After the Fires: Taking Stock in Lake County
For the residents of Lake County, this summer has been a series of devastating wildfires: the Rocky Fire in July, the Jerusalem Fire in August and of course, the Valley Fire, which as of today is 97 percent contained after burning more than 76,000 acres and leaving about 3,000 people homeless. We talk with KQED's Alex Emslie, who visited Lake County this week and talked with residents there about what's next for their communities.
'Senior Villages' Struggle With Call to Diversify
Many older people fear losing their independence. They worry about being a burden on their families or being forced out of their homes. One solution is senior villages: nonprofit neighborhood associations created by and for elderly residents, so they can stay at home as they age. But this decade-old social movement is starting to confront some growing pains.
Water Savers vs. Million-Gallon Households in Bel Air
Californians are hearing the water conservation message. The latest figures, released this week, show that savings have exceeded Gov. Brown's mandate for the third month in a row. But not everyone thinks the governor's mandate applies to them. We talk with KQED Science editor and drought czar, Craig Miller.
Drought-Weakened Trees Could Pose Danger This Winter
The forecasts of a strong El Nino this winter mean California could go from drought to floods. But that doesn't mean damage hasn't already been done. For example, millions of trees have been starving for water and are now dead or dying. These weakened trees may not make it through a wet winter -- and could be a totally separate hazard.
My Spot: Pacifica's Linda Mar Beach
As part of our occasional series called "My Spot," celebrating personal experiences with special places around the state, we meet a new grandfather who's found a place that feels like home: a beach in Pacifica, just south of San Francisco. Laura Klivans spoke with Joseph Herrera Sr.