Gov. Brown Declares Drought State of Emergency
After one of the driest years on record, Gov. Jerry Brown on Friday declared a drought state of emergency. At a press conference in San Francisco, Brown called on all Californians to use less water. KQED Science reporter Lauren Sommer attended the governor's announcement and tells us what this means for the state.
How Will Drought Affect California Agriculture?
No one is more nervous about the drought than California's growers and the communities nearby. Agriculture consumes about 80 percent of the water used in California. Scott Shafer talks to Central Valley bureau chief Sasha Khokha, who's been checking in with farmers today about the governor's announcement.
Lessons Learned 20 Years After the Northridge Earthquake
This weekend marks 20 years since the Northridge earthquake shook up Southern California. The quake caused $20 billion in property damage -- making it one of the most expensive natural disasters in U.S. history. It also changed how researchers study earthquakes -- and how Los Angeles braces itself for the next Big One. From KCRW in Santa Monica, Avishay Artsy has more.
The Gender Gap in California Politics
This week, two veteran members of California's Congressional delegation announced their retirements. Republican Buck McKeon, whose district runs north of Los Angeles, is stepping aside after more than two decades in Congress. And Bay Area Democrat George Miller is calling it quits after 40 years. Within hours of Miller's announcement, state Senator Mark DeSaulnier declared his intention to run for Miller's seat. That quick decision by DeSaulnier -- and by the two men already lined up to take McKeon's seat -- underscored a truth about politics -- what some call a gender gap in political ambition.
Photographer Henry Diltz Still Rockin' Into His Seventies
His photos have graced hundreds of album covers over the years -- from James Taylor's pensive gaze on "Sweet Baby James," to The Eagles dressed as outlaws for their album "Desperado." Diltz's iconic images helped capture and preserve an era in rock music. Reporter Diane Bock brings us this profile of the photographer who nearly 50 years later, is still behind the lens.