KQED's The California Report

If you grew up here in California, you've likely visited a neighborhood that goes all out for Christmas. We're talking decorations on the roof in the front yard and lining the street. In Fresno, that neighborhood is known as Christmas Tree Lane during the holidays. Groups of families or friends get in their cars and drive down the street, blasting the Christmas radio station. Or they pick one of the walking days, stop at the Starbucks just outside the neighborhood, and walk the lane to really soak up its Christmas magic.Guest: Dean Alexander, Christmas Tree Lane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, many of you will be gathering with friends and family to celebrate Christmas. But what’s on your table could depend on traditions your family grew up with.Guest: Ken Albala, Food Historian and History Professor, University of the Pacific Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

California is contending with a child care shortage, and the state has made efforts to increase options for families. But conflicting regulations from two state agencies are causing childcare centers to turn away thousands of infants and toddlers.Reporter: Daisy Nguyen, KQEDHealth officials are scheduled to provide an update Friday morning on Governor Newsom's declaration of a state of emergency over bird flu. Although details are scant, public health experts say it’s likely a good thing. Reporter: Kerry Klein, KVPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

San Mateo County leaders will soon be asking voters to remove their embattled sheriff from office. It’s likely an unprecedented move. Reporter: Brian Krans, KQEDAmazon workers across Southern California are joining a nationwide strike Thursday, just days before Christmas, as the Teamsters argue the company is denying their right to unionize. Reporter: Anthony Victoria, KVCRGovernor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday declared a state of emergency to aid California's response to the bird flu outbreak. The governor says recent cases were detected in cows at four Southern California dairies, meaning the virus has spread from the Central Valley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The warden at a troubled prison in northern California is retiring this month, and the governor has just given the former chief deputy warden there a big promotion. KQED reporters Julie Small and Sukey Lewis investigated this prison for their podcast On Our Watch, and they have an article out this week that tells the emotional story of a pair of whistleblowers who work there and the challenges they faced.Guest: Julie Small, KQEDThe co-founders of failed Fresno startup Bitwise Industries have been sentenced to prison for wire fraud. Reporter: Kerry Klein, KVPR  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The holidays are a time where we tend to eat a lot of food, and throw a lot out. Americans throw away about four pounds of waste per day, higher than anywhere in the world. But where does all that food waste go?Reporter: Erin Stone, LAistCalifornia Resources Corporation and Aera Energy joined forces to become the state’s largest oil company. But a new investigation from KVPR and Inside Climate News finds that the merger could leave taxpayers on the hook for millions.Reporter: Joshua Yeager, KVPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first time Donald Trump was elected president, blue state Democrats -- particularly those from California -- asserted themselves as the frontline of the resistance. Eight years later, they say they’re making an intentional decision to stay calm, at least for now.Reporter: Marisa Lagos, KQEDIt’s official. California regulators are enforcing an agreement with the state’s largest insurance companies that they hope will stem the insurance crisis.Reporter: Kevin Stark, KQEDCrews have been working around the clock in the community of Scotts Valley in the Santa Cruz Mountains after a rare tornado touched down in the city on Saturday. At least five people were injured. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1990, a federal law required universities to return Native American remains to their homes. Many institutions had been using them for research and display. But a recent state audit shows many universities have been breaking that law ever since.Reporter: Rachel Livinal, KVPRThe season for kissing under the mistletoe has arrived! While there’s no guarantee for holiday smooches, you can get a permit to harvest your own mistletoe this season.Reporter: Erin Stone, LAist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

San Diego's police commission is reviewing the department's K-9 policy, after complaints of excessive force. Data show large racial disparities in who gets bitten by police dogs.Reporter: Katie Hyson, KPBS Former San Joaquin Valley Congressman TJ Cox has agreed to plead guilty to two financial crimes.Reporter: Kerry Klein, KVPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

California is pushing the trucking industry to electrify to cut pollution. That effort so far has focused on swapping out old trucks for shiny new electric ones. But that doesn’t always have to be the case.Reporter: Erin Stone, LAistThe Franklin Fire continues to threaten homes in the Malibu area. Since starting Monday night, the fire has destroyed at least seven structures. Thousands of people remain under evacuation orders and warnings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices