Youth Reaction to Zimmerman Verdict Might Lead to New Movement for Social Change
Protests over the outcome of Florida's George Zimmerman trial will continue around California this weekend. In Oakland this week, protestors shut down a major freeway, and there were arrests in Los Angeles for destruction of property. But as Deepa Fernandes reports from KPCC in Los Angeles, the verdict has also rallied young people to a call for change, using more constructive tools of protest.
Heat Wave Worrisome for Worker Health
We've had some record-setting heat around the state this summer -- it's more than just an annoyance for those who can't take refuge because the outdoors is their office. Recently when temperatures in California soared above 100 for almost three weeks, three farm workers died. As Lisa Morehouse reports, state regulators are investigating those deaths to see if employers violated heat illness prevention laws.
As World's Largest Solar Thermal Plant Opens, California Looks to End Solar Wars
Sometime in the next few weeks, the largest solar power plant of its kind -- anywhere -- will open in California's Mojave Desert. Electricity from the Ivanpah solar project will find its way to people throughout the state, moving us closer to California's ambitious renewable energy goal. But the project was no slam-dunk. It was slowed down by controversy over an elusive herbivore. And as KQED science reporter Lauren Sommer explains, if this renewable energy revolution is to really happen, conservationists and solar companies need to agree on a way forward.
California Songs: The Neighbourhood's 'Sweater Weather'
From Jan & Dean to Katy Perry, the beach has long been the go-to setting for songs about California. But where some see surf and sun, Jesse Rutherford of The Neighbourhood longs for the blessed chill of the fog. As our California Songs series continues, Rutherford talked to reporter Guy Marzorati about the virtues of "Sweater Weather."
Producing Balanced Wines in Santa Barbara County
Winemakers will tell you that wine is created in the vineyard, and that a connection to the land is key to their craft. For Native American winemaker Tara Gomez, that connection goes back thousands of years. Gomez is a member of the Santa Ynez Band of the Chumash. She's also the winemaker for Kita, the tribe's new winery. Reporter Diane Bock brings us the story from the Central Coast.