Demand for Fire Academy Graduates Grows as California Wildfires Multiply
There have been more than 5,300 wildfires so far this year in California, but the U.S. Forest Service hasn't been able to find enough fire fighters to help contain them. That demand is shining the spotlight on a community college in Los Angeles County. As KPCC's Adolfo Guzman-Lopez explains, it's one of a half-dozen in the state that trains young people for a vital but dangerous job.
As Californians Save Water, Districts Lose Money
When it comes to water conservation, a lot of cities in the San Francisco Bay Area are knocking it out of the park, cutting their use by 30 to 40 percent. That's good for the drought, but there is a downside for water agencies: They're selling less water. KQED Science reporter Lauren Sommer has more.
Deadly Skin Disease Threatens Endangered Kit Foxes in Bakersfield
The drought is taking a toll on California, not only the people who live here, but wild animals too. Take the endangered San Joaquin kit fox. Its numbers are declining in the arid Central Valley because there's not always enough prey to survive. But there's one urban population of these foxes that's finding plenty of food -- in Bakersfield. As Alice Daniel explains, these city-dwelling foxes are facing another threat to their survival.
Love in the Digital Age: Arranged Marriages? There's an App for That
For many of us, the thought of letting our parents choose who we marry seems unimaginable, even horrific. But in cultures where parents still play match maker, it makes perfect sense -- and these days, some are using modern technology to find their matches. As part of our special series "Love in the Digital Age," producers Rachael Myrow and Polly Stryker have this story about a matrimonial app.
Music Review: Los Lobos Still Offers Surprises on 'Gates of Gold'
When a band has been together for over 40 years, you might not expect a new album to offer any surprises. But The California Report's pop music critic Steve Hochman says that is not true of Los Lobos. He's got this review of the band's latest release, "Gates of Gold."