KQED's The California Report

For the last ten years, something strange has been happening in Monterey Bay. Juvenile white sharks, whose range historically didn’t reach Northern California, have been spotted in droves in places like Aptos and Marina. And these new predators are changing the ecosystem.Reporter: Elena Neale-Sacks, KAZU Governor Newsom touted new job figures showing the state added thousands of fast-food jobs this year. Those gains occurred after California raised the minimum wage for most fast food workers to $20 an hour in April.Reporter: Farida Jhabvala Romero, KQED  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

University of California President Michael Drake sent out a letter this week calling on campuses to enforce a zero tolerance policy when it comes to protest encampments on college campuses. But some UC students say the crackdown is untenable.Reporter: Billy Cruz, The California ReportLong Beach is the latest city in California to tackle the issue of homeless encampments. Because of a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on encampments, giving cities more leeway to enforce anti-camping regulations, more local governments will likely take the same route as Long Beach, and start to clear the unhoused population off the streets. Governor Gavin Newsom has also threatened to withhold state funds if cities don’t start working to clear encampments.Reporter: Saul Gonzalez, The California Report Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For decades, Hollywood Boulevard has been marketed to the world as a glamorous and sophisticated place. But the reality of contemporary Hollywood Boulevard is very different. Some blocks, like around Grauman’s Theater, are packed with throngs of tourists, merchants and street performers. But they’re on overcrowded sidewalks with few amenities, like shade and seating. But planners are working to make it more friendly for walkers and cyclists alike.Reporter: Saul Gonzalez, The California ReportThousands of Democratic Party delegates, party leaders and politicians are in Chicago to kick off this week’s Democratic National Convention and officially name Vice President Kamala Harris as their party's presidential candidate.Reporter: Marisa Lagos, KQED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the saying goes, one person’s trash is another’s treasure. And that’s true at a landfill in Riverside County. Workers at the Lamb Canyon Landfill have started rescuing items to resell at a new store. Reporter: Madison Aument, KVCRA new poll shows California voters are supportive of a plan to increase penalties for theft and drug offenses, and to raising the state's minimum wage.Reporter: Marisa Lagos, KQEDLast month, Governor Newsom signed a bill into law that bans school districts from requiring staff to disclose a student’s gender identity or sexual orientation to anyone without the student’s permission. But this week, the school board of the Cajon Valley Union School District in San Diego County voted unanimously to do just that. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Three years ago today, as the U.S military completed its pull out, Taliban forces captured Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan. In the wake of that change, many Afghan refugees fled to the U.S. and California. They settled in the Bay Area, L.A. and San Diego, but some also found a new home in California’s Mojave Desert. Reporter: Joshua Yeager, KVPR The Boise Fire, burning in Humboldt and Siskiyou counties, has charred more than 9600 acres, according to fire officials. The fire has led to mandatory evacuations.Reporter: Justin Higginbottom, Jefferson Public RadioSome California Democrats have announced a campaign to back a state proposition that would increase penalties for theft and drug crimes. Reporter: Kristin Lam, CapRadio  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Syringe exchange programs have been around in the U.S. since the 1980s, and offer people who use drugs clean needles to reduce the spread of HIV and other infectious diseases. But in some California cities or counties, residents or political leaders are fighting to keep them out. Harm reduction advocates are hoping for the state's support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tyche Hendricks, a KQED journalist with a focus on immigration, delves into Kamala Harris' immigration stance amid political criticism. The discussion reveals how Harris is framed as a 'failed border czar' while she counters with a strong border message. Hendricks highlights the complexity of immigration policies and shares insights on their real-life impacts. Additionally, they cover California's proactive legislative measures against retail theft and the state's response to recent seismic activity.

A former prison doctor is at the helm of a transformative initiative at San Quentin Rehabilitation Centre, leading incarcerated individuals as they explore their past traumas through writing and storytelling. This unique program encourages participants to reflect on their experiences and share their journeys, aiming to influence California's policies on incarceration and advocacy for foster youth. Their powerful narratives not only foster personal growth but also seek to create systemic change, promoting empathy and rehabilitation within the justice system.

A powerful theater production in Humboldt County tackles racism, featuring a mixed cast that ignites important conversations about race in a predominantly white area. The performance of 'The White Card' reveals deep-seated biases through its engaging narrative. Additionally, responses from the local community illustrate a strong desire to confront anti-Blackness and foster change. Meanwhile, California's Governor Newsom emphasizes accountability in addressing homelessness, promising funding repercussions for local governments.

Multiple cities throughout California have seen temperatures way above 90 degrees this week. Workers, both indoors and outdoors, are feeling the heat, but for the first time ever, indoor workers finally have protections against excessive heat in the workplace. At the end of last month, state officials unveiled new rules of what’s required in indoor workplaces when temperatures surpass 82 degrees.Guest: Carlos Cabrera-Lomelí, KQEDCalifornia put hundreds of millions worth of federal homelessness dollars at risk. A federal audit out this week blames “chaotic” and “disorganized” anti-fraud policies at the state’s housing agency. Auditors gave the California agency it's lowest possible ranking.Reporter: Marisa Kendall, CalMattersA new report says abortions are up nationwide compared to before Roe v. Wade was overturned two years ago. California is leading the way, providing more than 16,000 abortions a month on average.Reporter: Spencer Whitney, KQED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices