efforts to protect users from toxic content. The focus was on misinformation -- during the pandemic, 2020 election and insurrection at the Capitol. Reporter: Rachel Myrow, KQED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Governor Gavin Newsom has tapped Rob Bonta to serve as California's next attorney general. He's expected to be confirmed by the state legislature and would replace Xavier Becerra, who will be serving in the Biden administration. Reporter: Scott Shafer, KQED Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. If passed by the Senate, the bill could give legal status to roughly half a million farmworkers in California. Reporter: Alex Hall, KQED For decades, single-family home neighborhoods have been synonymous with the American Dream. Now, a handful of California cities are taking on the sanctity of the suburban-style single family home neighborhood and encouraging smaller, multi-family residences. Reporter: Erin Baldassari, KQED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jewish Lawmakers Call Out Offensive Messaging in Newsom Recall Attempt As an effort to recall Governor Gavin Newsom looks increasingly likely to reach the ballot, Newsom supporters are saying the campaign is driven by fringe groups. And Jewish members of the state legislature are calling out what they see as anti-Semitic. messaging in the effort. Reporter: Scott Shafer, KQED How Religious Leaders Can Be Powerful Allies in Vaccination Effort As public health authorities try to convince people who are vaccination reluctant to get a shot powerful allies in that effort could be religious leaders who can use their authority to assure people about vaccine effectiveness and safety. Guest: Robert McElroy, Catholic Bishop of San Diego and Imperial Counties The Pandemic May Have Changed Nursing Homes Permanently Cases of COVID in California nursing homes are down 98% since the winter surge. But after a year of outbreaks, life inside these facilities has changed. Reporter: Molly Peterson, KQED An Evangelical Church Looks to Buy Historic Theater in Fresno The theater is a 1930s art deco venue that typically hosts concerts, and a gay pride film festival. But now the Tower Theater will likely have a new owner, Adventure Church, by the end of March. Reporter: Soreath Hok, Valley Public Radio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s been a surge of unaccompanied minors arriving at the U.S./ Mexico border seeking asylum. That's led to questions about where to safely house these children and one Southern California city has agreed to help out. Reporter: Max Rivlin Nadler, KPBS Pacific Gas and Electric will be back in court Tuesday morning for a hearing that could determine the size of future wildfire safety power shutoffs. The hearing comes a day after Cal Fire announced the utility's infrastructure was responsible for igniting one of last year's large and deadly wildfires in Northern California. Reporter: Dan Brekke, KQED Last year was devastating when it comes to wildfires in California. The state is already preparing for what could be another tough year in 2021. Guest: Thom Porter, Chief of Cal Fire The state agency in charge of unemployment claims is dealing with more issues, as outages and glitches have made it difficult for people to certify their claims online. It's the latest in a series of difficulties the EDD has faced during the pandemic, as it looks to clear a huge backlog of claims. Reporter: Mary Franklin Harvin, The California Report Governor Gavin Newsom has promised to focus much of the state's vaccination efforts on communities hit hardest during the pandemic. That includes several areas of the Central Valley. Reporter: Madi Bolanos, Valley Public Radio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As pandemic restrictions ease, California's public schools are starting to welcome students back to classrooms for in-person instruction. But many Californians are questioning why it didn't happen sooner. Guest: Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent of Public Instruction According to a recent report, the rate of overdose deaths tied to synthetic opioids like fentanyl has risen by more than 500% over the last three years in California. The study's authors said overdose deaths have been on the rise in California since 2015. Reporter: Holly J. McDede, KQED In the debate over criminal justice policies and reforms, the desires of crime victims and survivors are often invoked. But as California rethinks many of the tough on crime laws that led to record incarceration, those survivors don’t always speak with one voice. Reporter: Marisa Lagos, KQED Along California’s coastline, there’s only one state beach where people are permitted to drive on the sand - Oceano Dunes in San Luis Obispo County. But the California Coastal Commission is banning off-roading there. Reporter: Benjamin Gottlieb, KCRW Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Sacramento, business leaders are looking to police for increased security in the Little Saigon neighborhood, where 15% of businesses are personal care salons. Advocates are also upset at the police description of a possible motive for the shooter. Reporter: Sarah Mizes-Tan, CapRadio A long time and well-loved member of the KQED family has died. Penny Nelson, who worked as a guest host for Forum and the California Report, passed away surrounded by her family in Portland Thursday morning. Reporter: Rachel Myrow, KQED The Farm Workforce Modernization Act would allow those who have worked in agriculture at least six months over the past two years to apply for a work permit and eventually be eligible for a green card. The American Dream and Promise Act would also lead to a path to citizenship. Reporter: Alex Hall, The California Report Saturday marks the start of the Persian New Year - Nowruz. It's a holiday often shared with Americans, but that's been especially hard to do during the COVID-19 pandemic. Guests: Amir Razavi, Owner of Middle East Market in Berkeley, and Persis Karim, Chair of San Francisco State University's Center for Iranian Diaspora Studies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Even before the mass shooting in Atlanta that left eight people dead, including six Asian women, there has been a rise in violence against the state's Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Dr. Erica Pan discusses equity issues in the state's approach to vaccine distribution, and responds to reporting that Alameda County withheld coronavirus case data at Tesla's Fremont plant starting when Dr. Pan was the top public health official there. Guest: Dr. Erica Pan, State Epidemiologist The Biden administration has said the U.S.-Mexico border is still closed to asylum seekers. Now migrants who were affected by the Trump administration's "Remain in Mexico" policy are wondering when they’ll get a chance to ask for protection in the U.S. Reporter: Max Rivlin-Nadler, KPBS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Supporters of a campaign to recall Governor Gavin Newsom said they've collected more than the almost 1.5 million signatures needed by Wednesday's deadline to qualify it for the ballot. Newsom is already mounting a campaign to fight the effort. Reporter: Guy Marzorati, KQED California was already facing a nursing shortage before the pandemic, but the problem has gotten even worse with hospitals at capacity due to COVID-19. But nursing students have faced numerous obstacles as they try to enter the workforce. Reporter: Shehreen Karim, Student at Pierce College, CalMatters’ College Journalism Network The family of a San Quentin inmate, who died from COVID-19, has sued California corrections officials over their response to the pandemic. 61-year-old Daniel Ruiz died in July after being transferred from a prison in Chino to San Quentin. Reporter: Holly J. McDede, KQED Over 1,000 farmworkers in Kern County have gotten their first round of vaccines. The United Farm Workers Foundation and partnering organizations have plans to vaccinate thousands more in the coming weeks. Reporter: Madi Bolanos, Valley Public Radio As stimulus checks start landing in mailboxes this week, you might be wondering how the federal government is paying for it all. Guest: Ann Saphir, Reporter, Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The $2.6 billion dollar program is using federal funds to get relief into the hands of struggling renters and landlords. It’s unknown how much back rent is owed across the state, but estimates range from $400 million to nearly $2 billion. The Center for Black Student Success at Cal State Monterey Bay is fairly new, and while it's been forced to stick with virtual outreach during the pandemic, many students said it's been a valuable resource. Reporter: Kayleen Carter, Sacramento State University, CalMatters’ College Journalism Network Governor Gavin Newsom and other California Democrats have formally launched a campaign to fight the effort to recall him from office. This comes as the deadline approaches for organizers to turn in signatures in an effort to trigger a recall election. Reporter: Saul Gonzalez, The California Report California’s junior U.S Senator Alex Padilla tells KQED that the federal government faces challenges in housing the spiking number of unaccompanied migrant children crossing the border with Mexico. Reporter: Guy Marzorati, KQED People with disabilities under the age of 65 are now eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine in California. But they do face some challenges before getting their first shot. Guest: Andy Imparato, Executive Director of Disability Rights California Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People under the age of 65 with underlying health conditions and disabilities are now eligible to be vaccinated. Migrant detainees held in California by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement are also eligible to receive their first dose. Reporter: Farida Jhabvala Romero, KQED The pandemic has brought barriers for college students taking part in remote learning. But it also brought some benefits that might stick around once it's over. We're taking a closer look this week and issues that have impacted college students, part of our collaboration with CalMatters’ College Journalism Network. Reporter: Emma Hall, Sacramento State University, CalMatters’ College Journalism Network Starting Monday, museums, zoos, movie theaters, and gyms will be among the businesses allowed to reopen indoors in Los Angeles County, with limited capacity. It's part of a move across the state to get businesses open more quickly. Reporter: Caroline Champlin, KPCC The Kern County Latino COVID-19 Task Force has launched a new hotline to help older, non-English speakers schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments. Project Abuelita has already helped hundreds of residents. Reporter: Madi Bolanos, Valley Public Radio In October, bankrupt opioid giant Purdue Pharma settled with the U.S. Department of Justice over its role in helping start our nation’s opioid crisis. Now, it will lay out its plan to re-organize the company. Guest: Charlotte Bismuth, Author of the new book "Bad Medicine" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Researchers argue the proposal would make it harder to study gun violence in the state. Much of the data they use in their research comes from the Department of Justice. Reporter: Katie Orr, KQED New numbers from L.A. County’s child welfare system show a significant rise in the number of children in the state’s care during 2020. But that doesn't necessarily mean more children were abused or neglected. Reporter: Deepa Fernandes, Fellow, Pacific Oaks College The federal government is reportedly looking for vacant facilities in California and elsewhere to house migrant children who’ve crossed the U.S./Mexico border recently without a parent or guardian. More than 9,000 crossed the border just last month, surpassing the space at available shelters. Reporter: Farida Jhabvala Romero, KQED The report on the LAPD's response to protests following the killing of George Floyd was commissioned by the L.A. City Council. It found the department lacked the necessary training and there was minimal communication that led to a fragmented response to the protests. Reporter: Matt Guilhem, KCRW Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Across California, student athletes are returning to training as public health officials give the green light for both outdoor and indoor sports. But there will be plenty of changes, and new safety guidelines in place. Guest: Rob Wigod, Commissioner of Athletics, CIF Southern Section The relief bill passed by Congress earmarks billions for California cities and counties. Some cities already have plans for what to use the money for, as they continue to struggle economically during the pandemic. Reporter: Matt Hoffman, KPBS As schools in San Francisco prepare for a return to in-person instruction, San Francisco Unified Superintendent Vincent Matthews has announced he'll be retiring. He has not given a reason for why he's leaving. Reporter: Vanessa Rancaño, KQED There’s a push to change how members of the San Francisco school board are selected. In fact, questions are being raised statewide, as schools have struggled to reopen during the pandemic. Reporter: Guy Marzorati, KQED Millions more Californians will be eligible for vaccines beginning next week, including people with developmental disabilities. The state is also trying to make it easier for people in this group to have the necessary paperwork ready when they do get their shot. Reporter: Jackie Fortier, KPCC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Governor Newsom delivered his annual state of the state address at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. He focused on the pandemic's toll on California and how the state will recover. Reporter: Guy Marzorati, KQED Governor Newsom also talked about the problem of rising numbers of homeless people in California in his State of the State address. He says they're working on the crisis, and knows more needs to be done. Reporter: Erin Baldassari, KQED When the pandemic hit, many home-based childcare providers in California saw their businesses fall apart overnight. But in San Diego, a coalition of local organizations has helped many childcare providers stay in business, and, in some cases, thrive. Reporter: Max Rivlin-Nadler, KPBS State legislation has been introduced that would require health companies to pay frontline health care workers a bonus. The compensation would help those who have become burned out by working during the pandemic. Reporter: Alice Woelfle, KQED The L.A. County Board of Supervisors wants to expand the hours of county-run COVID-19 vaccine sites. Many essential workers work night or early morning shifts, making it harder for them to schedule time to get vaccinated. Reporter: Jackie Fortier, KPCC Disneyland hopes to open sometime next month. The Anaheim theme park has been shuttered for nearly a year due to the pandemic. Reporter: Tara Atrian, KCRW Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Governor Gavin Newsom will deliver the State of the State address from Dodger Stadium on Tuesday evening. It comes as the deadline to gather signatures supporting a recall approaches. Reporter: Scott Shafer, KQED The school reopening bill signed by Governor Gavin Newsom last week sends money to districts to help them re-start classroom learning, but it doesn’t force schools to reopen. Some critics said the state needs to abandon its hands-off approach when it comes to local control and education. Reporter: Guy Marzorati, KQED Governor Gavin Newsom was in the Central Valley Monday talking about vaccine distribution. He said plans for a mass vaccination site in the region have stalled, in part because other states don't even have a single site up and running. Reporter: Alex Hall, KQED The Kern County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a controversial ordinance Monday night, allowing the addition of 40,000 oil and gas wells over the next 15 years. But before the vote, supervisors heard eight hours of public comments Reporter: Madi Bolanos, Valley Public Radio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Joe Biden said last week the U.S. is on track to have enough COVID-19 vaccine to cover all American adults by the end of May. But California officials are tempering expectations of an abundant supply of doses in the state, at least for the short term. Reporter: Farida Jhabvala Romero, KQED A new study looked at the program's first year and found that it measurably improved participants' job prospects, financial stability and overall well-being. Independent researchers determined that full-time employment rose among those who received the guaranteed income of $500 per month. Guest: Michael Tubbs, Former Mayor of Stockton California will begin allowing attendance at outdoor sporting events, concerts and amusement parks starting April 1. There will be limited capacity and the openings will occur gradually. Reporter: Scott Rodd, CapRadio Google is under scrutiny after a new report from NBC News. It alleges that Google advised mental health care as a solution, when workers complained about racism and sexism there. Guest: April Glaser, Reporter, NBC News Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

California school districts could soon get billions of dollars, if they restart classes in-person . But it does not require that schools have to reopen. Reporter: Guy Marzorati, KQED Attorneys representing student athletes said the state has agreed to relax restrictions, part of a settlement that would allow kids to play both outdoors and indoors. There will be safety protocols in place, including regular testing. Reporter: Matt Hoffman, KPBS Despite suggestions that Californians have been leaving in droves during the pandemic, that may not be the case. A new report from the California Policy Lab finds that most people are moving are staying in California. Guest: Natalie Harris, PhD Student, UC Berkeley Goldman School of Public Policy California plans to almost double vaccine allocations to vulnerable populations, with state officials vowing to send 40% of doses to communities hit hardest by the pandemic. Officials said this will also help the state reopen more quickly. Reporter: April Dembosky, KQED A state lawmaker wants to make it easier for people who have been convicted of a crime and completed their sentence to erase that conviction from their record. An estimated 8 million Californians have criminal or arrest records that prevent them from doing fundamental things like getting a job, or securing housing. Reporter: Marisa Lagos, KQED The city of Pacific Grove near Monterey has long been known as “Butterfly Town USA”. But conservationists there suffered a double blow last year - when both state and federal governments refused to grant monarch butterflies protections as an endangered species. Reporter: Erika Mahoney, KAZU Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Governor Newsom is working with Major League Baseball and county health officials on a plan to allow fans at California's five ballparks. This comes as his administration is dedicating more vaccine doses to vulnerable communities, in an effort to reopen businesses sooner. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra is one step closer to becoming the nation's next Secretary of Health and Human Services. This follows an important vote Wednesday in the Senate Finance Committee. Reporter: Scott Shafer, KQED Anti-Asian hate crimes have been on the rise since the pandemic began last year. In Sacramento, an incident at a Chinese-owned butcher shop is under investigation as a hate crime and several businesses are struggling in the Little Saigon neighborhood. Reporter: Sarah Mizes-Tan, CapRadio New research from UCLA looks at what businesses received loan money and how much they received. It shows ZIP code and race played significant roles in determining how much loan money small business owners in California secured from the federal Paycheck Protection Program last year. Reporter: Benjamin Gottlieb, KCRW New PG&E CEO Patti Poppe said it took some convincing to take the job. But she said watching media reports and investigations about the deadly fires caused by utility equipment played a big role in accepting the position. Guest, Brandon Rittiman, Reporter, ABC 10 in Sacramento Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An investigation is underway after an SUV carrying more than two dozen people, some of whom were citizens of Mexico, collided with a big rig Tuesday in a rural area about ten miles from the US-Mexico border. 13 people died in the crash. Guest: Faith Pinho, Reporter, LA Times The volunteers in Southern California are helping seniors and other eligible people find coveted COVID-19 vaccine appointments. One started out by helping her parents and is now helping others navigate the system. Reporter: Carla Javier, KPCC Seven California counties, including San Francisco, have moved to a less restrictive coronavirus tier. While that means restaurants and movie theaters can reopen for indoor service, not every owner is jumping to do so. Guest: Yuka Ioroi, Owner of Cassava restaurant in San Francisco California was the first state in the nation to require gender diversity in corporate boardrooms. And according to a new report from the Secretary of State, compliance with the law is on the rise. Reporter: Tara Atrian, KCRW The section of roadway was washed out by a powerful rain storm. The scenic highway is a lifeline to local residents and critical to tourism in the area. Reporter: Erika Mahoney, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders have reached an agreement that could restart in-person learning for the state's youngest students. The hope is to reopen by April 1. Reporter: Guy Marzorati, KQED District Attorney George Gascon won last year promising to upend the tough on crime policies of his predecessor. But prosecutors both in and outside his office are fighting to stop those same reforms he campaigned on. Reporter: Marisa Lagos, KQED Many older Californians looking to get the COVID-19 vaccine are feeling frustrated and left-out by the appointment process. That's because they don't have broadband at home, and access in their community is limited. Reporter: Scott Rodd, CapRadio A new study from the California Policy Lab looks at unemployment benefits Californians are receiving at a county level. It shows that regions with populations who need the most support, and who’ve already been harder-hit by COVID-19, are less likely to get help. Reporter: Mary Franklin Harvin, The California Report Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lawmakers Reach Deal on Reopening Schools Under the deal, schools that reopen by the end of March stand to get a cut of money earmarked by the state legislature. The deal would not mandate students and staff to get vaccinated before returning to the classroom, nor does it require districts to get approval from teachers unions before returning. California Farmworkers Now Eligible for Vaccines Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced an initiative to get more Central Valley farmworkers vaccinated for COVID-19 as part of his plan to make distribution more equitable. Farmworkers are showing interest in getting the vaccine, but it's not always clear how to do so. Reporter: Madi Bolaños, Valley Public Radio Three Fresno Janitors Win Settlement Against Nation's Largest Cleaning Company One of the plaintiffs in the case, Araceli Sanchez, says she endured 14 years of harassment, including sexual assault and attempted rape, from her supervisor while working the night shift. Reporter: Sasha Khokha, The California Report Advocates Locate Parents of 112 Migrant Children Separated From Parents Under Trump Attorneys searching for parents whose children were taken away from them at the border under the Trump administration’s “zero tolerance” policy say they have made significant progress. Reporter: Michelle Wiley, KQED New State Bill Could Severely Limit Corporate Role in Rental Market In the wake of the Great Recession, investors scooped up thousands of single-family homes across the country, including in California. A new state bill would impose limits on corporations that own 10 or more residential properties across the state. Reporter: Erin Baldassari, KQED Fresno Bee Investigation Shows Police Stop Black Drivers More Often The analysis shows Black drivers are stopped by police at twice the rate of white and Latino drivers, and were also searched and arrested more than other races. Guest: Manuela Tobias, Fresno Bee reporter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Millions of people marched to support the Black Lives Matter Movement following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. With that came a call to support Black-owned businesses, which saw an initial surge of new customers, but many are now struggling to stay afloat. Guest: Hank Jenkins, Owner of Plant Provocateur in Los Angeles Governor Newsom said he hopes to inoculate 75,000 teachers a week. Priority would go to educators currently working at schools or those who are about to head back to their classrooms. Reporter: Julia McEvoy, KQED Psychiatric experts are warning Bay Area obstetricians to be on the lookout for higher rates of postpartum psychosis. They believe the condition, characterized by paranoia and confusion, is being exacerbated by the pandemic. Reporter: April Dembosky, KQED Horse racing on tracks in California has continued throughout the pandemic. While live spectators have not been allowed, that hasn't stopped people from placing their wagers. Reporter: Scott Rodd, CapRadio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Southern California’s Inland Empire has been transformed in recent years by the growth of the warehouse and logistics industry. While many argue it's a job creator, those living in the region have major environmental concerns. Guest: Orlando Mayorquin, Journalism Student, Report for CalMatters The L.A. City Council voted 14 to 1 to approve a hazard pay ordinance requiring workers at supermarkets and drug stores to be paid an extra $5 an hour. Several other cities and counties have passed similar legislation. Reporter: Matt Guilhem, KCRW Officials with the San Diego Unified School District have unveiled a plan to reopen schools for classroom instruction starting in April. But not all parents are impressed. Reporter: Joe Hong, KPBS Kaiser Permanente is using the mountains of health data it has on millions of Californians to help figure out who’s at higher risk of getting COVID-19. It's also helping the health provider pinpoint who should get vaccinated first. Reporter: Polly Stryker, KQED Many have been targets of people who don't agree with health orders or think the pandemic is a hoax. While the problems were elevated during the height of the pandemic, some are still taking added precautions to this day. Reporter: Laura Klivans, KQED The new lawsuit has been filed by a trust for survivors of wildfires started by Pacific Gas & Electric equipment. They claim these officials were negligent when it comes to ensuring the public's safety. Guest: Lily Jamali, The California Report Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Nadine Burke-Harris was sworn in as California's first Surgeon General back in 2019. She's been helping lead the response to the coronavirus pandemic and has been especially concerned about the toll it's taking on communities of color and children. Guest: Dr. Nadine Burke-Harris, California Surgeon General The vaccine code system that was designed to help people in hard-hit communities across California get access to vaccinations may need a makeover. The codes are being shared and people who don't qualify are taking up spaces reserved for those communities. A national environmental group is suing the Newsom Administration. The Center for Biological Diversity claims thousands of oil and gas drilling permits have been illegally approved. Reporter: Ted Goldberg, KQED A new report has found that regulators overstated reductions in the state’s greenhouse gas emissions. A key problem is that emissions from the transportation sector have increased in recent years. Reporter: Kevin Stark, KQED A report by the Energy Institute at Berkeley's Haas School of Business and the nonprofit Next 10 found rates are much higher for Californians. In fact, Pacific Gas & Electric customers pay 80% more than the national average. Reporter: Lily Jamali, The California Report With the death Monday of Lawrence Ferlinghetti at the age of 101, San Francisco has lost a figure synonymous with more than a half century of the city’s cultural history. His lasting legacy will go far beyond just the City Lights Book Store. Guest: Chloe Veltman, KQED Arts and Culture Reporter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

California Attorney General Xavier Becerrra begins the Congressional confirmation process to become the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services on Tuesday. He's expected to face lots of questions from Senate Republicans, who have pushed to block his confirmation. Guest: Ryan Levi, Journalist and Producer of the Tradeoffs podcast State lawmakers have passed a $7.6 billion COVID relief plan. Among the items in the package, direct payments to the state's lowest earners. Reporter: Katie Orr, KQED The "tougher" test was seen by some as an unnecessary barrier to becoming an American citizen. Now, the Biden administration is going back to the 2008 version that they argue was carefully developed. Reporter: Farida Jhabvala Romero, KQED Governor Newsom said the San Joaquin Valley will get a big boost to its COVID-19 vaccine allocation. It's in part due to the region’s farm workers, who are now eligible for the vaccine. Reporter: Kerry Klein, Valley Public Radio The facility in Santa Barbara County was the site of the worst COVID outbreak in a federal prison last year. And while conditions have improved, officials and some former inmates are questioning the response to the pandemic. Reporter: Dena Montague Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Out of the more than seven million vaccine doses that have been administered thus far, more than 32 percent have gone to white Californians. Governor Newsom said the state is not doing enough to help the hardest-hit communities, when it comes to vaccinations. State legislators will begin a busy session in Sacramento on Monday. Among the agenda items -- a possible plan to reopen schools, that has already received pushback Governor Newsom. Reporter: Katie Orr, KQED Improving coronavirus reached the threshold on Friday to allow for schools to reopen. In addition to public elementary schools, private ones like those within the San Bernardino Catholic Diocese can now reopen as well. Reporter: Benjamin Purper, KVCR One of the Trump administration’s most controversial changes to U.S. immigration policies was its so called “Remain in Mexico” program, but it's being rolled back by the Biden administration. A group of asylum-seekers was processed at the San Ysidro Port of Entry late last week. Reporter: Max Rivlin Nadler, KPBS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The proposal would get California school kids back in classrooms by mid-April. But Governor Newsom said it doesn't go far enough or fast enough. Reporter: Vanessa Rancano, KQED The biography of the Marvel Comics icon sheds light not only on Stan Lee's immense success, but also his failures. While Lee had a lasting impact on the world of comics, his influence also extends to the global entertainment industry. Guest: Abraham Reisman, Author of "True Believer: The Rise and Fall of Stan Lee" California Republicans will gather for a virtual convention this weekend. It comes following a strong election year and renewed enthusiasm surrounding the recall effort. Reporter: Katie Orr, KQED U.S Senator Alex Padilla and other California members of Congress introduced the bill on Thursday. It's backed by President Biden and would offer a path to citizenship for more than 2 million immigrants in California. Reporter: Tyche Hendricks, KQED Journalist Brandon Rittiman with ABC10 in Sacramento reviewed an internal report from Pacific Gas and Electric's material lab. He said it shows the utility knew old parts like the one that caused the fire needed replacing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The $9.6 billion relief package includes nearly $3.7 billion for the state's lowest earners and another $2 billion for small business grants. Lawmakers are expected to vote on it next week. Reporter: Katie Orrr, KQED The Sacramento City Unified School District said almost a thousand of its students are connecting with school just two days a week or less. There's growing concern it will affect their ability to graduate. Reporter: Pauline Bartolone, CapRadio Earlier this month, Attorney General Xavier Becerra and his counterparts in dozens of other states announced a major opioid settlement against the influential consulting firm McKinsey. But lawyers for Native American tribes say they're not part of the agreement, even though the community has been among the hardest hit by opioids. Guest: Lloyd Miller, Attorney representing tribes in the litigation A new bill in the California legislature would give victims of online sex trafficking a new tool to fight back against their exploitation. They would be given the option of suing to force the explicit content to be removed. Reporter: Katie Orr, KQED A new poll by U.C. Berkeley’s Institute on Governmental Studies shows that Californians' view of the pandemic will likely be swayed by their political party. There is still a wide spread from Democrats and Republicans when it comes to even contracting the virus. Reporter: Laura Klivans, KQED West Hollywood is the latest city in California that plans to shut down a busy thoroughfare during the pandemic. The hope is to increase foot traffic at local businesses. Reporter: Benjamin Gottlieb, KCRW Facebook announced this week it will block people in Australia from reading or sharing news content on its platform. It comes as the Australian parliament debates whether news outlets should be paid for work that's featured on websites. Reporter: Rachael Myrow, KQED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

California voters will get a ballot in the mail for any election this year under a bill heading to Governor Gavin Newsom's desk. Voters were mailed ballots last year over safety concerns due to the pandemic. Reporter: Guy Marzorati, KQED Some contributors to Governor Gavin Newsom also happen to be corporations that have secured valuable no-bid contracts with the state. It's raising questions about possible favoritism for big donors. Guest: Scott Rodd, CapRadio Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez's legislation would protect workers in warehouses from unsafe quotas and productivity standards. Right now, workers for companies like Amazon can be fired for failing to collect, box, and ship enough orders fast enough. Reporter: Sam Harnett, KQED Two new mass vaccination sites opened Tuesday in California, with help from the federal government. The Biden administration's goal is to open 100 vaccinations sites in 100 days nationwide. Reporter: Lesley McClurg, KQED Millions of Texans remain without power as rolling blackouts continue amid a massive winter storm. California faced a similar situation last summer, during an extended heat wave. Guests: Former CPUC President Loretta Lynch, Reliability Expert Rick Humphries Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The tech industry is infamous for making prospective and departing employees sign agreements designed to prevent them from speaking out on just about everything. But social movements have exposed the way non-disclosure agreements have served as a cover for illegal behavior. Reporter: Rachael Myrow, KQED For the first time since the pandemic, the average cost of gas in the state is going up. Demand is rising faster than production, as more people return to commuting and traveling long distances by car. Reporter: Emily Hung, KQED It's one of two sites that opened on Tuesday, with the other in Los Angeles. The goal is to eventually vaccinate 6,000 people a day at each location. Reporter: Julie Chang, KQED Communities of color have been hit especially hard during the pandemic. For queer Latinos, there's an extra cost - the loss of places to gather, like LGBTQ bars. Guest, Andrea Castillo, L.A. Times Reporter The state is investing more than $200 million in the Salton Sea project that will create flooded ponds and other habitat on the exposed lakebed at the Southern edge of the lake. The hope is to complete the project by 2023. Reporter: Erik Anderson, KPBS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At the end of 2020, the state’s unemployment agency froze almost a million and a half accounts in an attempt to prevent fraud. Now, many of those account holders could have their claims disqualified, even if there applications are legitimate. Reporter: Mary Franklin Harvin, The California Report The campaign to recall Governor Gavin Newsom has another month to collect the million and a half valid signatures needed to trigger an election. While big business has had gripes with the governor's handling of the pandemic, for the most part, they've steered clear of the recall effort. Guest: Guy Marzorati, KQED Governor Newsom has yet to unveil the location of a new vaccination site in the Central Valley. But leaders in the region say there should also be added focus on rural areas, where access to vaccines is extremely limited. Reporter: Alex Hall, The California Report Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The City of Los Angeles has temporarily closed five of its COVID-19 vaccination super-centers, including the one at Dodger Stadium, because of a shortage of vaccine supplies. L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti is urging state and federal officials to fix the problem. A professional vocalist is doing her part to help people during the pandemic. Nova Jimenez is serenading the elderly at a retirement home, just in time for Valentine's Day. Reporter: Chloe Veltman, KQED Governor Gavin Newsom is currently negotiating with legislators over a deal that could be reached as early as Friday. The $6.6 billion deal could send students back this year, starting with the youngest, perhaps up through elementary school. Reporter: Katie Orr, KQED Dozens of community and business leaders have sent a letter to Governor Newsom and the L.A. County Board of Supervisors, demanding that school staff get COVID vaccines before they can reopen. But there could be a delay in getting the doses to teachers. Reporter: Caleigh Wells, KCRW Although he lost the election and is in the midst of a post-presidential impeachment trial, Donald Trump maintains his grip on the GOP. But a group of Republicans and former party officials are discussing the possibility of forming a new center-right party. Reporter: Scott Shafer, KQED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some of the last businesses that are expected to open during the pandemic are performing arts venues. But many argue they're a lifeline of the community and driver of local economies, and can reopen safely with help. Guest: Rachel S. Moore, President and CEO, L.A. Music Center A new poll shows that Senator Dianne Feinstein's approval rating has sunk to the lowest level of her career. Her approval rating among California voters has always been a net positive, but that's not the case anymore, according to the Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies. Reporter: Guy Marzorati, KQED A state lawmaker is trying to reconcile the competing values of public and secular university hospitals and Catholic hospitals when the institutions collaborate on patient care. It could open the door to abortions at Catholic hospitals. Reporter: April Dembosky, KQED Julie Su, who leads the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, has been nominated to serve as Deputy Secretary of Labor. But she may face tough questions about the struggles of the Employment Development Department. Reporter: Katie Orr, KQED There's some relief on the way for renters, as state officials figure out how to distribute billions of dollars in federal aid. But some tenant advocates say the most vulnerable could be left out altogether. Reporter, Molly Solomon, KQED On Thursday morning, the California Public Utilities Commission will take up an issue that’s critical for people living in wildfire-prone parts of the state. The agency could require backup for landline phones. Reporter: Lily Jamali, The California Report Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Governor Gavin Newsom says he's close to a deal with state legislators on a reopening plan for elementary schools. He says he's committed to balancing safety with the importance of getting kids back in classrooms. Reporter: Katie Orr, KQED A 28-year-old-man has been arrested in Oakland in connection with a series of attacks on the elderly in the city's Chinatown. The assaults have gained national attention with growing concerns about hate crimes against the Asian American community. A lawsuit has been filed to end in-person traffic and eviction hearings in Los Angeles Superior Court. The legal aid groups claim that during the pandemic, courtrooms are unsafe for court staff and defendants alike. Reporter: Anna Scott, KCRW Chevron said a mixture of gasoline and oil leaked from a pipeline on the "Long Wharf" at the Richmond facility on Tuesday. The incident is now being investigated by local, state and federal officials. Reporter: Dan Brekke, KQED Many Californians continue to struggle through the process of trying to get unemployment benefits from the state. But it's been particularly challenging for those whose primary language is not English or Spanish. Reporter: Mary Franklin Harvin, The California Report Central Valley Democrat Josh Harder has been inundated with phone calls, emails and angry tweets following the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol last month. The problem: they were meant for Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri. Reporter: Scott Shafer, KQED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

California’s newest coronavirus testing lab remains far short of its goal for processing COVID tests. The Valencia facility was hailed as a game-changer when it opened in November, with the goal of turning around 150,000 tests per day by March. Reporter: Scott Rodd, CapRadio The Superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District is floating a proposal to reopen elementary school campuses under some conditions. To reopen campuses he says 25,000 elementary school teachers and staff would need to be vaccinated. Reporter: Caroline Champlin, KPCC San Diego County continues to administer thousands of vaccines a day, and county officials aren't concerned with the citizenship of those getting vaccinated. Some of the shots are going to Mexican citizens who cross the border frequently for work. Reporter: Max Rivlin-Nadler KPBS The Employment Development Department, the state agency responsible for sending out unemployment benefits is facing more scrutiny. State lawmakers say they are so busy fielding constituent complaints about EDD, they hardly have time for anything else. Reporter: Mary Franklin Harvin, KQED A new state commission is recommending that California end mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent crimes, and allow judges to reconsider all criminal sentences after someone has spent 15 years in prison. Reporter: Marisa Lagos, KQED California is set to develop new rules aimed at making homes more resilient against wildfires. State Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara said his office is partnering with a group of state agencies to come up with home hardening standards statewide. Reporter: Lily Jamali, KQED Republican businessman John Cox is taking another shot at running for California governor. In a new ad, Cox comes out hard against Gavin Newsom, and another Republican candidate, former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer. Reporter: Katie Orr, KQED San Diego County continues to administer thousands of vaccines a day, and county officials aren't concerned with the citizenship of those getting vaccinated. Some of the shots are going to Mexican citizens who cross the border frequently for work. Reporter: Max Rivlin-Nadler KPBS Republican businessman John Cox is taking another shot at running for California governor. In a new ad, Cox comes out hard against Gavin Newsom, and another Republican candidate, former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer. Reporter: Katie Orr, KQED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices