KQED's The California Report

Ezra David Romero, a journalist focused on homelessness and fire incidents, dives into the alarming Park Fire near Chico, which has scorched over 164,000 acres, displacing thousands. He shares personal stories from evacuees, revealing their emotional struggles during the emergency. The discussion also touches on Governor Newsom's controversial move to regulate homeless encampments, sparking heated reactions from advocates and city officials. Additionally, it highlights the arrest of a suspected arsonist and the broader implications of these wildfires on local communities.

Kamala Harris, a climate advocate, discusses California's strong clean energy goals aligning with federal policy. The potential impact of a Harris administration on state goals is explored. The episode also touches on the Park Fire evacuation and challenges to California's environmental policies under a second Trump presidency.

Taher Hasanali discusses the rising political influence of Indian Americans and the empowerment of South Asian communities. They explore Kamala Harris' historic role and the impact of her likely nomination on South Asian political power, including challenges faced by South Asian politicians in the US.

The phrase "representation matters" might sound trite, but it's true and meaningful. Bay Area resident Joti Singh says the possibility of a Kamala Harris presidency means something to her young daughters, who like Harris, are also of Black and South Asian descent.Reporters: Sasha Khokha & Marisa Lagos, KQEDKamala Harris' rise to the possible Democratic Party nominee is once again putting a spotlight on the Black community. Many feel a deep sense of pride in her likely nomination. But they also wonder whether the U.S. is ready for a Black woman to be President. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a historic announcement, President Joe Biden announced Sunday he's ending his reelection campaign. The president endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to run in his place as the Democratic presidential nominee.Guest: Marisa Lagos, KQEDMost California delegates were quick to voice their support for Kamala Harris as the next Democratic Party nominee.Guest: Alexei Koseff, CalMatters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Republican National Convention came to an end Thursday night with a speech from GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump. The Trump campaign is gaining momentum as we head to November. But will the national GOP agenda resonate in deeply blue California, particularly in a region that had long been a GOP stronghold, Orange County?Guest: Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Politics Editor, Orange County Register Departments of the University of California must now post opinions on a separate page instead of their website homepage. The new rules would require academic departments to only post research, course information and other administrative announcements on their homepage.Reporter: Mikhail Zinshteyn, CalMatters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Republican National Convention wraps up Thursday night in Milwaukee with a speech from presidential nominee Donald Trump. The talk around the convention this week is the importance of congressional races in California, and how the state can be involved in the GOP's national agenda.Guest: Guy Marzorati, KQED A state ballot measure set to go before voters this November could trigger a wage hike for California prisoners.Reporter: Shaanth Nanguneri, CalMatters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For most migrants and asylum seekers, San Diego is not a final destination. It's a layover. But more migrants are choosing to stay in San Diego. And many are becoming homeless.Reporter: Gustavo Solis, KPBSCalifornia will have to build public charging stations at an unprecedented — and some experts say unrealistic — pace to meet the needs of the millions more electric cars expected on its roads in the next decade.Reporter: Alejandro Lazo, CalMatters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last year, the city of Fontana hired a private contractor to help enforce its strict new street vending law. Officials say it’s working. But some vendors say the crackdown is affecting their livelihoods.Reporter: Anthony Victoria, KVCRCalifornia delegates to the Republican National Convention are cheering former president Donald Trump's pick of Ohio Senator JD Vance as his vice presidential nominee.Reporter: Guy Marzorati, KQEDGovernor Gavin Newsom has signed landmark legislation prohibiting forced outing policies in schools, making it the first state to do so. The bill bans schools from requiring educators to disclose information regarding a student’s sexual orientation or gender identity to parents.Reporter: Laura Fitzgerald, CapRadio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a fast-moving fire broke out over the hills near the town of Mariposa earlier this month, residents rushed out of their homes. The French Fire started on the Fourth of July, and was the latest fire to hit so close to the town. And for residents, fire is becoming a part of life.Reporter: Rachel Livinal, KVPR California Republicans are in Milwaukee this week for the Republican National Convention, just days after the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Reporter: Marisa Lagos, KQED  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices