Dramatic End to State Legislative Session
The California Legislature burned the midnight oil this week, churning through hundreds of bills before heading home late Thursday. Before they turned off the lights, the Assembly and Senate sent Governor Jerry Brown legislation that will likely make history on issues ranging from raising the state's minimum wage to driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants and a controversial oil drilling technique known as fracking. We talk about the week's dramatic finish with Sacramento Bureau Chief Scott Detrow.
Shasta Dam: Same Water War, New Battle
After a fairly dry year, California's water watchers -- including farmers, fishermen and the folks who fight wildfires -- have to be hoping for more rainfall this winter. Meanwhile, debate continues over California's biggest reservoir, and whether it should be made even bigger to stave off water shortages. But the controversy has not dried up.
A Lonely Job for L.A.'s Children's Coroner
When a child dies in Los Angeles County, Denise Bertone is often the first one at the scene. She's the county's only child death investigator, and she spends hours, days and sometimes weeks gathering evidence. KPCC's Deepa Fernandes followed Bertone on her daily rounds. A note of caution, this story may be disturbing for some listeners.
'Salsa de la Bahia' Anthology Shows Evolution of Latin Music in Bay Area
The San Francisco Bay Area doesn't have a very large Cuban or Puerto Rican population. Still, the region has played a central role in the evolution of Latin jazz, while also supporting an avid and sophisticated salsa scene. The new compilation "Salsa de la Bahia" offers a vivid introduction to Bay Area artists and bands captivated by clave -- that's the essential rhythm of so much Cuban music. Jazz critic Andrew Gilbert has a review.
SF Choir Program Helps Seniors Find Their Voice
There's a new choir in San Francisco, called "Community of Voices." To join, you don't need any singing experience. The only real requirement is age. You have to be at least 60. That's because this choir is singing not just for fun -- but also for science.