PG&E 'Cheated on Maintenance,' Judge Writes — Then Orders New Probation Conditions
We’ll start a San Francisco federal judge’s order to require Pacific Gas and Electric to take a series of steps to improve its safety practices and head off future disasters.
Reporter: Raquel Maria Dillon, KQED
Fire Victims Vote on PG&E Settlement, But What’s The Plan?
As tens of thousands of PG&E fire victims vote on their settlement with the utility, recent court filings make it clear that key details of that plan are still being negotiated, including the timing and amount of compensation. Meanwhile, some fire survivors who are navigating this complex process without legal help say they have yet to receive ballots. Voting ends May 15.
One-on-One with Erin Brockovich
Activist Erin Brockovich gained fame fighting PG&E. These days, she’s a consultant for attorneys who helped negotiate PG&E’s compensation settlement with fire survivors. She fielded questions that survivors shared with The California Report about her current role.
Guest: Erin Brockovich, Activist
Retiring CalFire Spokesman Worried about Firefighters and Their Families
Hot weather last weekend was a reminder that fire season isn’t just around the corner—it’s already here. Captain Scott McLean, whose voice you might recognize as the department's spokesman, is retiring this week and discussed the challenges CalFire faces in the near future.
Guest: Capt. Scott McLean, CalFire
Why It's Hard to File for Unemployment Right Now
Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, it’s been clear from your emails and tweets to us that for so many of you, the process of filing for unemployment benefits has been confusing and sometimes infuriating. We went looking for answers and an explanation of the technical issues that people are coming up against when they try to file their claims.
Guest: Jenna Gerry, senior attorney with Legal Aid At Work
How Hospitals Prepared for the COVID-19 Surge
Governor Gavin Newsom says it’s not safe to loosen shelter-at-home orders unless hospitals can handle a potential surge in COVID19 cases. Even though California seems to have flattened the curve so far, a future spike is possible, especially when current restrictions soften.
Reporter: Lesley McClurg, KQED Science