window.__IS_SSR__=true
window.__INITIAL_STATE__={
"attachmentsReducer": {
"audio_0": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "audio_0",
"imgSizes": {
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/themes/KQED-unified/img/audio_bgs/background0.jpg"
}
}
},
"audio_1": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "audio_1",
"imgSizes": {
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/themes/KQED-unified/img/audio_bgs/background1.jpg"
}
}
},
"audio_2": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "audio_2",
"imgSizes": {
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/themes/KQED-unified/img/audio_bgs/background2.jpg"
}
}
},
"audio_3": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "audio_3",
"imgSizes": {
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/themes/KQED-unified/img/audio_bgs/background3.jpg"
}
}
},
"audio_4": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "audio_4",
"imgSizes": {
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/themes/KQED-unified/img/audio_bgs/background4.jpg"
}
}
},
"placeholder": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "placeholder",
"imgSizes": {
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-800x533.jpg",
"width": 800,
"height": 533,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-768x512.jpg",
"width": 768,
"height": 512,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-1020x680.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"height": 680,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-1536x1024.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1024,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"fd-lrg": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-1536x1024.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1024,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"fd-med": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-1020x680.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"height": 680,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"fd-sm": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-800x533.jpg",
"width": 800,
"height": 533,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"xxsmall": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"xsmall": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"small": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"xlarge": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-1020x680.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"height": 680,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-1920x1280.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"height": 1280,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"guest-author-32": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-1333x1333-1-160x160.jpg",
"width": 32,
"height": 32,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"guest-author-50": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-1333x1333-1-160x160.jpg",
"width": 50,
"height": 50,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"guest-author-64": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-1333x1333-1-160x160.jpg",
"width": 64,
"height": 64,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"guest-author-96": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-1333x1333-1-160x160.jpg",
"width": 96,
"height": 96,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"guest-author-128": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-1333x1333-1-160x160.jpg",
"width": 128,
"height": 128,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"detail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-1333x1333-1-160x160.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 160,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1333
}
}
},
"news_12018753": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12018753",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12018753",
"found": true
},
"title": "when-fafsa-due-2025-2026",
"publishDate": 1734485406,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 12018723,
"modified": 1734548697,
"caption": "Juan Santacruz, 17, helps Ariana Alvarez, 17, get into college application website as they and other students in Laurie Kornblau's College Summit class at Sylmar High School helped each other write their personal history essays and college applications on Nov. 16, 2012. ",
"credit": "Bob Chamberlin/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images",
"altTag": "People look at a computer and appear frustrated.",
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/GettyImages-564011653-800x569.jpg",
"width": 800,
"height": 569,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/GettyImages-564011653-1020x726.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"height": 726,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/GettyImages-564011653-160x114.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 114,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/GettyImages-564011653-1536x1093.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1093,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/GettyImages-564011653-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/GettyImages-564011653-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/GettyImages-564011653-1920x1366.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"height": 1366,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/GettyImages-564011653.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1423
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_12018181": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12018181",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12018181",
"found": true
},
"title": "Tsukuda Farm Close",
"publishDate": 1734118095,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1734393528,
"caption": "James Tsukuda reaches for a ripe persimmon at the orchard by the Tsukuda Fruit Stand in San José on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. The farm stand is offering up its last haul of persimmons to customers old and new in the last week of business before the land they farm is developed with apartments and townhomes.",
"credit": "David M. Barreda/KQED",
"altTag": "A hand reaches for an orange persimmon from a branch.",
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0881-800x533.jpg",
"width": 800,
"height": 533,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0881-1020x679.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"height": 679,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0881-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0881-1536x1023.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1023,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0881-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0881-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0881-1920x1279.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"height": 1279,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0881.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1332
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_12018725": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12018725",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12018725",
"found": true
},
"title": "20241217-UnhousedDemonstrations-JY-054",
"publishDate": 1734480874,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1734481146,
"caption": "Marria Evbuoma paints on a tent during a demonstration against the rise in encampment sweeps in front of City Hall in San Francisco on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024.",
"credit": "Juliana Yamada/KQED",
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241217-UnhousedDemonstrations-JY-054-800x533.jpg",
"width": 800,
"height": 533,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241217-UnhousedDemonstrations-JY-054-1020x679.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"height": 679,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241217-UnhousedDemonstrations-JY-054-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241217-UnhousedDemonstrations-JY-054-1536x1023.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1023,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241217-UnhousedDemonstrations-JY-054-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241217-UnhousedDemonstrations-JY-054-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241217-UnhousedDemonstrations-JY-054-1920x1279.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"height": 1279,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241217-UnhousedDemonstrations-JY-054.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1332
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_12018655": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12018655",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12018655",
"found": true
},
"title": "Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield office building in Woodland Hills, California, USA.",
"publishDate": 1734464526,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 12018653,
"modified": 1734464615,
"caption": "Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield office building in Woodland Hills, California, on July 7, 2022. ",
"credit": "iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus",
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/AnthemBlueCrossGetty-800x533.jpg",
"width": 800,
"height": 533,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/AnthemBlueCrossGetty-1020x680.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"height": 680,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/AnthemBlueCrossGetty-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/AnthemBlueCrossGetty-1536x1024.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1024,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/AnthemBlueCrossGetty-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/AnthemBlueCrossGetty-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/AnthemBlueCrossGetty-1920x1280.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"height": 1280,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/AnthemBlueCrossGetty.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1333
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_12018696": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12018696",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12018696",
"found": true
},
"title": "scotts_valley2",
"publishDate": 1734474678,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1734480309,
"caption": "A twister touched down in the small Santa Cruz County mountain town of Scotts Valley on Dec. 14, 2024, flipping several cars, damaging power lines and downing trees. ",
"credit": "Courtesy of Scotts Valley Police Department",
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/scotts_valley2-800x600.jpg",
"width": 800,
"height": 600,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/scotts_valley2-1020x765.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"height": 765,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/scotts_valley2-160x120.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 120,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/scotts_valley2-1536x1152.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1152,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/scotts_valley2-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/scotts_valley2-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/scotts_valley2.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"height": 1440
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_12018643": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12018643",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12018643",
"found": true
},
"title": "APTOPIX Cash App Founder Killed",
"publishDate": 1734462416,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 12018609,
"modified": 1734462445,
"caption": "Bob Lee's ex wife, Krista Lee, is embraced by Rick Lee, Bob Lee's father, at the Hall of Justice following Nima Momeni's murder trial, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, in San Francisco.",
"credit": "Benjamin Fanjoy/AP Photo",
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Nima-Momeni-Trial-AP-2-800x534.jpg",
"width": 800,
"height": 534,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Nima-Momeni-Trial-AP-2-1020x680.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"height": 680,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Nima-Momeni-Trial-AP-2-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Nima-Momeni-Trial-AP-2-1536x1025.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1025,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Nima-Momeni-Trial-AP-2-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Nima-Momeni-Trial-AP-2-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Nima-Momeni-Trial-AP-2-1920x1281.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"height": 1281,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Nima-Momeni-Trial-AP-2.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1334
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_12018569": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12018569",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12018569",
"found": true
},
"title": "01_121124-Chinook-Salmon-American-River-DWR-CM-02",
"publishDate": 1734395691,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 12018557,
"modified": 1734395752,
"caption": "Adult fall-run Chinook salmon congregate near the Nimbus Hatchery Fish Ladder on the American River in Sacramento County, on Oct. 15, 2012.",
"credit": "Carl Costas/California Department of Water Resources",
"altTag": "Salmon seen from under water with some hills and trees in the background.",
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/01_121124-Chinook-Salmon-American-River-DWR-CM-02-800x528.jpg",
"width": 800,
"height": 528,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/01_121124-Chinook-Salmon-American-River-DWR-CM-02-1020x673.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"height": 673,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/01_121124-Chinook-Salmon-American-River-DWR-CM-02-160x106.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 106,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/01_121124-Chinook-Salmon-American-River-DWR-CM-02-1536x1014.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1014,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/01_121124-Chinook-Salmon-American-River-DWR-CM-02-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/01_121124-Chinook-Salmon-American-River-DWR-CM-02-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/01_121124-Chinook-Salmon-American-River-DWR-CM-02-1920x1267.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"height": 1267,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/01_121124-Chinook-Salmon-American-River-DWR-CM-02.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1320
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_12018591": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12018591",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12018591",
"found": true
},
"title": "20241216_SFStormCleanup_GC-17",
"publishDate": 1734399275,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1734437888,
"caption": "Dianna Stammerjohn searches for an owl’s nest at the site of a fallen pine tree, caused by last weekend’s storm, by the Bison Paddock, in the Outter Richmond neighborhood of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park on Dec. 16, 2024. Stammerjohn said the owls had been nesting there for years.",
"credit": "Gina Castro/KQED",
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241216_SFStormCleanup_GC-17-800x533.jpg",
"width": 800,
"height": 533,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241216_SFStormCleanup_GC-17-1020x679.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"height": 679,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241216_SFStormCleanup_GC-17-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241216_SFStormCleanup_GC-17-1536x1023.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1023,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241216_SFStormCleanup_GC-17-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241216_SFStormCleanup_GC-17-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241216_SFStormCleanup_GC-17-1920x1279.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"height": 1279,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241216_SFStormCleanup_GC-17.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1332
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_12018474": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12018474",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12018474",
"found": true
},
"title": "California Electric Vehicles",
"publishDate": 1734370764,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 12018471,
"modified": 1734370811,
"caption": "Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a press conference in Los Angeles on Sept. 25, 2024.",
"credit": "Eric Thayer/AP Photo",
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/GavinNewsomAP-800x533.jpg",
"width": 800,
"height": 533,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/GavinNewsomAP-1020x680.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"height": 680,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/GavinNewsomAP-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/GavinNewsomAP-1536x1024.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1024,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/GavinNewsomAP-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/GavinNewsomAP-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/GavinNewsomAP-1920x1280.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"height": 1280,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/GavinNewsomAP.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1333
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_12016880": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12016880",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12016880",
"found": true
},
"title": "Tsunami Warning",
"publishDate": 1733433844,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1734387284,
"caption": "A state police vehicle patrols at Brickyard Cove in Berkeley, California, on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. Officials recommended evacuation of coastal areas due to a tsunami warning, that was later lifted.",
"credit": "David M. Barreda/KQED",
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241205_Tsunami-Warning_DMB_0666-800x533.jpg",
"width": 800,
"height": 533,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241205_Tsunami-Warning_DMB_0666-1020x679.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"height": 679,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241205_Tsunami-Warning_DMB_0666-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241205_Tsunami-Warning_DMB_0666-1536x1023.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1023,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241205_Tsunami-Warning_DMB_0666-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241205_Tsunami-Warning_DMB_0666-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241205_Tsunami-Warning_DMB_0666-1920x1279.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"height": 1279,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241205_Tsunami-Warning_DMB_0666.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1332
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_12015569": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12015569",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12015569",
"found": true
},
"title": "241122-StormHitsBayArea-04-BL",
"publishDate": 1732303370,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1732303410,
"caption": "A vehicle drives through a flooded parking lot in Marin City on Nov. 22, 2024, during a storm bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the Bay Area.",
"credit": "Beth LaBerge/KQED",
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241122-StormHitsBayArea-04-BL-800x533.jpg",
"width": 800,
"height": 533,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241122-StormHitsBayArea-04-BL-1020x680.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"height": 680,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241122-StormHitsBayArea-04-BL-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241122-StormHitsBayArea-04-BL-1536x1024.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1024,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241122-StormHitsBayArea-04-BL-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241122-StormHitsBayArea-04-BL-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241122-StormHitsBayArea-04-BL-1920x1280.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"height": 1280,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241122-StormHitsBayArea-04-BL.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1333
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_12017639": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12017639",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12017639",
"found": true
},
"title": "IMG_0850",
"publishDate": 1733939718,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1734115846,
"caption": "Sgt. Kevin Steele was a correctional officer at California State Prison, Sacramento, also known as New Folsom, from 2008 until his death in 2021.",
"credit": "Anna Vignet/KQED",
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_0850-800x600.jpg",
"width": 800,
"height": 600,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_0850-1020x765.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"height": 765,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_0850-160x120.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 120,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_0850-1536x1152.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1152,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"2048x2048": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_0850-2048x1536.jpg",
"width": 2048,
"height": 1536,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_0850-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_0850-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_0850-1920x1440.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"height": 1440,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_0850.jpg",
"width": 2560,
"height": 1920
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
}
},
"audioPlayerReducer": {
"postId": "stream_live",
"isPaused": true,
"isPlaying": false,
"pfsActive": false,
"pledgeModalIsOpen": true,
"playerDrawerIsOpen": false,
"liveAudioPlayStartedAt": 0,
"liveAudioPlayContext": ""
},
"authorsReducer": {
"byline_news_12018557": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "byline_news_12018557",
"meta": {
"override": true
},
"slug": "byline_news_12018557",
"name": "Alastair Bland \u003cbr> CalMatters",
"isLoading": false
},
"danbrekke": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "222",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "222",
"found": true
},
"name": "Dan Brekke",
"firstName": "Dan",
"lastName": "Brekke",
"slug": "danbrekke",
"email": "dbrekke@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": true,
"staff_mastheads": [
"news",
"science"
],
"title": "KQED Editor and Reporter",
"bio": "Dan Brekke is a reporter and editor for KQED News, responsible for coverage of topics ranging from California water issues to the Bay Area's transportation challenges. In a newsroom career that began in Chicago in 1972, Dan has worked for \u003cem>The San Francisco Examiner,\u003c/em> Wired and TechTV and has been published in The New York Times, The New York Times Magazine, Business 2.0, Salon and elsewhere.\r\n\r\nSince joining KQED in 2007, Dan has reported, edited and produced both radio and online features and breaking news pieces. He has shared as both editor and reporter in four Society of Professional Journalists Norcal Excellence in Journalism awards and one Edward R. Murrow regional award. He was chosen for a spring 2017 residency at the Mesa Refuge to advance his research on California salmon.\r\n\r\nEmail Dan at: \u003ca href=\"mailto:dbrekke@kqed.org\">dbrekke@kqed.org\u003c/a>\r\n\r\n\u003cstrong>Twitter:\u003c/strong> \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/danbrekke\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">twitter.com/danbrekke\u003c/a>\r\n\u003cstrong>Facebook:\u003c/strong> \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/danbrekke\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">www.facebook.com/danbrekke\u003c/a>\r\n\u003cstrong>LinkedIn:\u003c/strong> \u003ca href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/danbrekke\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">www.linkedin.com/in/danbrekke\u003c/a>",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c8126230345efca3f7aa89b1a402be45?s=600&d=mm&r=g",
"twitter": "danbrekke",
"facebook": null,
"instagram": "https://www.instagram.com/dan.brekke/",
"linkedin": "https://www.linkedin.com/in/danbrekke/",
"sites": [
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"administrator",
"create_posts"
]
},
{
"site": "stateofhealth",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "science",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "quest",
"roles": [
"contributor"
]
},
{
"site": "food",
"roles": [
"contributor"
]
},
{
"site": "forum",
"roles": [
"contributor"
]
},
{
"site": "liveblog",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Dan Brekke | KQED",
"description": "KQED Editor and Reporter",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c8126230345efca3f7aa89b1a402be45?s=600&d=mm&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c8126230345efca3f7aa89b1a402be45?s=600&d=mm&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/danbrekke"
},
"mlagos": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "3239",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "3239",
"found": true
},
"name": "Marisa Lagos",
"firstName": "Marisa",
"lastName": "Lagos",
"slug": "mlagos",
"email": "mlagos@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": false,
"staff_mastheads": [
"news"
],
"title": "KQED Contributor",
"bio": "Marisa Lagos is a correspondent for KQED’s California Politics and Government Desk and co-hosts the award-winning show and podcast, Political Breakdown. At KQED, Lagos also conducts reporting, analysis and investigations into state, local and national politics for radio, TV, online and onstage. In 2022, she and co-host, Scott Shafer, moderated the only gubernatorial debate in California. In 2020, the \u003ci>Washington Post\u003c/i> named her one of the top political journalists in California; she was nominated for a Peabody and won several other awards for her work investigating the 2017 California wildfires. She has worked at the \u003ci>San Francisco Chronicle\u003c/i>, \u003ci>San Francisco Examiner\u003c/i> and \u003ci>Los Angeles Times\u003c/i>. A UC Santa Barbara graduate, she lives in San Francisco with her two sons and husband.",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a261a0d3696fc066871ef96b85b5e7d2?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": "@mlagos",
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "arts",
"roles": [
"author"
]
},
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "science",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "forum",
"roles": [
"author"
]
},
{
"site": "liveblog",
"roles": [
"author"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Marisa Lagos | KQED",
"description": "KQED Contributor",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a261a0d3696fc066871ef96b85b5e7d2?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a261a0d3696fc066871ef96b85b5e7d2?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/mlagos"
},
"jsmall": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "6625",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "6625",
"found": true
},
"name": "Julie Small",
"firstName": "Julie",
"lastName": "Small",
"slug": "jsmall",
"email": "jsmall@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": true,
"staff_mastheads": [
"news"
],
"title": "KQED Contributor",
"bio": "Julie Small reports on criminal justice and immigration.\r\n\r\nShe was part of a team at KQED awarded a regional 2019 Edward R. Murrow award for continuing coverage of the Trump Administration's family separation policy.\r\n\r\nThe Society for Professional Journalists recognized Julie's 2018 \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11636262/the-officer-tased-him-31-times-the-sheriff-called-his-death-an-accident\">reporting\u003c/a> on the San Joaquin County Sheriff's \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11634689/autopsy-doctors-sheriff-overrode-death-findings-to-protect-law-enforcement\">interference\u003c/a> in death investigations with an Excellence in Journalism Award for Ongoing Coverage.\r\n\r\nJulie's\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11039666/two-mentally-ill-inmates-died-one-month-in-santa-clara\"> reporting\u003c/a> with Lisa Pickoff-White on the treatment of mentally ill offenders in California jails earned a 2017 regional Edward R. Murrow Award for news reporting and an investigative reporting award from the SPJ of Northern California.\r\n\r\nBefore joining KQED, Julie covered government and politics in Sacramento for Southern California Public Radio (SCPR). Her 2010 \u003ca href=\"https://www.scpr.org/specials/prisonmedical/\">series\u003c/a> on lapses in California’s prison medical care also won a regional Edward R. Murrow Award for investigative reporting and a Golden Mic Award from the RTNDA of Southern California.\r\n\r\nJulie began her career in journalism in 2000 as the deputy foreign editor for public radio's \u003cem>Marketplace, \u003c/em>while earning her master's degree in journalism from USC’s Annenberg School of Communication.",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4baedf201468df97be97c2a9dd7585d0?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": "@SmallRadio2",
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "stateofhealth",
"roles": [
"author"
]
},
{
"site": "science",
"roles": [
"author"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Julie Small | KQED",
"description": "KQED Contributor",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4baedf201468df97be97c2a9dd7585d0?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4baedf201468df97be97c2a9dd7585d0?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/jsmall"
},
"slewis": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "8676",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "8676",
"found": true
},
"name": "Sukey Lewis",
"firstName": "Sukey",
"lastName": "Lewis",
"slug": "slewis",
"email": "slewis@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": true,
"staff_mastheads": [
"news"
],
"title": "KQED Contributor",
"bio": "Sukey Lewis is a criminal justice reporter and host of \u003cem>On Our Watch\u003c/em>, a new podcast from NPR and KQED about the shadow world of police discipline. In 2018, she co-founded the California Reporting Project, a coalition of newsrooms across the state focused on obtaining previously sealed internal affairs records from law enforcement. In addition to her reporting on police accountability, Sukey has investigated the bail bonds industry, California's wildfires and the high cost of prison phone calls. Sukey earned a master's degree in journalism from the University of California at Berkeley. Send news tips to slewis@kqed.org.",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/03fd6b21024f99d8b0a1966654586de7?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": "SukeyLewis",
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"author",
"edit_others_posts"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Sukey Lewis | KQED",
"description": "KQED Contributor",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/03fd6b21024f99d8b0a1966654586de7?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/03fd6b21024f99d8b0a1966654586de7?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/slewis"
},
"abandlamudi": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "11672",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "11672",
"found": true
},
"name": "Adhiti Bandlamudi",
"firstName": "Adhiti",
"lastName": "Bandlamudi",
"slug": "abandlamudi",
"email": "abandlamudi@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": false,
"staff_mastheads": [
"news"
],
"title": "KQED Housing Reporter",
"bio": "Adhiti Bandlamudi reports for KQED's Housing desk. She focuses on how housing gets built across the Bay Area. Before joining KQED in 2020, she reported for WUNC in Durham, North Carolina, WABE in Atlanta, Georgia and Capital Public Radio in Sacramento. In 2017, she was awarded a Kroc Fellowship at NPR where she reported on everything from sprinkles to the Golden State Killer's arrest. When she's not reporting, she's baking new recipes in her kitchen or watching movies with friends and family. She's originally from Georgia and has strong opinions about Great British Bake Off.",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/868129c8b257bb99a3500e2c86a65400?s=600&d=mm&r=g",
"twitter": "oddity_adhiti",
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "arts",
"roles": [
"author"
]
},
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "liveblog",
"roles": [
"author"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Adhiti Bandlamudi | KQED",
"description": "KQED Housing Reporter",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/868129c8b257bb99a3500e2c86a65400?s=600&d=mm&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/868129c8b257bb99a3500e2c86a65400?s=600&d=mm&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/abandlamudi"
},
"ccabreralomeli": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "11708",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "11708",
"found": true
},
"name": "Carlos Cabrera-Lomelí",
"firstName": "Carlos",
"lastName": "Cabrera-Lomelí",
"slug": "ccabreralomeli",
"email": "ccabreralomeli@KQED.org",
"display_author_email": true,
"staff_mastheads": [
"news"
],
"title": "Community Reporter",
"bio": "Carlos Cabrera-Lomelí is a community reporter with KQED's digital engagement team. He also reports and co-produces for KQED's bilingual news hub KQED en Español. He grew up in San Francisco's Mission District and has previously worked with Univision, 48 Hills and REFORMA in Mexico City.",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c309be9665e484f887b818c89e273ecc673004f426f36b24d00a4d813a2e0518?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": "@LomeliCabrera",
"bluesky": null,
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "arts",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "about",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "science",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "perspectives",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "elections",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "liveblog",
"roles": [
"contributor"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Carlos Cabrera-Lomelí | KQED",
"description": "Community Reporter",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c309be9665e484f887b818c89e273ecc673004f426f36b24d00a4d813a2e0518?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c309be9665e484f887b818c89e273ecc673004f426f36b24d00a4d813a2e0518?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/ccabreralomeli"
},
"eromero": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "11746",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "11746",
"found": true
},
"name": "Ezra David Romero",
"firstName": "Ezra David",
"lastName": "Romero",
"slug": "eromero",
"email": "eromero@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": true,
"staff_mastheads": [
"news",
"science"
],
"title": "Climate Reporter",
"bio": "Ezra David Romero is a climate reporter for KQED News. He covers the absence and excess of water in the Bay Area — think sea level rise, flooding and drought. For nearly a decade he’s covered how warming temperatures are altering the lives of Californians. He’s reported on farmers worried their pistachio trees aren’t getting enough sleep, families desperate for water, scientists studying dying giant sequoias, and alongside firefighters containing wildfires. His work has appeared on local stations across California and nationally on public radio shows like Morning Edition, Here and Now, All Things Considered and Science Friday. ",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c76404d287c10ed40224227551ac36e24352c7306f106632caf6fead76f8801f?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": "ezraromero",
"bluesky": null,
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "arts",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "science",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "liveblog",
"roles": [
"author"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Ezra David Romero | KQED",
"description": "Climate Reporter",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c76404d287c10ed40224227551ac36e24352c7306f106632caf6fead76f8801f?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c76404d287c10ed40224227551ac36e24352c7306f106632caf6fead76f8801f?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/eromero"
},
"nkhan": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "11867",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "11867",
"found": true
},
"name": "Nisa Khan",
"firstName": "Nisa",
"lastName": "Khan",
"slug": "nkhan",
"email": "nkhan@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": false,
"staff_mastheads": [],
"title": "KQED Contributor",
"bio": "Nisa Khan is a reporter for KQED's Audience News Desk. She was formerly a data reporter at Michigan Radio. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Information from the University of Michigan and a Master of Arts in Communication from Stanford University.",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8720459eef081ff64582b3506b124d58523e80e120704a0cbd9892533c914991?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": "mnisakhan",
"bluesky": null,
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "arts",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "science",
"roles": [
"editor",
"author"
]
},
{
"site": "forum",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "liveblog",
"roles": [
"contributor"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Nisa Khan | KQED",
"description": "KQED Contributor",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8720459eef081ff64582b3506b124d58523e80e120704a0cbd9892533c914991?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8720459eef081ff64582b3506b124d58523e80e120704a0cbd9892533c914991?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/nkhan"
},
"jgeha": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "11906",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "11906",
"found": true
},
"name": "Joseph Geha",
"firstName": "Joseph",
"lastName": "Geha",
"slug": "jgeha",
"email": "jgeha@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": false,
"staff_mastheads": [
"news",
"science"
],
"title": "KQED Contributor",
"bio": null,
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea84d2b6dd93d6369d453edf19dd583f117cd1759d2d9c9c92f9de77017354fe?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": null,
"bluesky": null,
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "liveblog",
"roles": [
"author"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Joseph Geha | KQED",
"description": "KQED Contributor",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea84d2b6dd93d6369d453edf19dd583f117cd1759d2d9c9c92f9de77017354fe?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea84d2b6dd93d6369d453edf19dd583f117cd1759d2d9c9c92f9de77017354fe?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/jgeha"
},
"kdebenedetti": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "11913",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "11913",
"found": true
},
"name": "Katie DeBenedetti",
"firstName": "Katie",
"lastName": "DeBenedetti",
"slug": "kdebenedetti",
"email": "kdebenedetti@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": false,
"staff_mastheads": [
"news",
"science"
],
"title": "KQED Contributor",
"bio": "Katie DeBenedetti is a digital reporter covering daily news for the Express Desk. Prior to joining KQED as a culture reporting intern in January 2024, she covered education and city government for the Napa Valley Register.",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6e31073cb8f7e4214ab03f42771d0f45?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": null,
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"author"
]
},
{
"site": "science",
"roles": [
"author"
]
},
{
"site": "liveblog",
"roles": [
"author"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Katie DeBenedetti | KQED",
"description": "KQED Contributor",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6e31073cb8f7e4214ab03f42771d0f45?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6e31073cb8f7e4214ab03f42771d0f45?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/kdebenedetti"
}
},
"pagesReducer": {
"news_category_california": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_31795",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "31795",
"score": 10.847641
},
"featImg": null,
"name": "California",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "California Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 31812,
"slug": "california",
"isLoading": false,
"title": "California",
"pageMeta": {
"site": "news",
"WpPageTemplate": "page-topic-editorial",
"currentPage": 159
},
"blocks": [
{
"blockName": "kqed/post-list",
"attrs": {
"layout": "cardArticle2",
"query": "posts/news?category=california",
"seeMore": false,
"paginated": true,
"page": 159
}
},
{
"blockName": "kqed/ad"
}
]
}
},
"pfsSessionReducer": {},
"postsReducer": {
"stream_live": {
"type": "live",
"id": "stream_live",
"audioUrl": "https://streams.kqed.org/kqedradio",
"title": "Live Stream",
"excerpt": "Live Stream information currently unavailable.",
"link": "/radio",
"featImg": "",
"label": {
"name": "KQED Live",
"link": "/"
}
},
"stream_kqedNewscast": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "stream_kqedNewscast",
"audioUrl": "https://www.kqed.org/.stream/anon/radio/RDnews/newscast.mp3?_=1",
"title": "KQED Newscast",
"featImg": "",
"label": {
"name": "88.5 FM",
"link": "/"
}
},
"news_12018723": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12018723",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12018723",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1734523236000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "fafsa-2025-california-deadlines",
"title": "FAFSA 2025: What California Students Need to Know",
"publishDate": 1734523236,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "FAFSA 2025: What California Students Need to Know | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"site": "news"
},
"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>Updated March 12, 2025\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s FAFSA — the \u003ca href=\"https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa\">Free Application for Federal Student Aid\u003c/a> — season again. And for some applicants, the memories of last year’s troubled rollout may still be fresh.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During the 2023–24 FAFSA cycle, the federal government \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11957693/applying-for-fafsa-in-2023-will-be-different-what-to-know-including-deadlines\">launched a new version\u003c/a> of the financial aid application in hopes of making the traditionally lengthy process more streamlined. However, students trying to use the new form faced \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11988925/applying-for-student-aid-was-supposed-to-be-easier-this-year-it-wasnt\">delays, glitches and other technical problems\u003c/a> that stopped many from being able to complete their application.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#fafsa-deadlines-2025\">FAFSA deadlines to keep track of in 2025\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>After serious snags, new hopes for a new FAFSA\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The problems with last year’s FAFSA especially impacted \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11979367/fafsa-2024-the-big-error-affecting-mixed-status-families-and-what-to-do-if-youre-an-affected-student\">mixed-status individuals\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11987754/californias-class-of-2024-lags-in-student-aid-applications-data-shows\">created a major workload for school counselors\u003c/a> across the state. And with those \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11987754/californias-class-of-2024-lags-in-student-aid-applications-data-shows\">technical issues\u003c/a> persisting — and a \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2023/06/30/1185226895/heres-what-happened-when-affirmative-action-ended-at-california-public-colleges#:~:text=And%20as%20the%20nation's%20highest,and%20private%20universities%20and%20colleges.\">national ban of affirmative action\u003c/a> unfolding in the background — \u003ca href=\"https://www.ncan.org/news/685038/Freshman-Enrollment-Down-5-Following-FAFSA-Completion-Declines.htm\">fall semester enrollment declined by 5%\u003c/a> after a similar decline in FAFSA completion rates, according to data from the National College Attainment Network (NCAN), a nonprofit that aims to increase postsecondary degree access.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>However, the 2024-2025 cycle could be the year that the simplified FAFSA form proves to be a more efficient process for students — something that Daisy Gonzales, executive director of \u003ca href=\"https://www.csac.ca.gov/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the California Student Aid Commission\u003c/a>, is optimistic about.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many of the FAFSA challenges from last year “have been fixed,” Gonzales said. “As students and families are completing that application, they should have a more seamless experience. There was a lot of testing nationally — and here in California — to make sure that in the beta phases, students could complete the application.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>These \u003ca href=\"https://www.ncan.org/news/686253/Restoring-Trust-in-the-FAFSA-Helping-the-Class-of-2025-Rebound.htm\">fixes include\u003c/a>: FAFSA no longer requiring an identity verification process for those without a Social Security number; keeping a dossier of students who started an application for easier tracking by counselors; and increased call center staffing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Another big improvement, Gonzales said, is that the \u003ca href=\"https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa\">FAFSA this year opened on Dec. 1\u003c/a>, as opposed to Dec. 30 last year (although still later than the pre-2024 \u003ca href=\"https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/student-loans/fafsa-deadline\">October opening date\u003c/a>.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Read on to learn more about what students and families should expect from this year’s FAFSA form — and the key FAFSA deadlines to know.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What if I am unsure about going to college this year?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Gonzales said that the biggest misconception people can make about the FAFSA is believing that they don’t qualify — whether that’s because their family is \u003ca href=\"https://www.csac.ca.gov/middle-class-scholarship\">middle class\u003c/a>, they’re thinking about joining the military or they’re going on a gap year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even if you’re uncertain about going to college at all, Gonzales said you should apply for FAFSA anyway. That way, you’ll have it completed in case they change your mind about your plans, and you’ll be sure you haven’t missed any deadlines.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s never a bad idea to apply,” she said. And because “the aid here in California is very generous, very diverse,” many students — especially first-year college students — will qualify for some form of aid like grants, scholarships, subsidized loans or work-study. Among \u003ca href=\"https://www.csac.ca.gov/financial-aid-programs\">those programs\u003c/a> is the Cal Grant — the \u003ca href=\"https://www.csac.ca.gov/cal-grants\">state-specific aid program\u003c/a> that California students can apply for through the FAFSA.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Other programs include:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>The Cal-HBCU program, which provides aid for California students transferring from California Community Colleges to a partnering Historically Black College.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>A grant for foster youth under 26 that funds five years of schooling\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Aid for undocumented students who also participate in community service\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Grants for students who are also parents\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Students planning to enter the teaching profession.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch3>What tax documents do I need to complete the FAFSA??\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>First, a quick breakdown of tax vocabulary:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>A \u003cstrong>W-2 form\u003c/strong> is a tax document that an employer gives workers once a year, which shows how much the employer paid the worker that year.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>A \u003cstrong>1040 form\u003c/strong> is a tax document, also known as a tax return, that a worker completes themselves, usually with the help of a tax expert. This document is sent to the IRS each year to confirm how much that worker got paid and how much they owe the government in taxes.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Most people in the U.S. receive a W-2 form and then complete a 1040 form themselves. FAFSA will ask parents to share information from last year’s documents. If the parents do not have this information, it could be for one of these reasons:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>The parent is a gig worker, such as driving for Uber or doing deliveries for GrubHub, they most likely did not get a W-2 form. Instead, the company they work for gave them a 1099 form. Ask for “their 1099” instead.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>The parents did not work last year and received unemployment benefits instead; they most likely did not get a W-2 form. In this case, the state government will have sent them a 1099-G form, which lists how much they received from unemployment benefits.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>If a student’s parent has a W-2 form but does not have last year’s 1040 form, this probably means they haven’t filed their taxes yet. Colleges will still want to see their taxes, and applicants should ask their parents about scheduling an appointment with a tax preparer to catch up on this.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many community organizations offer free tax filing services year-round. In the Bay Area, \u003ca href=\"https://uwba.org/freetaxhelp/\">United Way can connect people to online and in-person tax help\u003c/a> — and parents could potentially qualify to get cash back from the government when they file, based on their income and the size of the family.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If your family still needs to file their taxes, keep the schools you’re applying to updated about this.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>What if I don’t have the documents I need to complete FAFSA?\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>In some cases, parents may be working at a job where they just won’t receive a W-2 or 1099 at all. Perhaps they work as a housecleaner, a nanny, a landscaper, a farmworker or another job where they haven’t signed a formal paper contract and are getting paid in cash. In these cases, Rosanna Ferro, chief of education at Oakland-based nonprofit College Track, told KQED earlier in 2024 that students can ask their parents, “How have you gotten paid in the past year or two?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Ferro, whose organization works to help first-generation and low-income high school students from across the country graduate college, said that the point of this question is twofold: How often do their parents get paid, and how much do they get paid? The piece of information you need is what’s called “proof of income,” which can help you calculate how much your parents got paid per year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For example, your father cleans houses and charges $100 per house. Based on the information he shares, you estimate that he can usually clean 10 houses a week. That approximates that he’s earning roughly $4,000 a month. Multiply that by 12 months, and you get an estimated $48,000 per year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>FAFSA applicants may have to get crafty to help their parents organize this information, Ferro said. “Whether it’s creating an Excel sheet, a Google folder or scanning something — taking a picture, a receipt or anything that shows income in any kind of way and storing it in a way that’s going to be accessible to you,” she said. This digital record can be especially helpful if the student applies for the FAFSA again next year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While you’re doing this, you should remember to contact a financial aid officer from any of the schools you’re applying to, who can advise your family on how to best input this information into FAFSA. Schools may ask applicants to share additional documents, like a letter from an employer or potentially file a 1040 form with the data you’ve gathered.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>I’m from a mixed-status family. What should I know?\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>Glitches \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11957693/applying-for-fafsa-in-2023-will-be-different-what-to-know-including-deadlines#undocumented\">prevented students of mixed-status backgrounds\u003c/a> — that is, when a student has a Social Security Number but one of their parents does not — from finishing the FAFSA last year. But those errors \u003ca href=\"https://www.ncan.org/news/686253/Restoring-Trust-in-the-FAFSA-Helping-the-Class-of-2025-Rebound.htm\">have now been resolved\u003c/a>, according to the National College Attainment Network. Meaning undocumented parents can make an FSA ID and fill out the parent’s portion of the form without needing to input a Social Security number.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Undocumented parents should also prepare to manually enter \u003ca href=\"https://www.csac.ca.gov/cadaa-msf\">last year’s tax information\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>However, the National College Attainment Network \u003ca href=\"https://www.ncan.org/news/686253/Restoring-Trust-in-the-FAFSA-Helping-the-Class-of-2025-Rebound.htm\">emphasized in a PSA\u003c/a> that counselors and financial aid officers will need to restore trust with these communities since “mixed-status families were one of, if not the most, negatively impacted populations by the FAFSA rollout last year.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Do immigration officials have access to the personal information I share on FAFSA?\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>The National College Attainment Network \u003ca href=\"https://www.ncan.org/news/687899/NCAN-Shares-FAFSA-Guidance-for-Mixed-Status-Families.htm\">acknowledged\u003c/a> the incoming Trump administration’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12017970/trump-has-promised-mass-deportations-can-california-fight-back\">hostile attitude towards undocumented immigrants\u003c/a>, recognizing that this could make students from mixed-status families hesitant to complete FAFSA — despite the 1965 Higher Education Act explicitly prohibiting the \u003ca href=\"https://studentaid.gov/notices/privacy\">use of this type of student data\u003c/a> for any purpose other than determining federal financial assistance.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“At this time NCAN cannot assure mixed-status students and families that data submitted to the US Department of Education, as part of the FAFSA process, will continue to be protected,” NCAN’s guidance reads. “We believe mixed-status families should make a considered decision about whether to submit identifying information to the federal government in an FSA ID or FAFSA.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The organization said that it “understands the grave ramifications of this guidance and deeply regrets that we feel it is necessary to issue it,” calling it “dreadful” that students and their families “have been put in a position of potentially choosing between their safety and the pursuit of postsecondary education.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This issue is especially pertinent in California, where 20% of residents under 18 are either undocumented or living with undocumented family members. KQED has a guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11968584/fafsa-application-money-family-discussions\">how to navigate difficult conversations\u003c/a> around the financial aid application with family members.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://dream.csac.ca.gov/landing\">California Dream Act Application\u003c/a> — the state-specific financial aid application for students without a permanent immigration status — is also open to students from mixed-status families, if they need access to aid, \u003ca href=\"https://laist.com/news/education/mixed-status-fafsa-cadaa-financial-aid-undocumented-trump-administration\">without applying to FAFSA\u003c/a>. These funds would be limited to schools only in California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In addition to undocumented students, who are barred entirely from completing the federal aid application, Gonzales said that these students are “still in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12016037/california-is-a-sanctuary-state-how-much-protection-will-that-give-immigrants-from-trumps-deportation-plans\">the state that believes that higher education is for everyone\u003c/a>.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>She said it’s “very important” for students to complete their application for California Dream Act financial aid “and that they know that the California Student Aid Commission never \u003ca href=\"https://www.csac.ca.gov/cadaa-information-safety\">shares their data with the federal government\u003c/a>.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you complete the California Dream Act application, you can receive state aid to pay for your college education — regardless of your immigration status.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>\u003ca id=\"fafsa-deadlines-2025\">\u003c/a>What are the FAFSA deadlines to know for 2025?\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>What deadlines you should keep track of largely depends on what type of college or university you are hoping to enroll in.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For students hoping to go to a four-year institution, the priority deadline for the FAFSA is March 3, and \u003ca href=\"https://edsource.org/2025/california-extends-state-financial-aid-deadline-until-april-2/727398\">the state priority deadline has now been extended to April 2, 2025\u003c/a>. But it’s “never a bad idea to just submit that application sooner rather than later — or to at least get it started,” Gonzales said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The financial aid deadline for students going to community college is on Sept. 2, 2025.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For students hoping to go to a private institution, they should consider filling out the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA, which is \u003ca href=\"https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/frequently-asked-questions\">a separate aid application\u003c/a>. The CSS Profile’s deadline is dependent on \u003ca href=\"https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/getting-started\">the student’s private school priority deadline\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Where can I find help to complete FAFSA?\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>Along with the 2024 FAFSA form glitches, Gonzales said that many schools are still catching up after the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, which also led to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/58693/college-enrollment-plummeted-during-the-pandemic-this-fall-its-even-worse\">a drop in higher education enrollment\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We are coming out of a global pandemic. It’s something that we have never gone through as a community, as a state and as a country and in the world,” she said. “A lot of students and families have had to make very difficult decisions as they think about their future.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“But 2025–26 is that year where we want all students to consider coming back to higher education.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For students and family members who still have questions, FAFSA resources state-wide and nationally include:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.ncan.org/news/687244/NCANs-2025-26-FAFSA-Page-A-How-To-Guide.htm\">The National College Attainment Network’s 2025–26 FAFSA Page: A How-To Guide\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out/help\">FAFSA’s official FAQ\u003c/a> (with \u003ca href=\"https://studentaid.gov/help-center/contact\">the help center’s contact information\u003c/a>)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.csac.ca.gov/sites/default/files/file-attachments/spanish_paper_better_cadaa_2024-2025.pdf\">Solicitud Dream Act de California\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.csac.ca.gov/students\">California Student Aid Commission\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.csac.ca.gov/cash-college\">CSAC’s Cash for College\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.casfaa.org/\">California Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators\u003c/a>.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [],
"excerpt": "It's FAFSA season. Here's everything you need to know about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1741812717,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 44,
"wordCount": 2236
},
"headData": {
"title": "FAFSA 2025: What California Students Need to Know | KQED",
"description": "It's FAFSA season. Here's everything you need to know about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "FAFSA 2025: What California Students Need to Know",
"datePublished": "2024-12-18T04:00:36-08:00",
"dateModified": "2025-03-12T13:51:57-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"isAccessibleForFree": "True",
"publisher": {
"@type": "NewsMediaOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.kqed.org/#organization",
"name": "KQED",
"logo": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"url": "https://www.kqed.org",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/KQED",
"https://twitter.com/KQED",
"https://www.instagram.com/kqed/",
"https://www.tiktok.com/@kqedofficial",
"https://www.linkedin.com/company/kqed",
"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeC0IOo7i1P_61zVUWbJ4nw"
]
}
}
},
"sticky": false,
"nprStoryId": "kqed-12018723",
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12018723/fafsa-2025-california-deadlines",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>Updated March 12, 2025\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s FAFSA — the \u003ca href=\"https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa\">Free Application for Federal Student Aid\u003c/a> — season again. And for some applicants, the memories of last year’s troubled rollout may still be fresh.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During the 2023–24 FAFSA cycle, the federal government \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11957693/applying-for-fafsa-in-2023-will-be-different-what-to-know-including-deadlines\">launched a new version\u003c/a> of the financial aid application in hopes of making the traditionally lengthy process more streamlined. However, students trying to use the new form faced \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11988925/applying-for-student-aid-was-supposed-to-be-easier-this-year-it-wasnt\">delays, glitches and other technical problems\u003c/a> that stopped many from being able to complete their application.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#fafsa-deadlines-2025\">FAFSA deadlines to keep track of in 2025\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>After serious snags, new hopes for a new FAFSA\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The problems with last year’s FAFSA especially impacted \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11979367/fafsa-2024-the-big-error-affecting-mixed-status-families-and-what-to-do-if-youre-an-affected-student\">mixed-status individuals\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11987754/californias-class-of-2024-lags-in-student-aid-applications-data-shows\">created a major workload for school counselors\u003c/a> across the state. And with those \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11987754/californias-class-of-2024-lags-in-student-aid-applications-data-shows\">technical issues\u003c/a> persisting — and a \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2023/06/30/1185226895/heres-what-happened-when-affirmative-action-ended-at-california-public-colleges#:~:text=And%20as%20the%20nation's%20highest,and%20private%20universities%20and%20colleges.\">national ban of affirmative action\u003c/a> unfolding in the background — \u003ca href=\"https://www.ncan.org/news/685038/Freshman-Enrollment-Down-5-Following-FAFSA-Completion-Declines.htm\">fall semester enrollment declined by 5%\u003c/a> after a similar decline in FAFSA completion rates, according to data from the National College Attainment Network (NCAN), a nonprofit that aims to increase postsecondary degree access.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>However, the 2024-2025 cycle could be the year that the simplified FAFSA form proves to be a more efficient process for students — something that Daisy Gonzales, executive director of \u003ca href=\"https://www.csac.ca.gov/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the California Student Aid Commission\u003c/a>, is optimistic about.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many of the FAFSA challenges from last year “have been fixed,” Gonzales said. “As students and families are completing that application, they should have a more seamless experience. There was a lot of testing nationally — and here in California — to make sure that in the beta phases, students could complete the application.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>These \u003ca href=\"https://www.ncan.org/news/686253/Restoring-Trust-in-the-FAFSA-Helping-the-Class-of-2025-Rebound.htm\">fixes include\u003c/a>: FAFSA no longer requiring an identity verification process for those without a Social Security number; keeping a dossier of students who started an application for easier tracking by counselors; and increased call center staffing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Another big improvement, Gonzales said, is that the \u003ca href=\"https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa\">FAFSA this year opened on Dec. 1\u003c/a>, as opposed to Dec. 30 last year (although still later than the pre-2024 \u003ca href=\"https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/student-loans/fafsa-deadline\">October opening date\u003c/a>.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Read on to learn more about what students and families should expect from this year’s FAFSA form — and the key FAFSA deadlines to know.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What if I am unsure about going to college this year?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Gonzales said that the biggest misconception people can make about the FAFSA is believing that they don’t qualify — whether that’s because their family is \u003ca href=\"https://www.csac.ca.gov/middle-class-scholarship\">middle class\u003c/a>, they’re thinking about joining the military or they’re going on a gap year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even if you’re uncertain about going to college at all, Gonzales said you should apply for FAFSA anyway. That way, you’ll have it completed in case they change your mind about your plans, and you’ll be sure you haven’t missed any deadlines.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s never a bad idea to apply,” she said. And because “the aid here in California is very generous, very diverse,” many students — especially first-year college students — will qualify for some form of aid like grants, scholarships, subsidized loans or work-study. Among \u003ca href=\"https://www.csac.ca.gov/financial-aid-programs\">those programs\u003c/a> is the Cal Grant — the \u003ca href=\"https://www.csac.ca.gov/cal-grants\">state-specific aid program\u003c/a> that California students can apply for through the FAFSA.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Other programs include:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>The Cal-HBCU program, which provides aid for California students transferring from California Community Colleges to a partnering Historically Black College.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>A grant for foster youth under 26 that funds five years of schooling\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Aid for undocumented students who also participate in community service\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Grants for students who are also parents\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Students planning to enter the teaching profession.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch3>What tax documents do I need to complete the FAFSA??\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>First, a quick breakdown of tax vocabulary:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>A \u003cstrong>W-2 form\u003c/strong> is a tax document that an employer gives workers once a year, which shows how much the employer paid the worker that year.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>A \u003cstrong>1040 form\u003c/strong> is a tax document, also known as a tax return, that a worker completes themselves, usually with the help of a tax expert. This document is sent to the IRS each year to confirm how much that worker got paid and how much they owe the government in taxes.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Most people in the U.S. receive a W-2 form and then complete a 1040 form themselves. FAFSA will ask parents to share information from last year’s documents. If the parents do not have this information, it could be for one of these reasons:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>The parent is a gig worker, such as driving for Uber or doing deliveries for GrubHub, they most likely did not get a W-2 form. Instead, the company they work for gave them a 1099 form. Ask for “their 1099” instead.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>The parents did not work last year and received unemployment benefits instead; they most likely did not get a W-2 form. In this case, the state government will have sent them a 1099-G form, which lists how much they received from unemployment benefits.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>If a student’s parent has a W-2 form but does not have last year’s 1040 form, this probably means they haven’t filed their taxes yet. Colleges will still want to see their taxes, and applicants should ask their parents about scheduling an appointment with a tax preparer to catch up on this.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many community organizations offer free tax filing services year-round. In the Bay Area, \u003ca href=\"https://uwba.org/freetaxhelp/\">United Way can connect people to online and in-person tax help\u003c/a> — and parents could potentially qualify to get cash back from the government when they file, based on their income and the size of the family.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If your family still needs to file their taxes, keep the schools you’re applying to updated about this.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>What if I don’t have the documents I need to complete FAFSA?\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>In some cases, parents may be working at a job where they just won’t receive a W-2 or 1099 at all. Perhaps they work as a housecleaner, a nanny, a landscaper, a farmworker or another job where they haven’t signed a formal paper contract and are getting paid in cash. In these cases, Rosanna Ferro, chief of education at Oakland-based nonprofit College Track, told KQED earlier in 2024 that students can ask their parents, “How have you gotten paid in the past year or two?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Ferro, whose organization works to help first-generation and low-income high school students from across the country graduate college, said that the point of this question is twofold: How often do their parents get paid, and how much do they get paid? The piece of information you need is what’s called “proof of income,” which can help you calculate how much your parents got paid per year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For example, your father cleans houses and charges $100 per house. Based on the information he shares, you estimate that he can usually clean 10 houses a week. That approximates that he’s earning roughly $4,000 a month. Multiply that by 12 months, and you get an estimated $48,000 per year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>FAFSA applicants may have to get crafty to help their parents organize this information, Ferro said. “Whether it’s creating an Excel sheet, a Google folder or scanning something — taking a picture, a receipt or anything that shows income in any kind of way and storing it in a way that’s going to be accessible to you,” she said. This digital record can be especially helpful if the student applies for the FAFSA again next year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While you’re doing this, you should remember to contact a financial aid officer from any of the schools you’re applying to, who can advise your family on how to best input this information into FAFSA. Schools may ask applicants to share additional documents, like a letter from an employer or potentially file a 1040 form with the data you’ve gathered.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>I’m from a mixed-status family. What should I know?\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>Glitches \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11957693/applying-for-fafsa-in-2023-will-be-different-what-to-know-including-deadlines#undocumented\">prevented students of mixed-status backgrounds\u003c/a> — that is, when a student has a Social Security Number but one of their parents does not — from finishing the FAFSA last year. But those errors \u003ca href=\"https://www.ncan.org/news/686253/Restoring-Trust-in-the-FAFSA-Helping-the-Class-of-2025-Rebound.htm\">have now been resolved\u003c/a>, according to the National College Attainment Network. Meaning undocumented parents can make an FSA ID and fill out the parent’s portion of the form without needing to input a Social Security number.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Undocumented parents should also prepare to manually enter \u003ca href=\"https://www.csac.ca.gov/cadaa-msf\">last year’s tax information\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>However, the National College Attainment Network \u003ca href=\"https://www.ncan.org/news/686253/Restoring-Trust-in-the-FAFSA-Helping-the-Class-of-2025-Rebound.htm\">emphasized in a PSA\u003c/a> that counselors and financial aid officers will need to restore trust with these communities since “mixed-status families were one of, if not the most, negatively impacted populations by the FAFSA rollout last year.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Do immigration officials have access to the personal information I share on FAFSA?\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>The National College Attainment Network \u003ca href=\"https://www.ncan.org/news/687899/NCAN-Shares-FAFSA-Guidance-for-Mixed-Status-Families.htm\">acknowledged\u003c/a> the incoming Trump administration’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12017970/trump-has-promised-mass-deportations-can-california-fight-back\">hostile attitude towards undocumented immigrants\u003c/a>, recognizing that this could make students from mixed-status families hesitant to complete FAFSA — despite the 1965 Higher Education Act explicitly prohibiting the \u003ca href=\"https://studentaid.gov/notices/privacy\">use of this type of student data\u003c/a> for any purpose other than determining federal financial assistance.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“At this time NCAN cannot assure mixed-status students and families that data submitted to the US Department of Education, as part of the FAFSA process, will continue to be protected,” NCAN’s guidance reads. “We believe mixed-status families should make a considered decision about whether to submit identifying information to the federal government in an FSA ID or FAFSA.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The organization said that it “understands the grave ramifications of this guidance and deeply regrets that we feel it is necessary to issue it,” calling it “dreadful” that students and their families “have been put in a position of potentially choosing between their safety and the pursuit of postsecondary education.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This issue is especially pertinent in California, where 20% of residents under 18 are either undocumented or living with undocumented family members. KQED has a guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11968584/fafsa-application-money-family-discussions\">how to navigate difficult conversations\u003c/a> around the financial aid application with family members.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://dream.csac.ca.gov/landing\">California Dream Act Application\u003c/a> — the state-specific financial aid application for students without a permanent immigration status — is also open to students from mixed-status families, if they need access to aid, \u003ca href=\"https://laist.com/news/education/mixed-status-fafsa-cadaa-financial-aid-undocumented-trump-administration\">without applying to FAFSA\u003c/a>. These funds would be limited to schools only in California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In addition to undocumented students, who are barred entirely from completing the federal aid application, Gonzales said that these students are “still in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12016037/california-is-a-sanctuary-state-how-much-protection-will-that-give-immigrants-from-trumps-deportation-plans\">the state that believes that higher education is for everyone\u003c/a>.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>She said it’s “very important” for students to complete their application for California Dream Act financial aid “and that they know that the California Student Aid Commission never \u003ca href=\"https://www.csac.ca.gov/cadaa-information-safety\">shares their data with the federal government\u003c/a>.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you complete the California Dream Act application, you can receive state aid to pay for your college education — regardless of your immigration status.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>\u003ca id=\"fafsa-deadlines-2025\">\u003c/a>What are the FAFSA deadlines to know for 2025?\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>What deadlines you should keep track of largely depends on what type of college or university you are hoping to enroll in.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For students hoping to go to a four-year institution, the priority deadline for the FAFSA is March 3, and \u003ca href=\"https://edsource.org/2025/california-extends-state-financial-aid-deadline-until-april-2/727398\">the state priority deadline has now been extended to April 2, 2025\u003c/a>. But it’s “never a bad idea to just submit that application sooner rather than later — or to at least get it started,” Gonzales said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The financial aid deadline for students going to community college is on Sept. 2, 2025.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For students hoping to go to a private institution, they should consider filling out the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA, which is \u003ca href=\"https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/frequently-asked-questions\">a separate aid application\u003c/a>. The CSS Profile’s deadline is dependent on \u003ca href=\"https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/getting-started\">the student’s private school priority deadline\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Where can I find help to complete FAFSA?\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>Along with the 2024 FAFSA form glitches, Gonzales said that many schools are still catching up after the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, which also led to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/58693/college-enrollment-plummeted-during-the-pandemic-this-fall-its-even-worse\">a drop in higher education enrollment\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We are coming out of a global pandemic. It’s something that we have never gone through as a community, as a state and as a country and in the world,” she said. “A lot of students and families have had to make very difficult decisions as they think about their future.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“But 2025–26 is that year where we want all students to consider coming back to higher education.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For students and family members who still have questions, FAFSA resources state-wide and nationally include:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.ncan.org/news/687244/NCANs-2025-26-FAFSA-Page-A-How-To-Guide.htm\">The National College Attainment Network’s 2025–26 FAFSA Page: A How-To Guide\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out/help\">FAFSA’s official FAQ\u003c/a> (with \u003ca href=\"https://studentaid.gov/help-center/contact\">the help center’s contact information\u003c/a>)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.csac.ca.gov/sites/default/files/file-attachments/spanish_paper_better_cadaa_2024-2025.pdf\">Solicitud Dream Act de California\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.csac.ca.gov/students\">California Student Aid Commission\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.csac.ca.gov/cash-college\">CSAC’s Cash for College\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.casfaa.org/\">California Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators\u003c/a>.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "floatright"
},
"numeric": [
"floatright"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12018723/fafsa-2025-california-deadlines",
"authors": [
"11867",
"11708"
],
"categories": [
"news_31795",
"news_18540",
"news_28250",
"news_8"
],
"tags": [
"news_20013",
"news_31715"
],
"featImg": "news_12018753",
"label": "news"
},
"news_12018517": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12018517",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12018517",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1734523230000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "rare-japanese-american-farm-in-san-jose-makes-its-final-persimmon-harvest",
"title": "Rare Japanese American Farm in San José Makes Its Final Persimmon Harvest",
"publishDate": 1734523230,
"format": "audio",
"headTitle": "Rare Japanese American Farm in San José Makes Its Final Persimmon Harvest | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"site": "news"
},
"content": "\u003cp>At this point in the season, James Tsukuda begins his days in the persimmon grove, harvesting the bounty of bright orange-red fruits, dangling like ornaments from dozens of trees that have already shed their leaves.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>He climbs a thin, wooden orchard ladder to reach for the Fuyu persimmons among the branches. The ladder is “older than me,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s no surprise. A lot of the tools and equipment on this land are old because it’s been continuously farmed by Japanese American families for nearly 120 years, persisting through world wars, racist land laws and forced incarcerations.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The crisp fall mornings at the Tsukuda Fruit Stand in North San José start slowly and mostly quietly, save for the trucks rumbling by along nearby Montague Expressway.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But the farm itself will soon be paved over.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This persimmon harvest, coming to a close in just about a week, marks what will likely be the last farm work to ever take place on this land, as a developer plans to build nearly 1,500 apartments and townhomes here, along with a public park.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Another Japanese American family with a rich farming history in the South Bay, the Sakauyes, has decided to sell the 22-acre plot their family has owned since 1907, and on which the Tsukudas have operated their stand for the last four decades.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While plans for development have long loomed over the property, an air of finality and resignation has settled over the land in the last several months after the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12000118/san-jose-council-oks-development-of-historic-japanese-american-farm-for-housing\">San José City Council approved the housing plans in August\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Hanover Company, the Houston-based developer, expects to begin work in February.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12018179\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1432.jpg\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12018179 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1432.jpg\" alt=\"Many persimmons in the back of a van\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1332\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1432.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1432-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1432-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1432-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1432-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1432-1920x1279.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">John Tsukuda carries an electric fruit scale to the stand before opening up for business in San José, CA, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. The boxes of persimmons were harvested from the orchard this season. \u003ccite>(David M. Barreda/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Saying goodbye to more than a farm\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>“Now that we’re finally at the end, it’s kind of sad,” James Tsukuda said while standing at the base of a persimmon tree last week. “A lot of our long-time customers are heartbroken,” he said. “They’re still hoping for a chance that the sale won’t go through. It’s been tough for a lot of them.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Over the past several weeks, customers, new and old, have been stopping by to buy the daily haul of persimmons piled high in white crates at the stand.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Several people purchased more than 20 pounds, a testament to the quality and their desire to hold onto a little bit more of what they’ll soon no longer have.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Wenyu Li, an engineer who lives in Milpitas and used to live in North San José, has been frequenting the stand for nearly 20 years and came by on a recent Wednesday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I wish we could’ve done something to save it,” Li said. “It always held a special place in my heart. It’s really sad to know they will be gone.”[aside postID=news_11999500]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Other customers lamented the trope of bucolic settings being continually swapped out for blocks of housing, warehouses and office parks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Silicon Valley is like a concrete jungle. And finding a farm in the middle of it, finding nice produce in the middle of it, is very comforting,” said Heral Lakhani, of Fremont.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many customers said they buy their fruits and veggies at the stand because of the quality of the produce, the affordable prices and, most importantly, for the friendly relationships they form with the Tsukuda family.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12018178\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12018178\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1702.jpg\" alt=\"Two people sit in sun and shade at a farm stand with a white board behind them.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1332\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1702.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1702-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1702-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1702-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1702-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1702-1920x1279.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Inez Lismonde sits with Miyo Tsukuda and her son John Tsukuda at the Tsukuda Fruit Stand in San José on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. \u003ccite>(David M. Barreda/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>The Tsukuda Family\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>James Tsukuda’s mother, Miyo Tsukuda, has long been one of the smiling faces customers see at the stand.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In recent weeks, she has started asking customers to take photos with her that she prints out and puts in a scrapbook to help her remember everyone.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“My face is starting to get a lot of wrinkles,” she said with a laugh while reviewing some of the photos last week. “I said, ‘My goodness, when did I get old?’”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>She was born in a concentration camp in Arkansas, where her family was sent during World War II. They were among the thousands of Japanese Americans who were incarcerated during the war and lost possessions and property, such as homes and farmland. Her late husband, Eiji Tsukuda, originally farmed a plot of land nearby, growing strawberries and raspberries until a forced eminent domain sale to make way for the Orchard School District pushed them off the land.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s when the family started leasing farmland from the Sakauyes. After he fell ill with cancer, Eiji Tsukuda handed off the farming duties at the current stand to James about 20 years ago.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12018176\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12018176\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0843.jpg\" alt=\"A person with white hair and glasses, smiles while wearing a maroon top. \" width=\"2000\" height=\"1332\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0843.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0843-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0843-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0843-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0843-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0843-1920x1279.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Miyo Tsukuda smiles while talking with a friend at the Tsukuda Fruit Stand in San José on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. \u003ccite>(David M. Barreda/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Miyo Tsukuda said the “most enjoyable” thing for her has been talking with all the customers, and she’ll miss coming to the stand.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“You get up in the morning, every morning, you tell yourself, ‘I have to get ready to go to work.’ I’m not going to have that anymore,” she said. “In a way, maybe it’s a good time to retire. But I’ll miss this place.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>James Tsukuda said while his mom may have been looking forward to retiring just a few years ago, now that the fruit stand is being forced to shut down, she’s reluctant to let go.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s been such a big part of her life for such a long time,” he said. “She’s made a lot of friends here. And so have I.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>James Tsukuda said he’ll probably take his own tools with him when he leaves the farm for the last time but isn’t interested in any other keepsakes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I don’t know about taking anything to remember the place by. That might actually be depressing,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12018177\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12018177\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0969.jpg\" alt=\"A person in a brown hat in the background and many ripe persimmons in the foreground.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1332\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0969.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0969-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0969-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0969-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0969-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0969-1920x1279.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">James Tsukuda harvests persimmons in the orchard at the Tsukuda Fruit Stand in San José on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. \u003ccite>(David M. Barreda/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Next steps for development\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In preparation for the development, most everything left on the land will be leveled, including rows of crops, planters, historic barns, buildings and pump houses. However, preservationists have managed to work out a plan with the developer to preserve one house to serve as a link to the past.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The home that once belonged to Eiichi Sakauye — a prominent farmer and civic figure in Santa Clara County for decades — will eventually be relocated 10 miles south to History Park, where it will be restored and used as a showcase to tell his story and the story of Japanese American histories in the South Bay.[aside postID=news_12000118]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bill Schroh Jr., the head of History San Jose, which operates History Park, said the plan is estimated to cost $1 million, and about $800,000 in donations has been pledged so far from a handful of donors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A coalition of organizations and individuals, including the Japanese American Museum of San Jose, the Preservation Action Council of San Jose, Hanover Company, Vice Mayor Rosemary Kamei, Councilmember David Cohen, members of the Sakauye family and History San Jose, collaborated to ensure the house won’t be flattened.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While Kamei and others pushed during an August council meeting to see the home restored on the site where it currently sits, that didn’t pan out, in part due to the city’s parks department not having enough funding to sustain it there. The developer and Eiichi Sakauye’s daughters also didn’t support preserving the home on the land but were willing to back a plan to have it relocated.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Those involved in the plan to save the home say that even though it will be relocated, its preservation is a big win.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“What we were looking at even a few months ago was this possibility that the entire site would be leveled, the house would be demolished, and nobody would speak up against it,” said Ben Leech, the president of the Preservation Action Council. “So the fact now that the house looks like it’s being saved and moved to History Park, it’s a sea change.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Vanessa Hatakeyama, the director of the Japanese American Museum, said the partnerships and work that went into the plan have yielded more than just the preservation of a historic house.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s really helped strengthen the fabric of San Jose’s historic preservation community. And so that’s something that we’re incredibly proud of,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12018173\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12018173\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1248.jpg\" alt=\"A person carries boxes as he walks through several trees full of persimmons.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1332\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1248.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1248-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1248-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1248-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1248-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1248-1920x1279.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">James Tsukuda carries plastic boxes through the orchard at the Tsukuda Fruit Stand in San José on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. The farm stand is offering up its last haul of persimmons to customers old and new in the last week of business before the land they farm is developed with apartments and townhomes. \u003ccite>(David M. Barreda/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Hanover plans to temporarily relocate the home onto another portion of the Sakauye farm to allow construction work to begin, and the home could be moved to History Park by the summer of next year, Hatakeyama said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Okkes Gozdas, a resident of the area near the farm, said he comes to the stand almost every day during the summer for fresh produce, and frequents during the fall for persimmons, as well.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>He said he’s happy Eiichi Sakauye’s home will be preserved but feels the community is suffering a big loss with farming on the land coming to an end.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This is the place. When you come here, you feel different,” Gozdas said. “The sad part is the new generations cannot experience coming here.”\u003c/p>\n\n",
"blocks": [],
"excerpt": "With development plans solidified for a 22-acre patch of land in North San José, a Japanese American farming operation is coming to a close with its final persimmon harvest. ",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1736296580,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 43,
"wordCount": 1735
},
"headData": {
"title": "Rare Japanese American Farm in San José Makes Its Final Persimmon Harvest | KQED",
"description": "With development plans solidified for a 22-acre patch of land in North San José, a Japanese American farming operation is coming to a close with its final persimmon harvest. ",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "Rare Japanese American Farm in San José Makes Its Final Persimmon Harvest",
"datePublished": "2024-12-18T04:00:30-08:00",
"dateModified": "2025-01-07T16:36:20-08:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"isAccessibleForFree": "True",
"publisher": {
"@type": "NewsMediaOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.kqed.org/#organization",
"name": "KQED",
"logo": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"url": "https://www.kqed.org",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/KQED",
"https://twitter.com/KQED",
"https://www.instagram.com/kqed/",
"https://www.tiktok.com/@kqedofficial",
"https://www.linkedin.com/company/kqed",
"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeC0IOo7i1P_61zVUWbJ4nw"
]
}
}
},
"audioUrl": "https://omny.fm/shows/kqed-segmented-audio/historic-san-jose-farm-stand-closing-after-nearly",
"sticky": false,
"nprStoryId": "kqed-12018517",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12018517/rare-japanese-american-farm-in-san-jose-makes-its-final-persimmon-harvest",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>At this point in the season, James Tsukuda begins his days in the persimmon grove, harvesting the bounty of bright orange-red fruits, dangling like ornaments from dozens of trees that have already shed their leaves.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>He climbs a thin, wooden orchard ladder to reach for the Fuyu persimmons among the branches. The ladder is “older than me,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s no surprise. A lot of the tools and equipment on this land are old because it’s been continuously farmed by Japanese American families for nearly 120 years, persisting through world wars, racist land laws and forced incarcerations.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The crisp fall mornings at the Tsukuda Fruit Stand in North San José start slowly and mostly quietly, save for the trucks rumbling by along nearby Montague Expressway.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But the farm itself will soon be paved over.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This persimmon harvest, coming to a close in just about a week, marks what will likely be the last farm work to ever take place on this land, as a developer plans to build nearly 1,500 apartments and townhomes here, along with a public park.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Another Japanese American family with a rich farming history in the South Bay, the Sakauyes, has decided to sell the 22-acre plot their family has owned since 1907, and on which the Tsukudas have operated their stand for the last four decades.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While plans for development have long loomed over the property, an air of finality and resignation has settled over the land in the last several months after the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12000118/san-jose-council-oks-development-of-historic-japanese-american-farm-for-housing\">San José City Council approved the housing plans in August\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Hanover Company, the Houston-based developer, expects to begin work in February.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12018179\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1432.jpg\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12018179 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1432.jpg\" alt=\"Many persimmons in the back of a van\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1332\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1432.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1432-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1432-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1432-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1432-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1432-1920x1279.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">John Tsukuda carries an electric fruit scale to the stand before opening up for business in San José, CA, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. The boxes of persimmons were harvested from the orchard this season. \u003ccite>(David M. Barreda/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Saying goodbye to more than a farm\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>“Now that we’re finally at the end, it’s kind of sad,” James Tsukuda said while standing at the base of a persimmon tree last week. “A lot of our long-time customers are heartbroken,” he said. “They’re still hoping for a chance that the sale won’t go through. It’s been tough for a lot of them.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Over the past several weeks, customers, new and old, have been stopping by to buy the daily haul of persimmons piled high in white crates at the stand.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Several people purchased more than 20 pounds, a testament to the quality and their desire to hold onto a little bit more of what they’ll soon no longer have.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Wenyu Li, an engineer who lives in Milpitas and used to live in North San José, has been frequenting the stand for nearly 20 years and came by on a recent Wednesday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I wish we could’ve done something to save it,” Li said. “It always held a special place in my heart. It’s really sad to know they will be gone.”\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "aside",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"postid": "news_11999500",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Other customers lamented the trope of bucolic settings being continually swapped out for blocks of housing, warehouses and office parks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Silicon Valley is like a concrete jungle. And finding a farm in the middle of it, finding nice produce in the middle of it, is very comforting,” said Heral Lakhani, of Fremont.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many customers said they buy their fruits and veggies at the stand because of the quality of the produce, the affordable prices and, most importantly, for the friendly relationships they form with the Tsukuda family.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12018178\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12018178\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1702.jpg\" alt=\"Two people sit in sun and shade at a farm stand with a white board behind them.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1332\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1702.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1702-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1702-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1702-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1702-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1702-1920x1279.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Inez Lismonde sits with Miyo Tsukuda and her son John Tsukuda at the Tsukuda Fruit Stand in San José on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. \u003ccite>(David M. Barreda/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>The Tsukuda Family\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>James Tsukuda’s mother, Miyo Tsukuda, has long been one of the smiling faces customers see at the stand.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In recent weeks, she has started asking customers to take photos with her that she prints out and puts in a scrapbook to help her remember everyone.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“My face is starting to get a lot of wrinkles,” she said with a laugh while reviewing some of the photos last week. “I said, ‘My goodness, when did I get old?’”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>She was born in a concentration camp in Arkansas, where her family was sent during World War II. They were among the thousands of Japanese Americans who were incarcerated during the war and lost possessions and property, such as homes and farmland. Her late husband, Eiji Tsukuda, originally farmed a plot of land nearby, growing strawberries and raspberries until a forced eminent domain sale to make way for the Orchard School District pushed them off the land.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s when the family started leasing farmland from the Sakauyes. After he fell ill with cancer, Eiji Tsukuda handed off the farming duties at the current stand to James about 20 years ago.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12018176\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12018176\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0843.jpg\" alt=\"A person with white hair and glasses, smiles while wearing a maroon top. \" width=\"2000\" height=\"1332\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0843.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0843-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0843-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0843-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0843-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0843-1920x1279.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Miyo Tsukuda smiles while talking with a friend at the Tsukuda Fruit Stand in San José on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. \u003ccite>(David M. Barreda/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Miyo Tsukuda said the “most enjoyable” thing for her has been talking with all the customers, and she’ll miss coming to the stand.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“You get up in the morning, every morning, you tell yourself, ‘I have to get ready to go to work.’ I’m not going to have that anymore,” she said. “In a way, maybe it’s a good time to retire. But I’ll miss this place.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>James Tsukuda said while his mom may have been looking forward to retiring just a few years ago, now that the fruit stand is being forced to shut down, she’s reluctant to let go.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s been such a big part of her life for such a long time,” he said. “She’s made a lot of friends here. And so have I.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>James Tsukuda said he’ll probably take his own tools with him when he leaves the farm for the last time but isn’t interested in any other keepsakes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I don’t know about taking anything to remember the place by. That might actually be depressing,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12018177\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12018177\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0969.jpg\" alt=\"A person in a brown hat in the background and many ripe persimmons in the foreground.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1332\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0969.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0969-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0969-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0969-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0969-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_0969-1920x1279.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">James Tsukuda harvests persimmons in the orchard at the Tsukuda Fruit Stand in San José on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. \u003ccite>(David M. Barreda/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Next steps for development\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In preparation for the development, most everything left on the land will be leveled, including rows of crops, planters, historic barns, buildings and pump houses. However, preservationists have managed to work out a plan with the developer to preserve one house to serve as a link to the past.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The home that once belonged to Eiichi Sakauye — a prominent farmer and civic figure in Santa Clara County for decades — will eventually be relocated 10 miles south to History Park, where it will be restored and used as a showcase to tell his story and the story of Japanese American histories in the South Bay.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "aside",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"postid": "news_12000118",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bill Schroh Jr., the head of History San Jose, which operates History Park, said the plan is estimated to cost $1 million, and about $800,000 in donations has been pledged so far from a handful of donors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A coalition of organizations and individuals, including the Japanese American Museum of San Jose, the Preservation Action Council of San Jose, Hanover Company, Vice Mayor Rosemary Kamei, Councilmember David Cohen, members of the Sakauye family and History San Jose, collaborated to ensure the house won’t be flattened.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While Kamei and others pushed during an August council meeting to see the home restored on the site where it currently sits, that didn’t pan out, in part due to the city’s parks department not having enough funding to sustain it there. The developer and Eiichi Sakauye’s daughters also didn’t support preserving the home on the land but were willing to back a plan to have it relocated.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Those involved in the plan to save the home say that even though it will be relocated, its preservation is a big win.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“What we were looking at even a few months ago was this possibility that the entire site would be leveled, the house would be demolished, and nobody would speak up against it,” said Ben Leech, the president of the Preservation Action Council. “So the fact now that the house looks like it’s being saved and moved to History Park, it’s a sea change.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Vanessa Hatakeyama, the director of the Japanese American Museum, said the partnerships and work that went into the plan have yielded more than just the preservation of a historic house.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s really helped strengthen the fabric of San Jose’s historic preservation community. And so that’s something that we’re incredibly proud of,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12018173\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12018173\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1248.jpg\" alt=\"A person carries boxes as he walks through several trees full of persimmons.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1332\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1248.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1248-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1248-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1248-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1248-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241211_Tsukuda-Farm-Close_DMB_1248-1920x1279.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">James Tsukuda carries plastic boxes through the orchard at the Tsukuda Fruit Stand in San José on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. The farm stand is offering up its last haul of persimmons to customers old and new in the last week of business before the land they farm is developed with apartments and townhomes. \u003ccite>(David M. Barreda/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Hanover plans to temporarily relocate the home onto another portion of the Sakauye farm to allow construction work to begin, and the home could be moved to History Park by the summer of next year, Hatakeyama said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Okkes Gozdas, a resident of the area near the farm, said he comes to the stand almost every day during the summer for fresh produce, and frequents during the fall for persimmons, as well.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>He said he’s happy Eiichi Sakauye’s home will be preserved but feels the community is suffering a big loss with farming on the land coming to an end.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "floatright"
},
"numeric": [
"floatright"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This is the place. When you come here, you feel different,” Gozdas said. “The sad part is the new generations cannot experience coming here.”\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12018517/rare-japanese-american-farm-in-san-jose-makes-its-final-persimmon-harvest",
"authors": [
"11906"
],
"categories": [
"news_31795",
"news_28250",
"news_8"
],
"tags": [
"news_24312",
"news_27626",
"news_17856",
"news_18541"
],
"featImg": "news_12018181",
"label": "news"
},
"news_12018466": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12018466",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12018466",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1734480679000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "protesters-sf-oakland-la-denounce-rise-encampment-sweeps",
"title": "Protesters in SF, Oakland, LA Denounce Rise in Encampment Sweeps",
"publishDate": 1734480679,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "Protesters in SF, Oakland, LA Denounce Rise in Encampment Sweeps | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"site": "news"
},
"content": "\u003cp>Groups of homeless rights advocates gathered at city halls across California and Washington state on Tuesday to protest the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12006541/sfs-homeless-sweeps-have-cleared-over-1200-tents-where-are-people-going\">rise in encampment sweeps\u003c/a> that followed a U.S. Supreme Court decision over the summer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The coordinated demonstrations in San Francisco, Oakland, Vallejo, Fresno, Los Angeles and Seattle, hosted by advocacy groups Poor Magazine and Wood Street Commons, called on city leaders to stop the sweeps and instead focus on building more housing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“What we’re dealing with right now is a way to criminalize people who are dealing with poverty, who are not able to afford rent,” homeless rights advocate Junebug Kealoha said outside San Francisco City Hall. “When someone is constantly swept, they are just shuffled and things get taken — it’s hard to stay on top of anything.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The demonstrations came roughly half a year after a June \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11991340/supreme-court-says-laws-criminalizing-homeless-camping-do-not-violate-constitution\">Supreme Court ruling\u003c/a> expanded local governments’ authority to fine and jail people for sleeping outside, even if no shelter is available. About a month later, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11997352/newsom-orders-state-agencies-to-dismantle-homeless-encampments-across-california\">Gov. Gavin Newsom responded\u003c/a> by directing state agencies to crack down on encampments and urging local governments to do the same.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12005898/fresno-rolls-out-one-of-californias-most-aggressive-camping-bans\">Fresno\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12004348/berkeley-moves-to-expand-homeless-encampment-sweeps-in-more-aggressive-approach\">Berkeley\u003c/a> and a host of other cities implemented new rules, making it easier for local governments to clear sidewalk camps. In other cities, such as \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11996234/sf-mayor-says-very-aggressive-encampment-sweeps-will-start-in-august\">San Francisco\u003c/a>, officials more aggressively enforced anti-camping laws already on the books.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12018728\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12018728\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241217-UnhousedDemonstrations-JY-155.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1332\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241217-UnhousedDemonstrations-JY-155.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241217-UnhousedDemonstrations-JY-155-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241217-UnhousedDemonstrations-JY-155-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241217-UnhousedDemonstrations-JY-155-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241217-UnhousedDemonstrations-JY-155-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241217-UnhousedDemonstrations-JY-155-1920x1279.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Alvaro Tellez, a traditional Aztec dancer and Homefulness resident, attends a demonstration against the rise in encampment sweeps in front of City Hall in San Francisco on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. \u003ccite>(Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>On Tuesday, demonstrators in San Francisco held signs saying “Make Housing A Human Right” and set up tents with the words “Where do we go?” painted in bright colors. As the wet, cold winter season starts, homeless rights advocates say they want cities to at least pause encampment sweeps.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“All we’re trying to do is get away from the elements, away from the rain and the winter,” said Miguel Muteado Silencio, a homeless rights advocate with experience living on the streets. “It’s sad that in places like San Francisco and Oakland, during the harshest time, when the most vulnerable people are having a hard time, they’re being swept up, and their belongings are being taken away.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to San Francisco’s Department of Emergency Management, city workers removed \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12015125/tentless-amid-encampment-crackdown-unhoused-san-franciscans-storms\">more than 2,400 tents and structures\u003c/a> from city streets between Aug. 1 and Nov. 17.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postID=news_12015125 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241119-SFHomelessArrests-02-BL-1020x680.jpg']\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Frank Noto, president of the San Francisco nonprofit Stop Crime Action, understands that housing is the ultimate, long-term solution to homelessness but said encampment sweeps should be part of the solution in the short term. “We can’t create supportive housing in a short period of time,” he said. “So, we try to muddle through, and we’re seeing a bunch of imperfect solutions.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>However, unhoused residents at Tuesday’s demonstration said they are worried about their future in the Bay Area as cities impose stricter rules.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In San Francisco earlier this month, policymakers capped the amount of time families could stay in city shelters, reducing the time from six months to 90 days.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And this month, supervisors reversed a policy change approved by city \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12007425/san-francisco-bans-overnight-parking-for-rvs-on-most-city-streets\">transportation officials in October\u003c/a> that allowed oversized vehicles to be towed if the people living inside them reject offers of shelter, housing or services. The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12017544/sf-supes-reverse-citys-controversial-rv-parking-ban\">San Francisco Board of Supervisors rejected those restrictions\u003c/a> after receiving letters and appeals from homeless rights advocates and people living in RVs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Maks Doulton, 63, was just placed in temporary subsidized housing a few months ago after living on San Francisco’s streets for a year. Though she has a roof over her head now, she fears she’ll become homeless again when her subsidy ends.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“What happens to me in a year?” she asked. “I won’t be able to afford rent in a year either — then what?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [],
"excerpt": "Homeless rights advocates say the increased encampment sweeps since the Supreme Court’s Grants Pass ruling make it harder for unhoused people to stay safe and get resources.",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1734484587,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 17,
"wordCount": 704
},
"headData": {
"title": "Protesters in SF, Oakland, LA Denounce Rise in Encampment Sweeps | KQED",
"description": "Homeless rights advocates say the increased encampment sweeps since the Supreme Court’s Grants Pass ruling make it harder for unhoused people to stay safe and get resources.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "Protesters in SF, Oakland, LA Denounce Rise in Encampment Sweeps",
"datePublished": "2024-12-17T16:11:19-08:00",
"dateModified": "2024-12-17T17:16:27-08:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"isAccessibleForFree": "True",
"publisher": {
"@type": "NewsMediaOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.kqed.org/#organization",
"name": "KQED",
"logo": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"url": "https://www.kqed.org",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/KQED",
"https://twitter.com/KQED",
"https://www.instagram.com/kqed/",
"https://www.tiktok.com/@kqedofficial",
"https://www.linkedin.com/company/kqed",
"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeC0IOo7i1P_61zVUWbJ4nw"
]
}
}
},
"sticky": false,
"nprStoryId": "kqed-12018466",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12018466/protesters-sf-oakland-la-denounce-rise-encampment-sweeps",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Groups of homeless rights advocates gathered at city halls across California and Washington state on Tuesday to protest the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12006541/sfs-homeless-sweeps-have-cleared-over-1200-tents-where-are-people-going\">rise in encampment sweeps\u003c/a> that followed a U.S. Supreme Court decision over the summer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The coordinated demonstrations in San Francisco, Oakland, Vallejo, Fresno, Los Angeles and Seattle, hosted by advocacy groups Poor Magazine and Wood Street Commons, called on city leaders to stop the sweeps and instead focus on building more housing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“What we’re dealing with right now is a way to criminalize people who are dealing with poverty, who are not able to afford rent,” homeless rights advocate Junebug Kealoha said outside San Francisco City Hall. “When someone is constantly swept, they are just shuffled and things get taken — it’s hard to stay on top of anything.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The demonstrations came roughly half a year after a June \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11991340/supreme-court-says-laws-criminalizing-homeless-camping-do-not-violate-constitution\">Supreme Court ruling\u003c/a> expanded local governments’ authority to fine and jail people for sleeping outside, even if no shelter is available. About a month later, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11997352/newsom-orders-state-agencies-to-dismantle-homeless-encampments-across-california\">Gov. Gavin Newsom responded\u003c/a> by directing state agencies to crack down on encampments and urging local governments to do the same.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12005898/fresno-rolls-out-one-of-californias-most-aggressive-camping-bans\">Fresno\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12004348/berkeley-moves-to-expand-homeless-encampment-sweeps-in-more-aggressive-approach\">Berkeley\u003c/a> and a host of other cities implemented new rules, making it easier for local governments to clear sidewalk camps. In other cities, such as \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11996234/sf-mayor-says-very-aggressive-encampment-sweeps-will-start-in-august\">San Francisco\u003c/a>, officials more aggressively enforced anti-camping laws already on the books.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12018728\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12018728\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241217-UnhousedDemonstrations-JY-155.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1332\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241217-UnhousedDemonstrations-JY-155.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241217-UnhousedDemonstrations-JY-155-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241217-UnhousedDemonstrations-JY-155-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241217-UnhousedDemonstrations-JY-155-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241217-UnhousedDemonstrations-JY-155-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241217-UnhousedDemonstrations-JY-155-1920x1279.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Alvaro Tellez, a traditional Aztec dancer and Homefulness resident, attends a demonstration against the rise in encampment sweeps in front of City Hall in San Francisco on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. \u003ccite>(Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>On Tuesday, demonstrators in San Francisco held signs saying “Make Housing A Human Right” and set up tents with the words “Where do we go?” painted in bright colors. As the wet, cold winter season starts, homeless rights advocates say they want cities to at least pause encampment sweeps.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“All we’re trying to do is get away from the elements, away from the rain and the winter,” said Miguel Muteado Silencio, a homeless rights advocate with experience living on the streets. “It’s sad that in places like San Francisco and Oakland, during the harshest time, when the most vulnerable people are having a hard time, they’re being swept up, and their belongings are being taken away.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to San Francisco’s Department of Emergency Management, city workers removed \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12015125/tentless-amid-encampment-crackdown-unhoused-san-franciscans-storms\">more than 2,400 tents and structures\u003c/a> from city streets between Aug. 1 and Nov. 17.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "aside",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"postid": "news_12015125",
"hero": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241119-SFHomelessArrests-02-BL-1020x680.jpg",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Frank Noto, president of the San Francisco nonprofit Stop Crime Action, understands that housing is the ultimate, long-term solution to homelessness but said encampment sweeps should be part of the solution in the short term. “We can’t create supportive housing in a short period of time,” he said. “So, we try to muddle through, and we’re seeing a bunch of imperfect solutions.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>However, unhoused residents at Tuesday’s demonstration said they are worried about their future in the Bay Area as cities impose stricter rules.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In San Francisco earlier this month, policymakers capped the amount of time families could stay in city shelters, reducing the time from six months to 90 days.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And this month, supervisors reversed a policy change approved by city \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12007425/san-francisco-bans-overnight-parking-for-rvs-on-most-city-streets\">transportation officials in October\u003c/a> that allowed oversized vehicles to be towed if the people living inside them reject offers of shelter, housing or services. The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12017544/sf-supes-reverse-citys-controversial-rv-parking-ban\">San Francisco Board of Supervisors rejected those restrictions\u003c/a> after receiving letters and appeals from homeless rights advocates and people living in RVs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Maks Doulton, 63, was just placed in temporary subsidized housing a few months ago after living on San Francisco’s streets for a year. Though she has a roof over her head now, she fears she’ll become homeless again when her subsidy ends.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“What happens to me in a year?” she asked. “I won’t be able to afford rent in a year either — then what?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12018466/protesters-sf-oakland-la-denounce-rise-encampment-sweeps",
"authors": [
"11672"
],
"categories": [
"news_31795",
"news_6266",
"news_8"
],
"tags": [
"news_18538",
"news_1775",
"news_34054"
],
"featImg": "news_12018725",
"label": "news"
},
"news_12018653": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12018653",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12018653",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1734480013000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "california-fines-health-insurer-mishandling-complaints-delayed-denied-claims",
"title": "California Fines Health Insurer for Mishandling Complaints of Delayed, Denied Claims",
"publishDate": 1734480013,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "California Fines Health Insurer for Mishandling Complaints of Delayed, Denied Claims | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"site": "news"
},
"content": "\u003cp>As national scrutiny of health insurance intensifies, California officials have fined \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/stateofhealth/tag/anthem-blue-cross\">Anthem Blue Cross\u003c/a> $3.5 million for mishandling member complaints over coverage denials and other issues.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The fine stems from the company’s failure to handle more than 10,000 complaints from its members in a timely manner over a two-year period, according to the state’s Department of Managed Health Care. Patient care advocate Linda Winkler Garvin said such behavior can be medically dangerous for patients and strain their mental health as well.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It affects their life because many people — whether they [have] cancer or have chronic diseases or an acute problem — need that authorization as soon as possible and within those required days,” she told KQED. “It’s deleterious to their health to not get these on time.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>DMHC began investigating Anthem Blue Cross, also known as Blue Cross of California, after the company reported a large number of late acknowledgment and resolution letters. These are sent when a patient files a complaint, otherwise known as an appeal or grievance, after receiving a denial for health care services they requested or dealing with another delay or modification to their care.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>California law requires companies to acknowledge receiving the complaint within five days, but DMHC found that between July 2020 and September 2022, Anthem did not send acknowledgments of 11,670 member grievances within that window. More than 1,600 were not acknowledged for more than 51 days.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Anthem also failed to resolve grievances and issue a written resolution within the standard 30-day window in many cases. More than 4,000 resolution letters were sent out late, including 1,630 after more than 51 days.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postID=news_12016821 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241205-SCCTRASH-JG-5-1020x680.jpg']\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Garvin said that there are many cases in which getting timely responses from health insurers is imperative.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Patients who need medications to treat chronic or mental health conditions could lose progress if they are no longer able to get them covered by insurance.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If there’s periods of weeks or days that the individual or the patient does not get that treatment because it’s delayed authorization, it just exacerbates the problem,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There are also acute injuries or cancer diagnoses that require time-sensitive procedures.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Plus, waiting on hold, following up on delayed claims or trying to get an explanation for why a claim was denied can be extremely stressful and frustrating for patients.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It affects them physically and emotionally,” Garvin said. “I’m talking to people, and they’re calling 12 times, 20 times and many times, people don’t get back to them. If they do, they say there’s a delay and don’t give a particular reason.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It puts patients through an ordeal they should not have to go through,” she continued.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Anthem said it has collaborated with DMHC to address the matter and takes member concerns seriously. DMHC said the company has paid the fine.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“As part of our commitment to improving the member experience, we’ve made meaningful updates to our grievance and appeals process and invested in advanced system enhancements,” an Anthem Blue Cross spokesperson said. “These changes are designed to simplify the health care journey and better serve our members.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [],
"excerpt": "Anthem Blue Cross has paid a $3.5 million fine for failing to handle more than 10,000 member complaints in a timely manner over a two-year period, state officials said.",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1738186031,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 18,
"wordCount": 581
},
"headData": {
"title": "California Fines Health Insurer for Mishandling Complaints of Delayed, Denied Claims | KQED",
"description": "Anthem Blue Cross has paid a $3.5 million fine for failing to handle more than 10,000 member complaints in a timely manner over a two-year period, state officials said.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "California Fines Health Insurer for Mishandling Complaints of Delayed, Denied Claims",
"datePublished": "2024-12-17T16:00:13-08:00",
"dateModified": "2025-01-29T13:27:11-08:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"isAccessibleForFree": "True",
"publisher": {
"@type": "NewsMediaOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.kqed.org/#organization",
"name": "KQED",
"logo": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"url": "https://www.kqed.org",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/KQED",
"https://twitter.com/KQED",
"https://www.instagram.com/kqed/",
"https://www.tiktok.com/@kqedofficial",
"https://www.linkedin.com/company/kqed",
"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeC0IOo7i1P_61zVUWbJ4nw"
]
}
}
},
"sticky": false,
"nprStoryId": "kqed-12018653",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12018653/california-fines-health-insurer-mishandling-complaints-delayed-denied-claims",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>As national scrutiny of health insurance intensifies, California officials have fined \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/stateofhealth/tag/anthem-blue-cross\">Anthem Blue Cross\u003c/a> $3.5 million for mishandling member complaints over coverage denials and other issues.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The fine stems from the company’s failure to handle more than 10,000 complaints from its members in a timely manner over a two-year period, according to the state’s Department of Managed Health Care. Patient care advocate Linda Winkler Garvin said such behavior can be medically dangerous for patients and strain their mental health as well.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It affects their life because many people — whether they [have] cancer or have chronic diseases or an acute problem — need that authorization as soon as possible and within those required days,” she told KQED. “It’s deleterious to their health to not get these on time.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>DMHC began investigating Anthem Blue Cross, also known as Blue Cross of California, after the company reported a large number of late acknowledgment and resolution letters. These are sent when a patient files a complaint, otherwise known as an appeal or grievance, after receiving a denial for health care services they requested or dealing with another delay or modification to their care.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>California law requires companies to acknowledge receiving the complaint within five days, but DMHC found that between July 2020 and September 2022, Anthem did not send acknowledgments of 11,670 member grievances within that window. More than 1,600 were not acknowledged for more than 51 days.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Anthem also failed to resolve grievances and issue a written resolution within the standard 30-day window in many cases. More than 4,000 resolution letters were sent out late, including 1,630 after more than 51 days.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "aside",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"postid": "news_12016821",
"hero": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241205-SCCTRASH-JG-5-1020x680.jpg",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Garvin said that there are many cases in which getting timely responses from health insurers is imperative.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Patients who need medications to treat chronic or mental health conditions could lose progress if they are no longer able to get them covered by insurance.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If there’s periods of weeks or days that the individual or the patient does not get that treatment because it’s delayed authorization, it just exacerbates the problem,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There are also acute injuries or cancer diagnoses that require time-sensitive procedures.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Plus, waiting on hold, following up on delayed claims or trying to get an explanation for why a claim was denied can be extremely stressful and frustrating for patients.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It affects them physically and emotionally,” Garvin said. “I’m talking to people, and they’re calling 12 times, 20 times and many times, people don’t get back to them. If they do, they say there’s a delay and don’t give a particular reason.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It puts patients through an ordeal they should not have to go through,” she continued.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Anthem said it has collaborated with DMHC to address the matter and takes member concerns seriously. DMHC said the company has paid the fine.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“As part of our commitment to improving the member experience, we’ve made meaningful updates to our grievance and appeals process and invested in advanced system enhancements,” an Anthem Blue Cross spokesperson said. “These changes are designed to simplify the health care journey and better serve our members.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12018653/california-fines-health-insurer-mishandling-complaints-delayed-denied-claims",
"authors": [
"11913"
],
"categories": [
"news_31795",
"news_457",
"news_8"
],
"tags": [
"news_1053",
"news_18538",
"news_18543",
"news_1054"
],
"featImg": "news_12018655",
"label": "news"
},
"news_12018477": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12018477",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12018477",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1734471008000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "why-did-sf-get-tornado-warning-but-not-scotts-valley-where-twister-hit",
"title": "Why Did SF Get Tornado Warning But Not Scotts Valley, Where Twister Hit?",
"publishDate": 1734471008,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "Why Did SF Get Tornado Warning But Not Scotts Valley, Where Twister Hit? | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"site": "news"
},
"content": "\u003cp>When Mary Ellen Carroll’s phone blared an emergency weather alert just before 6 a.m. Saturday, she paid it little mind. As San Francisco’s top emergency management official, she had known a day earlier that a severe thunderstorm would possibly bring flash flooding.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But as she poured her first cup of coffee and checked in with her staff, she realized San Francisco was dealing with \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12018356/the-tornado-warning-is-over-heres-why-it-was-issued\">something entirely new\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The fact that it was a tornado [warning] came out of nowhere,” said Carroll, executive director of San Francisco’s Department of Emergency Management. “It took us a second because we didn’t have messaging for tornadoes.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>San Francisco’s first-ever tornado warning lasted less than half an hour before the National Weather Service canceled it. Although straight-line winds of up to 80 mph were recorded around Golden Gate Park and the Mission District, there was no evidence of a tornado — leaving some residents questioning the messaging, especially after a tsunami warning had spurred a scrambled response less than two weeks earlier.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the small Santa Cruz County mountain town of Scotts Valley, on the other hand, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12018406/tornado-hits-santa-cruz-county\">a twister touched down\u003c/a> early Saturday afternoon, causing several hundred thousand dollars in damage by flipping several cars and wrenching traffic signals from concrete — yet there was no tornado warning.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12018666\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12018666\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/SFTornadoPath.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/SFTornadoPath.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/SFTornadoPath-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/SFTornadoPath-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/SFTornadoPath-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/SFTornadoPath-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/SFTornadoPath-1920x1281.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The path of the storm that prompted the National Weather Service’s tornado warning for San Francisco on Dec. 14, 2024. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of John Monteverdi)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“People were just out Christmas shopping and getting ready for the holidays,” said Mali LaGoe, city manager for Scotts Valley. “It was originally reported as a six-car pileup because no one could believe it was actually a tornado.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>With two tornadic moments in eight hours, weather experts questioned why the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for San Francisco but not Scotts Valley. The weather service defended its messaging, stating national guidelines limit when it can trigger phone alerts: A low-level severe thunderstorm like the one forecast for Scotts Valley doesn’t qualify, but a tornado — when the signs are clearly in view — does.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>John Monteverdi, emeritus professor of meteorology at San Francisco State University, thinks the San Francisco warning was justified. Still, for Scotts Valley, he isn’t sure why the weather service “didn’t issue a tornado warning because, to me, this was a stronger rotation than they saw for San Francisco. Tornadoes can occur without warning in severe thunderstorms.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Although a tornado warning is very rare for the region, Monteverdi said tornadoes themselves are “infrequent in California, but not rare” because they are part of the state’s climatology and weather patterns. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration \u003ca href=\"https://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/online/sp3/plot.php?lat=37.755&lon=121.466&zoom=280&mode=0&bdate=19510411/1200&edate=20231215/1200&torflag=1&windflag=-1&hailflag=-1&t01=0&t02=5&t03=0&t04=9999&t05=0&t06=9999&t07=0&t08=9999&t09=0&t10=9999&h01=0&h02=9999&w01=0&w02=9999&showt=0&legend=1&showh=0&showw=0\">details more than 100 tornadoes across the state since 1950\u003c/a>, including a smattering of twisters across the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12018668\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12018668\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/ScottsValleyTornadoPath.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1066\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/ScottsValleyTornadoPath.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/ScottsValleyTornadoPath-800x426.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/ScottsValleyTornadoPath-1020x544.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/ScottsValleyTornadoPath-160x85.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/ScottsValleyTornadoPath-1536x819.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/ScottsValleyTornadoPath-1920x1023.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The path of the storm and tornado that took place in Scotts Valley on Dec. 14, 2024. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of John Monteverdi)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Tornadoes are rare in mountainous areas — like Scotts Valley — but less so along the coast and Central Valley, Monteverdi said. But occasionally, when a storm is large enough and warm and cold air masses collide, a spiral of air can move upward and “be a precursor to a Wizard of Oz type of tornado, which happened down in Scotts Valley.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And tornadoes often stem from severe thunderstorms. While there’s no scientific consensus that human-caused climate change is increasing the frequency of tornadoes, there is evidence that the intensity of thunderstorms is likely accelerating as the climate warms.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It stands to reason that when the conditions are otherwise favorable, perhaps a greater fraction of thunderstorms could occur in environments favorable for tornadoes,” UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The National Weather Service plans to run simulations of last weekend’s storm to assess whether warnings should come sooner next time in both cities. Brian Garcia, warning coordination meteorologist for the agency’s Bay Area office, acknowledged that thunderstorms are becoming more intense and noted that, as a result, the frequency of tornadoes might also increase.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12018670\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12018670\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/CaliforniaTornados-800x702.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"702\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/CaliforniaTornados-800x702.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/CaliforniaTornados-160x140.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/CaliforniaTornados.jpg 950w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">More than 100 tornadoes have made landfall in California since 1950. Each red signature marks a tornado landfall. \u003ccite>(SPC National Severe Weather Database Browser)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“We can’t wait for perfect data 10 to 40 years down the road,” he said. “We’ve got to start acting now like it is caused by climate change so we can lean forward and hopefully protect more people.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Still, Garcia defended how the agency handled its messaging during the storm. A wireless emergency alert went out for San Francisco but not the Santa Cruz area because the weather service has a national threshold for alerting on severe thunderstorms based on forecast potential destruction, which Garcia said is defined by 80 mph winds and or baseball-sized hail.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The agency issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the Santa Cruz area, which means that media outlets and localities have a choice in how they message the public, but cellphones are not automatically alerted.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Garcia argued that while the word “tornado” sounds scarier, a severe thunderstorm carries just as much destructive power.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Either way you shake it, both a severe thunderstorm and tornado warning tell you to seek shelter in an interior room of your house or the lowest floor of your home,” he said. “To try to have a one-size-fits-all all for everybody is obviously a holy grail. But it’s also not going to happen. We’re not going to be able to speak to everybody in the way that they can take an appropriate response to it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postID=news_12018475 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241216_SFStormCleanup_GC-17-1020x679.jpg']\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>LaGoe in Scotts Valley and Carroll in San Francisco said they felt the weather service operated within reason. However, they said the more significant effect of the storm is that residents now know tornadoes are possible where they live.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This event was a wake-up call as far as what is possible and how we prepare for the future,” LaGoe said. “This isn’t tornado alley, and I think it’s highly unlikely to happen again. But it’s just something we all need to recognize could happen.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Carroll said there was “very little wiggle room” for any other actions her department could have taken to protect San Franciscans from the storm, which ultimately \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12018475/no-tornado-sf-crews-still-working-clear-hundreds-downed-trees\">downed more than 400 trees\u003c/a> but did not lead to any reported injuries.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The city’s Department of Emergency Management has another option: using sirens to alert the public of a tornado. However, Carroll said the outdoor public warning system, built in the 1950s to warn residents of Cold War threats, was turned off in 2019 due to security vulnerabilities. The system could be restored, she said, but it could cost more than $20 million.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Phone alerts are a more efficient real-time solution, Carroll said, because “cellphones are like our mini sirens, and they’re much more effective because they have more information than a siren.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Carroll said her department is now prepared with messaging in case of another future tornado warning. But after the recent phone alerts for a tsunami and a tornado didn’t pan out, she worries residents won’t take the messaging seriously and see city contact as “a boy who cried wolf.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [],
"excerpt": "A tornado warning jolted cellphones in San Francisco but not Scotts Valley, where a severe thunderstorm was forecast. Now emergency management officials are preparing for a future with the possibility of more tornadoes. ",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1744050322,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 27,
"wordCount": 1291
},
"headData": {
"title": "Why Did SF Get Tornado Warning But Not Scotts Valley, Where Twister Hit? | KQED",
"description": "A tornado warning jolted cellphones in San Francisco but not Scotts Valley, where a severe thunderstorm was forecast. Now emergency management officials are preparing for a future with the possibility of more tornadoes. ",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "Why Did SF Get Tornado Warning But Not Scotts Valley, Where Twister Hit?",
"datePublished": "2024-12-17T13:30:08-08:00",
"dateModified": "2025-04-07T11:25:22-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"isAccessibleForFree": "True",
"publisher": {
"@type": "NewsMediaOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.kqed.org/#organization",
"name": "KQED",
"logo": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"url": "https://www.kqed.org",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/KQED",
"https://twitter.com/KQED",
"https://www.instagram.com/kqed/",
"https://www.tiktok.com/@kqedofficial",
"https://www.linkedin.com/company/kqed",
"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeC0IOo7i1P_61zVUWbJ4nw"
]
}
}
},
"sticky": false,
"nprStoryId": "kqed-12018477",
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12018477/why-did-sf-get-tornado-warning-but-not-scotts-valley-where-twister-hit",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>When Mary Ellen Carroll’s phone blared an emergency weather alert just before 6 a.m. Saturday, she paid it little mind. As San Francisco’s top emergency management official, she had known a day earlier that a severe thunderstorm would possibly bring flash flooding.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But as she poured her first cup of coffee and checked in with her staff, she realized San Francisco was dealing with \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12018356/the-tornado-warning-is-over-heres-why-it-was-issued\">something entirely new\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The fact that it was a tornado [warning] came out of nowhere,” said Carroll, executive director of San Francisco’s Department of Emergency Management. “It took us a second because we didn’t have messaging for tornadoes.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>San Francisco’s first-ever tornado warning lasted less than half an hour before the National Weather Service canceled it. Although straight-line winds of up to 80 mph were recorded around Golden Gate Park and the Mission District, there was no evidence of a tornado — leaving some residents questioning the messaging, especially after a tsunami warning had spurred a scrambled response less than two weeks earlier.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the small Santa Cruz County mountain town of Scotts Valley, on the other hand, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12018406/tornado-hits-santa-cruz-county\">a twister touched down\u003c/a> early Saturday afternoon, causing several hundred thousand dollars in damage by flipping several cars and wrenching traffic signals from concrete — yet there was no tornado warning.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12018666\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12018666\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/SFTornadoPath.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/SFTornadoPath.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/SFTornadoPath-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/SFTornadoPath-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/SFTornadoPath-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/SFTornadoPath-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/SFTornadoPath-1920x1281.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The path of the storm that prompted the National Weather Service’s tornado warning for San Francisco on Dec. 14, 2024. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of John Monteverdi)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“People were just out Christmas shopping and getting ready for the holidays,” said Mali LaGoe, city manager for Scotts Valley. “It was originally reported as a six-car pileup because no one could believe it was actually a tornado.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>With two tornadic moments in eight hours, weather experts questioned why the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for San Francisco but not Scotts Valley. The weather service defended its messaging, stating national guidelines limit when it can trigger phone alerts: A low-level severe thunderstorm like the one forecast for Scotts Valley doesn’t qualify, but a tornado — when the signs are clearly in view — does.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>John Monteverdi, emeritus professor of meteorology at San Francisco State University, thinks the San Francisco warning was justified. Still, for Scotts Valley, he isn’t sure why the weather service “didn’t issue a tornado warning because, to me, this was a stronger rotation than they saw for San Francisco. Tornadoes can occur without warning in severe thunderstorms.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Although a tornado warning is very rare for the region, Monteverdi said tornadoes themselves are “infrequent in California, but not rare” because they are part of the state’s climatology and weather patterns. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration \u003ca href=\"https://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/online/sp3/plot.php?lat=37.755&lon=121.466&zoom=280&mode=0&bdate=19510411/1200&edate=20231215/1200&torflag=1&windflag=-1&hailflag=-1&t01=0&t02=5&t03=0&t04=9999&t05=0&t06=9999&t07=0&t08=9999&t09=0&t10=9999&h01=0&h02=9999&w01=0&w02=9999&showt=0&legend=1&showh=0&showw=0\">details more than 100 tornadoes across the state since 1950\u003c/a>, including a smattering of twisters across the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12018668\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12018668\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/ScottsValleyTornadoPath.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1066\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/ScottsValleyTornadoPath.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/ScottsValleyTornadoPath-800x426.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/ScottsValleyTornadoPath-1020x544.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/ScottsValleyTornadoPath-160x85.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/ScottsValleyTornadoPath-1536x819.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/ScottsValleyTornadoPath-1920x1023.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The path of the storm and tornado that took place in Scotts Valley on Dec. 14, 2024. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of John Monteverdi)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Tornadoes are rare in mountainous areas — like Scotts Valley — but less so along the coast and Central Valley, Monteverdi said. But occasionally, when a storm is large enough and warm and cold air masses collide, a spiral of air can move upward and “be a precursor to a Wizard of Oz type of tornado, which happened down in Scotts Valley.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And tornadoes often stem from severe thunderstorms. While there’s no scientific consensus that human-caused climate change is increasing the frequency of tornadoes, there is evidence that the intensity of thunderstorms is likely accelerating as the climate warms.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It stands to reason that when the conditions are otherwise favorable, perhaps a greater fraction of thunderstorms could occur in environments favorable for tornadoes,” UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The National Weather Service plans to run simulations of last weekend’s storm to assess whether warnings should come sooner next time in both cities. Brian Garcia, warning coordination meteorologist for the agency’s Bay Area office, acknowledged that thunderstorms are becoming more intense and noted that, as a result, the frequency of tornadoes might also increase.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12018670\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12018670\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/CaliforniaTornados-800x702.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"702\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/CaliforniaTornados-800x702.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/CaliforniaTornados-160x140.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/CaliforniaTornados.jpg 950w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">More than 100 tornadoes have made landfall in California since 1950. Each red signature marks a tornado landfall. \u003ccite>(SPC National Severe Weather Database Browser)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“We can’t wait for perfect data 10 to 40 years down the road,” he said. “We’ve got to start acting now like it is caused by climate change so we can lean forward and hopefully protect more people.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Still, Garcia defended how the agency handled its messaging during the storm. A wireless emergency alert went out for San Francisco but not the Santa Cruz area because the weather service has a national threshold for alerting on severe thunderstorms based on forecast potential destruction, which Garcia said is defined by 80 mph winds and or baseball-sized hail.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The agency issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the Santa Cruz area, which means that media outlets and localities have a choice in how they message the public, but cellphones are not automatically alerted.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Garcia argued that while the word “tornado” sounds scarier, a severe thunderstorm carries just as much destructive power.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Either way you shake it, both a severe thunderstorm and tornado warning tell you to seek shelter in an interior room of your house or the lowest floor of your home,” he said. “To try to have a one-size-fits-all all for everybody is obviously a holy grail. But it’s also not going to happen. We’re not going to be able to speak to everybody in the way that they can take an appropriate response to it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "aside",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"postid": "news_12018475",
"hero": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241216_SFStormCleanup_GC-17-1020x679.jpg",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>LaGoe in Scotts Valley and Carroll in San Francisco said they felt the weather service operated within reason. However, they said the more significant effect of the storm is that residents now know tornadoes are possible where they live.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This event was a wake-up call as far as what is possible and how we prepare for the future,” LaGoe said. “This isn’t tornado alley, and I think it’s highly unlikely to happen again. But it’s just something we all need to recognize could happen.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Carroll said there was “very little wiggle room” for any other actions her department could have taken to protect San Franciscans from the storm, which ultimately \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12018475/no-tornado-sf-crews-still-working-clear-hundreds-downed-trees\">downed more than 400 trees\u003c/a> but did not lead to any reported injuries.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The city’s Department of Emergency Management has another option: using sirens to alert the public of a tornado. However, Carroll said the outdoor public warning system, built in the 1950s to warn residents of Cold War threats, was turned off in 2019 due to security vulnerabilities. The system could be restored, she said, but it could cost more than $20 million.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Phone alerts are a more efficient real-time solution, Carroll said, because “cellphones are like our mini sirens, and they’re much more effective because they have more information than a siren.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Carroll said her department is now prepared with messaging in case of another future tornado warning. But after the recent phone alerts for a tsunami and a tornado didn’t pan out, she worries residents won’t take the messaging seriously and see city contact as “a boy who cried wolf.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "floatright"
},
"numeric": [
"floatright"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12018477/why-did-sf-get-tornado-warning-but-not-scotts-valley-where-twister-hit",
"authors": [
"11746"
],
"categories": [
"news_31795",
"news_34165",
"news_8",
"news_356"
],
"tags": [
"news_18538",
"news_19204",
"news_27626",
"news_28199",
"news_3431",
"news_1073",
"news_1013",
"news_2792",
"news_3"
],
"featImg": "news_12018696",
"label": "news"
},
"news_12018609": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12018609",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12018609",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1734459828000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "sf-jury-convicts-nima-momeni-2nd-degree-murder-killing-tech-founder-bob-lee",
"title": "SF Jury Convicts Nima Momeni of 2nd-Degree Murder in Killing of Tech Founder Bob Lee",
"publishDate": 1734459828,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "SF Jury Convicts Nima Momeni of 2nd-Degree Murder in Killing of Tech Founder Bob Lee | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"site": "news"
},
"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>Updated 11:08 a.m. Tuesday\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a> jury on Tuesday found Nima Momeni guilty of second-degree murder for the killing of Cash App founder Bob Lee.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The fatal stabbing of Lee, 43, in downtown San Francisco last year attracted national media attention — first as the city’s critics held it up as an example of dangerous lawlessness on the streets, and then, as a sensational inside look at the lives of the Bay Area’s rich and techy as the murder trial unfolded.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Throughout the six-week trial, the defense and prosecution painted very different pictures of the early hours of April 4, 2023, when Lee was stabbed twice in the chest and once in the hip in the Rincon Hill neighborhood.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We’re extremely thankful to the district attorney’s office, we’re extremely thankful to the jury, so we think justice was done today,” Lee’s brother, Timothy Oliver Lee, told reporters outside the courtroom on Tuesday. He said that while the family was hoping for a first-degree murder conviction, their ultimate hope was that “Bob’s kids do not have to see [Momeni] on the streets again.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Momeni’s defense team had argued that it was Lee who pulled the paring knife out on a deserted, downtown street. They asserted that he was enraged after Momeni, a former Emeryville tech consultant, made an off-hand “joke” about his parenting, the \u003cem>San Francisco Chronicle\u003c/em> has \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/nima-momeni-murder-trial-bob-lee-stabbing-19936914.php\">reported\u003c/a>. On the stand, Momeni said he flipped the blade on Lee in self-defense.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12018622\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12018622\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Nima-Momeni-Trial-AP.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Nima-Momeni-Trial-AP.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Nima-Momeni-Trial-AP-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Nima-Momeni-Trial-AP-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Nima-Momeni-Trial-AP-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Nima-Momeni-Trial-AP-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Nima-Momeni-Trial-AP-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Defense attorneys Saam Zangeneh, center left, and Bradford Cohen, center right, speak to reporters after exiting the courtroom at the Hall of Justice for the murder trial of Nima Momeni, on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, in San Francisco. \u003ccite>(Godofredo A. Vásquez/AP Photo)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>According to his autopsy, Lee had cocaine, alcohol and ketamine in his system when he died. The defense argued that his cocaine use could have aided the angry outburst.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The prosecution disputed this story, instead positing that Momeni stabbed Lee three times in an angry rage. According to the \u003cem>Chronicle\u003c/em>, the night before the altercation, they say Lee was with Momeni’s sister, Khazar Momeni, who was his friend and possibly a romantic interest.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to prosecutors, Momeni’s sister called him in tears from the apartment of a convicted drug dealer Lee had taken her to. She testified that after Lee left the dealer’s apartment, she was given shots of GHB and abused while unconscious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postID=news_12017333 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/LuigiMangioneAP1-1020x680.jpg']\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Assistant District Attorneys Dane Reinstedt and Omid Talai told the jury that hours after picking his sister up, Momeni and his sister were socializing with Lee. Momeni allegedly offered Lee a ride home from Millenium Tower, where Khazar and her husband live, and then stabbed him out of rage over the situation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Genetic testing on the knife showed Lee’s DNA on the blade, while 99% of the DNA on the handle matched Momeni, the \u003cem>Chronicle \u003c/em>reported.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said the trial and its outcome disproved the “doom loop” narrative of danger on the streets of San Francisco that some high-profile critics pushed in the days after Lee’s shocking death.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Elon Musk took to Twitter to make it seem like there was lawlessness in San Francisco,” she said, adding that as her office dug into the case, they found that the situation was very different than first portrayed. “We are a city committed to accountability, we are a city committed to public safety.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The six-man, six-woman jury deliberated over the case for seven days before reaching a verdict late Monday afternoon and returning to court for the announcement Tuesday morning. They unanimously decided Momeni was not guilty of first-degree murder, instead finding him guilty of second-degree murder with the use of a dangerous weapon. The verdict carries a prison sentence of 16 years to life.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lee’s ex-wife, Krista Lee, and their two children were in the courtroom. She said after the verdict was read that Momeni’s family “has blood on their hands.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mahnaz Tayarani Babai, Momeni’s mother, did not answer many questions after the announcement, instead asking reporters: “If you were me, how would you [be] do[ing]?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/shossaini\">Sara Hossaini\u003c/a> contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [],
"excerpt": "The killing of Cash App founder Bob Lee in downtown San Francisco drew national media attention throughout a six-week trial.",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1734462619,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 20,
"wordCount": 770
},
"headData": {
"title": "SF Jury Convicts Nima Momeni of 2nd-Degree Murder in Killing of Tech Founder Bob Lee | KQED",
"description": "The killing of Cash App founder Bob Lee in downtown San Francisco drew national media attention throughout a six-week trial.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "SF Jury Convicts Nima Momeni of 2nd-Degree Murder in Killing of Tech Founder Bob Lee",
"datePublished": "2024-12-17T10:23:48-08:00",
"dateModified": "2024-12-17T11:10:19-08:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"isAccessibleForFree": "True",
"publisher": {
"@type": "NewsMediaOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.kqed.org/#organization",
"name": "KQED",
"logo": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"url": "https://www.kqed.org",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/KQED",
"https://twitter.com/KQED",
"https://www.instagram.com/kqed/",
"https://www.tiktok.com/@kqedofficial",
"https://www.linkedin.com/company/kqed",
"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeC0IOo7i1P_61zVUWbJ4nw"
]
}
}
},
"sticky": false,
"nprStoryId": "kqed-12018609",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12018609/sf-jury-convicts-nima-momeni-2nd-degree-murder-killing-tech-founder-bob-lee",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>Updated 11:08 a.m. Tuesday\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a> jury on Tuesday found Nima Momeni guilty of second-degree murder for the killing of Cash App founder Bob Lee.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The fatal stabbing of Lee, 43, in downtown San Francisco last year attracted national media attention — first as the city’s critics held it up as an example of dangerous lawlessness on the streets, and then, as a sensational inside look at the lives of the Bay Area’s rich and techy as the murder trial unfolded.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Throughout the six-week trial, the defense and prosecution painted very different pictures of the early hours of April 4, 2023, when Lee was stabbed twice in the chest and once in the hip in the Rincon Hill neighborhood.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We’re extremely thankful to the district attorney’s office, we’re extremely thankful to the jury, so we think justice was done today,” Lee’s brother, Timothy Oliver Lee, told reporters outside the courtroom on Tuesday. He said that while the family was hoping for a first-degree murder conviction, their ultimate hope was that “Bob’s kids do not have to see [Momeni] on the streets again.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Momeni’s defense team had argued that it was Lee who pulled the paring knife out on a deserted, downtown street. They asserted that he was enraged after Momeni, a former Emeryville tech consultant, made an off-hand “joke” about his parenting, the \u003cem>San Francisco Chronicle\u003c/em> has \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/nima-momeni-murder-trial-bob-lee-stabbing-19936914.php\">reported\u003c/a>. On the stand, Momeni said he flipped the blade on Lee in self-defense.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12018622\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12018622\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Nima-Momeni-Trial-AP.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Nima-Momeni-Trial-AP.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Nima-Momeni-Trial-AP-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Nima-Momeni-Trial-AP-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Nima-Momeni-Trial-AP-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Nima-Momeni-Trial-AP-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Nima-Momeni-Trial-AP-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Defense attorneys Saam Zangeneh, center left, and Bradford Cohen, center right, speak to reporters after exiting the courtroom at the Hall of Justice for the murder trial of Nima Momeni, on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, in San Francisco. \u003ccite>(Godofredo A. Vásquez/AP Photo)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>According to his autopsy, Lee had cocaine, alcohol and ketamine in his system when he died. The defense argued that his cocaine use could have aided the angry outburst.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The prosecution disputed this story, instead positing that Momeni stabbed Lee three times in an angry rage. According to the \u003cem>Chronicle\u003c/em>, the night before the altercation, they say Lee was with Momeni’s sister, Khazar Momeni, who was his friend and possibly a romantic interest.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to prosecutors, Momeni’s sister called him in tears from the apartment of a convicted drug dealer Lee had taken her to. She testified that after Lee left the dealer’s apartment, she was given shots of GHB and abused while unconscious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "aside",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"postid": "news_12017333",
"hero": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/LuigiMangioneAP1-1020x680.jpg",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Assistant District Attorneys Dane Reinstedt and Omid Talai told the jury that hours after picking his sister up, Momeni and his sister were socializing with Lee. Momeni allegedly offered Lee a ride home from Millenium Tower, where Khazar and her husband live, and then stabbed him out of rage over the situation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Genetic testing on the knife showed Lee’s DNA on the blade, while 99% of the DNA on the handle matched Momeni, the \u003cem>Chronicle \u003c/em>reported.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said the trial and its outcome disproved the “doom loop” narrative of danger on the streets of San Francisco that some high-profile critics pushed in the days after Lee’s shocking death.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Elon Musk took to Twitter to make it seem like there was lawlessness in San Francisco,” she said, adding that as her office dug into the case, they found that the situation was very different than first portrayed. “We are a city committed to accountability, we are a city committed to public safety.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The six-man, six-woman jury deliberated over the case for seven days before reaching a verdict late Monday afternoon and returning to court for the announcement Tuesday morning. They unanimously decided Momeni was not guilty of first-degree murder, instead finding him guilty of second-degree murder with the use of a dangerous weapon. The verdict carries a prison sentence of 16 years to life.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lee’s ex-wife, Krista Lee, and their two children were in the courtroom. She said after the verdict was read that Momeni’s family “has blood on their hands.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mahnaz Tayarani Babai, Momeni’s mother, did not answer many questions after the announcement, instead asking reporters: “If you were me, how would you [be] do[ing]?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/shossaini\">Sara Hossaini\u003c/a> contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12018609/sf-jury-convicts-nima-momeni-2nd-degree-murder-killing-tech-founder-bob-lee",
"authors": [
"11913"
],
"categories": [
"news_31795",
"news_34167",
"news_8"
],
"tags": [
"news_1386",
"news_17626",
"news_17725",
"news_27626",
"news_38",
"news_1631"
],
"featImg": "news_12018643",
"label": "news"
},
"news_12018557": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12018557",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12018557",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1734454858000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "will-californias-new-plan-for-water-rules-save-salmon-from-extinction",
"title": "Will California's New Plan for Water Rules Save Salmon from Extinction?",
"publishDate": 1734454858,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "Will California’s New Plan for Water Rules Save Salmon from Extinction? | KQED",
"labelTerm": {},
"content": "\u003cp>The Newsom administration is refining a contentious set of proposed rules, \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/environment/water/2023/09/california-delta-bay-plan/\">years in the making\u003c/a>, that would reshape how farms and cities draw water from the Central Valley’s Delta and its rivers. Backed by more than $1 billion in state funds, the rules, if adopted, would require water users to help restore rivers and rebuild depleted Chinook salmon runs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The administration touts its proposed rules as the starting point of a long-term effort to double Central Valley Chinook populations from historical levels, reaching \u003ca href=\"https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=84381\">numbers\u003c/a> not seen in at least 75 years. But environmental groups have almost unanimously rejected it, saying it promises environmental gains that will never materialize and jeopardizes the existence of California’s iconic salmon and other fish.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There is no way the assets they’ve put on the table, water and habitat combined, are going to achieve the doubling goal — no way, not possible,” said Jon Rosenfield, science director with San Francisco Baykeeper.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Dubbed \u003ca href=\"https://resources.ca.gov/Initiatives/Voluntary-Agreements-Page\">Healthy Rivers and Landscapes\u003c/a> but better known as “\u003ca href=\"https://resources.ca.gov/Newsroom/Page-Content/News-List/Agreement-with-Local-Water-Suppliers-to-Improve-the-Health-of-Rivers-and-Landscapes\">the voluntary agreements,\u003c/a>” the proposal is one of two pathways for state officials as they update a keystone regulatory document called the \u003ca href=\"https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/waterrights/water_issues/programs/bay_delta/\">Bay-Delta Water Quality Control Plan\u003c/a>, which was last overhauled in 1995.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>With the ecosystem of the Bay-Delta in the throes of collapse, the set of rules is critical to determining how much water flows through the Delta for salmon and other species and how much is available for growers and cities in the Central Valley and Southern California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Once vital to indigenous cultures and the coastal ecosystem, Chinook salmon and other native fish have declined for decades due to dam operations, water diversions, increased water temperatures and marine food web issues. Numbers of spawning adult Chinook have dropped so low that all commercial and recreational salmon fishing has been banned for two years in a row, and \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/environment/water/2024/10/salmon-fishing-california/\">preliminary numbers this year\u003c/a> show no signs of recovery.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>State officials from multiple agencies have lauded the Healthy Rivers program — which would meter out flows for fish while mandating restoration of floodplains and other river features — as their preferred option for updating the plan.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>California’s most influential water districts, serving tens of millions of people and most of the Central Valley’s farmland, have rallied behind the state’s preferred option, which has taken center stage during public workshops since November.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Newsom administration officials have worked on these rules for years during negotiations with the San Joaquin Valley’s \u003ca href=\"https://wwd.ca.gov/\">Westlands Water District\u003c/a>, the nation’s largest agricultural water provider, the giant Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and other water users.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>California Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot described the proposal as “a new and strengthened approach” that will protect both the environment and the water supply.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Crowfoot told the water board that the proposed rules would do “a good job working to balance all of (Californians’) needs, and ultimately help the environment to recover in ways that’s workable for communities across our state.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Such a balance has long eluded state officials.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This is progress,” Chuck Bonham, director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, said at a November water board workshop. “It’s gone on so long. It’s time.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Back in 2020, Gov. Gavin Newsom \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/commentary/2020/02/gavin-newsom-sacramento-san-joaquin-bay-delta/\">endorsed the “voluntary agreement”\u003c/a> approach. “Today, I am committing to achieving a doubling of California’s salmon population by 2050. These agreements will be foundational to meeting that goal,” he wrote in a CalMatters opinion piece.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nina Hawk, the Bay-Delta Initiatives group manager with the Metropolitan Water District — which provides water that serves 19 million Southern Californians — said the Newsom proposal would create an equitable pathway to meeting human and environmental water demands.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It is important that we try to balance what the state board defines as beneficial uses … both for the environment and for farms, in a way that looks at the integrity of the water system and also for the state of California’s natural resources and its economy,” Hawk said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Kevin Padway of the Zone 7 Water Agency, which serves 270,000 East Bay residents, encouraged the water board to adopt the rules, commending them as an “immediately implementable” route to balancing water demands for people and environmental uses.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12018570\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12018570\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/02_012023_Drone_Banks_Pumping_Plant_Aqueduct_CM.jpg\" alt=\"A wide drone shot from above an aqueduct with green grass and a water tower.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/02_012023_Drone_Banks_Pumping_Plant_Aqueduct_CM.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/02_012023_Drone_Banks_Pumping_Plant_Aqueduct_CM-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/02_012023_Drone_Banks_Pumping_Plant_Aqueduct_CM-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/02_012023_Drone_Banks_Pumping_Plant_Aqueduct_CM-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/02_012023_Drone_Banks_Pumping_Plant_Aqueduct_CM-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/02_012023_Drone_Banks_Pumping_Plant_Aqueduct_CM-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A drone provides a view of water pumped from the Harvey O. Banks Delta Pumping Plant into the California Aqueduct at 9,790 cubic feet per second after January storms. The facility located in Alameda County and lifts water into the California Aqueduct. Jan. 20, 2023. \u003ccite>(Ken James/California Department of Water Resources)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>But environmentalists aren’t sold. Some have even refused to call it by its formal name, saying it’s a euphemism with no bearing on “healthy rivers.” They say the rules would favor water users, allowing cities and farms to draw so much water from the Delta and its tributary rivers that salmon will continue their long decline. They say the proposed rules simply don’t offer fish the water they need, let alone support the state’s salmon rebuilding mandate.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If you’re diverting more than half of a river’s flow, you are guaranteeing negative population growth” of salmon, said Gary Bobker, Friends of the River’s program director.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The complex flow rules could even allow growers to entirely drain some rivers in critically dry years, according to Barry Nelson, a water policy analyst with the Golden State Salmon Association who spoke at a recent board workshop.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Dewatering rivers during droughts would be completely consistent with the Bay-Delta Plan,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The State Water Resources Control Board is the agency with the authority to approve the rules. A public hearing and vote could come in 2025.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The water board’s other option would require strict minimum flows in rivers. Water users say those rules would have unacceptable impacts on farms, hydropower and communities — including planned housing projects — while environmentalists and tribes laud it as more protective of fish. It would ensure that rivers contain an average of 55% of the total water available in the watershed at a given time — a measure called unimpaired flow.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While momentum has built behind the state’s Healthy Rivers plan, the state water board could still go either way with their vote. It is even possible that officials adopt both options, with the unimpaired flow pathway reserved as a regulatory backstop, should the Newsom proposal fail, or as concurrent rules applied to waters users who opt out of the voluntary agreements.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Doubling Chinook runs — is it a stream dream?\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>A longstanding mandate requires fishery and water managers to double the Central Valley’s population of naturally reproducing Chinook salmon from levels observed between 1967 and 1991. This would translate into an average of \u003ca href=\"https://deltacouncil.ca.gov/pdf/delta-plan/2019-11-21-preliminary-draft-datasheet-salmon-doubling.pdf\">990,000 spawning Chinook\u003c/a> each year, almost 10 times recent averages.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>State officials say their Healthy Rivers plan would help to realize this goal. Around year-eight — when the program could be extended — officials hope to be about 25% of the way to the doubling goal, said Louise Conrad, lead scientist with the state Department of Water Resources.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Officials with the National Marine Fisheries Service, in a January letter to the state, said the eight-year timeframe “is concerning, given the dire status of native fish species within the Sacramento River Basin and Delta.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in comments emailed to the Water Board in January, noted the light water allowances in critically dry years.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“EPA is concerned that the total volume and timing of Delta inflow and outflow provided under the proposed VA (voluntary agreement) alternative relative to baseline is not large enough to adequately restore and protect aquatic ecosystems,” the agency wrote.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12018571\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12018571\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/03_121124-Fall-Run-Salmon-XM-DWR-01-CM.jpg\" alt=\"A salmon under water with rocks. \" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/03_121124-Fall-Run-Salmon-XM-DWR-01-CM.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/03_121124-Fall-Run-Salmon-XM-DWR-01-CM-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/03_121124-Fall-Run-Salmon-XM-DWR-01-CM-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/03_121124-Fall-Run-Salmon-XM-DWR-01-CM-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/03_121124-Fall-Run-Salmon-XM-DWR-01-CM-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/03_121124-Fall-Run-Salmon-XM-DWR-01-CM-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fall-run Chinook salmon migrate and spawn in the Feather River near the California Department of Water Resources infrastructure and the Feather River Fish Hatchery in Oroville, Butte County, on Nov. 15, 2024. \u003ccite>(Xavier Mascareñas/California Department of Water Resources)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>This target of doubling Chinook is nothing new. The almost legendary “doubling goal” has been on the books since the early 1990s, when federal law \u003ca href=\"https://www.usbr.gov/mp/cvpia/docs-reports/meetings/2013/cvpia-pub-mtg-progress-revisioning-1-17-13.pdf\">set the deadline for 2002 (PDF)\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Now the state’s proposed rules would punt it to 2050 — what salmon advocates say is much too far away for a species already on the brink and a vanishing fishing industry.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Salmon runs could potentially be extinct by then with the flow assets they’re putting forward,” said Ashley Overhouse, Defenders of Wildlife’s water policy advisor.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Representatives of California tribes, who historically relied on Chinook as a dietary mainstay, say they were excluded from planning discussions.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The only people that have been at the table talking about the voluntary agreements are water agencies, water contractors, irrigation districts, and private companies,” said Gary Mulcahy, government liaison for the Winnemem Wintu Tribe. “They (state officials) have excluded tribes, disadvantaged communities, environmental justice communities for nine years.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But the flow rules environmentalists and tribes prefer would cut deep into urban and agricultural water supplies, causing “impacts far and wide” on water exports from the Delta, storage in upstream reservoirs and hydropower production, said Jennifer Pierre, general manager of the State Water Contractors, which represents 27 water agencies that serve 750,000 acres of farmland and 27 million people.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Farmers, she said, would experience substantial permanent economic losses, forcing widespread fallowing of their crops. San Joaquin Valley growers would lose more than a quarter of their water in dry years, and 13% on average for all years, according to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/waterrights/water_issues/programs/bay_delta/docs/2023/staff-report/ch06-waterchngs.pdf\">draft rules (PDF)\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Thaddeus Bettner, executive director of the Sacramento River Settlement Contractors — a group of farmers who largely grow rice — said it would force as much as 30% of his district’s 450,000 irrigated acres out of production, with harder impacts on growers with little groundwater to fall back on.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rice farmer Jon Munger, with 13,000 acres on the east side of the Sacramento Valley, said, in some years, the unimpaired flow approach favored by environmentalists could strip him of virtually all of his water in summer months. His groundwater supply is very limited.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We wouldn’t have any water to grow rice,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That option would also squeeze residential water use. The Placer County Water Agency, which serves about a quarter-million residents northeast of Sacramento, would lose almost half its supply, threatening initiatives to accommodate a growing population, said General Manager Andrew Fecko.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It would cost Southern California a big chunk of its municipal water, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We wouldn’t have sufficient water supply,” said Hawk at the Metropolitan Water District. “It would be a decline at the taps, it would be a decline for businesses.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Billions of dollars in new salmon habitat\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>The program proposes restoring \u003ca href=\"https://resources.ca.gov/Initiatives/Voluntary-Agreements-Page\">45,000 acres\u003c/a> of structural habitat, like floodplains, tidal marshes, in-river piles of woody debris and gravel spawning beds over the next eight years.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Thousands of acres are already completed or underway. This, according to Overhouse at Defenders of Wildlife, leaves roughly 30,000 planned acres that would be brand new additions to the ecosystem — which she and others say would mute the promised benefits of the program.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>All of this will cost money, and to date \u003ca href=\"https://resources.ca.gov/-/media/CNRA-Website/Files/Initiatives/Voluntary-Watershed-Agreements/Draft_FundingPlanDescription.pdf\">$2.4 billion in public funds (PDF)\u003c/a> have been secured to support the flow measures and the habitat restoration. Another $500 million may be needed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The state’s proposed rules would allocate to the Sacramento River system between 100,000 and 700,000 acre-feet of water per year, depending on how much precipitation has fallen. But environmentalists say this isn’t nearly enough. They also worry that regulatory loopholes would allow future water projects — such as the \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/environment/2023/02/california-sites-reservoir/\">Sites Reservoir\u003c/a>, for which Newsom advocated at a public appearance last week — to divert water that would be protected if the state adopted unimpaired flow rules.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It is not an accident that they haven’t solved this problem,” Nelson, with the Salmon Association, said. “The VAs (voluntary agreements) and the Delta tunnel and Sites are a package.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some conservationists are optimistic about the state’s proposal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rene Henery, California science director with Trout Unlimited, thinks more habitat and water — especially in dry years — will be needed to protect salmon. But he also thinks the rules could succeed, as long as it’s just the first step of many in a flexible and collaborative restoration process — something he and a team of colleagues are trying to initiate with a state-funded project called \u003ca href=\"https://csamp.baydeltalive.com/recovery/reorienting-to-recovery\">Reorienting to Recovery\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>UC Davis fish biologist Carson Jeffres, who has studied floodplain restoration projects, also said the salmon doubling objective is achievable through the Newsom proposal as long as state officials “have the courage to be nimble and adjust and adapt if it looks like things aren’t going as planned.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Tribal water rights advocate Regina Chichizola, executive director of Save California Salmon, rejected the Newsom administration’s notion that the state balances competing needs and demands.[aside tag=\"water, salmon\" label=\"More Related Stories\"]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We’ve compromised so much that we’re facing an extinction crisis, that tribes don’t have fish for ceremonies,” she told the board in an emotional public comment last week.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Of course I want to make sure that all of the cities have access to water, but in the end agriculture is going to have to use less water,” she said. “The job of the water board is not to make everyone happy, it’s to protect beneficial uses and clean water, and if the salmon go extinct on your watch, that’s something that you’re going to have to tell your grandkids about.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [],
"excerpt": "Growers and cities support the Newsom administration proposal, saying it strikes a balance for uses of Delta water. But environmentalists say the 'healthy rivers' rules would actually harm California’s iconic salmon.",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1734413092,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 55,
"wordCount": 2380
},
"headData": {
"title": "Will California's New Plan for Water Rules Save Salmon from Extinction? | KQED",
"description": "Growers and cities support the Newsom administration proposal, saying it strikes a balance for uses of Delta water. But environmentalists say the 'healthy rivers' rules would actually harm California’s iconic salmon.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "Will California's New Plan for Water Rules Save Salmon from Extinction?",
"datePublished": "2024-12-17T09:00:58-08:00",
"dateModified": "2024-12-16T21:24:52-08:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"isAccessibleForFree": "True",
"publisher": {
"@type": "NewsMediaOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.kqed.org/#organization",
"name": "KQED",
"logo": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"url": "https://www.kqed.org",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/KQED",
"https://twitter.com/KQED",
"https://www.instagram.com/kqed/",
"https://www.tiktok.com/@kqedofficial",
"https://www.linkedin.com/company/kqed",
"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeC0IOo7i1P_61zVUWbJ4nw"
]
}
}
},
"source": "Calmatters",
"sourceUrl": "https://calmatters.org/",
"sticky": false,
"nprByline": "Alastair Bland \u003cbr> CalMatters",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"showOnAuthorArchivePages": "No",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12018557/will-californias-new-plan-for-water-rules-save-salmon-from-extinction",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>The Newsom administration is refining a contentious set of proposed rules, \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/environment/water/2023/09/california-delta-bay-plan/\">years in the making\u003c/a>, that would reshape how farms and cities draw water from the Central Valley’s Delta and its rivers. Backed by more than $1 billion in state funds, the rules, if adopted, would require water users to help restore rivers and rebuild depleted Chinook salmon runs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The administration touts its proposed rules as the starting point of a long-term effort to double Central Valley Chinook populations from historical levels, reaching \u003ca href=\"https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=84381\">numbers\u003c/a> not seen in at least 75 years. But environmental groups have almost unanimously rejected it, saying it promises environmental gains that will never materialize and jeopardizes the existence of California’s iconic salmon and other fish.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There is no way the assets they’ve put on the table, water and habitat combined, are going to achieve the doubling goal — no way, not possible,” said Jon Rosenfield, science director with San Francisco Baykeeper.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Dubbed \u003ca href=\"https://resources.ca.gov/Initiatives/Voluntary-Agreements-Page\">Healthy Rivers and Landscapes\u003c/a> but better known as “\u003ca href=\"https://resources.ca.gov/Newsroom/Page-Content/News-List/Agreement-with-Local-Water-Suppliers-to-Improve-the-Health-of-Rivers-and-Landscapes\">the voluntary agreements,\u003c/a>” the proposal is one of two pathways for state officials as they update a keystone regulatory document called the \u003ca href=\"https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/waterrights/water_issues/programs/bay_delta/\">Bay-Delta Water Quality Control Plan\u003c/a>, which was last overhauled in 1995.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>With the ecosystem of the Bay-Delta in the throes of collapse, the set of rules is critical to determining how much water flows through the Delta for salmon and other species and how much is available for growers and cities in the Central Valley and Southern California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Once vital to indigenous cultures and the coastal ecosystem, Chinook salmon and other native fish have declined for decades due to dam operations, water diversions, increased water temperatures and marine food web issues. Numbers of spawning adult Chinook have dropped so low that all commercial and recreational salmon fishing has been banned for two years in a row, and \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/environment/water/2024/10/salmon-fishing-california/\">preliminary numbers this year\u003c/a> show no signs of recovery.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>State officials from multiple agencies have lauded the Healthy Rivers program — which would meter out flows for fish while mandating restoration of floodplains and other river features — as their preferred option for updating the plan.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>California’s most influential water districts, serving tens of millions of people and most of the Central Valley’s farmland, have rallied behind the state’s preferred option, which has taken center stage during public workshops since November.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Newsom administration officials have worked on these rules for years during negotiations with the San Joaquin Valley’s \u003ca href=\"https://wwd.ca.gov/\">Westlands Water District\u003c/a>, the nation’s largest agricultural water provider, the giant Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and other water users.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>California Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot described the proposal as “a new and strengthened approach” that will protect both the environment and the water supply.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Crowfoot told the water board that the proposed rules would do “a good job working to balance all of (Californians’) needs, and ultimately help the environment to recover in ways that’s workable for communities across our state.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Such a balance has long eluded state officials.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This is progress,” Chuck Bonham, director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, said at a November water board workshop. “It’s gone on so long. It’s time.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Back in 2020, Gov. Gavin Newsom \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/commentary/2020/02/gavin-newsom-sacramento-san-joaquin-bay-delta/\">endorsed the “voluntary agreement”\u003c/a> approach. “Today, I am committing to achieving a doubling of California’s salmon population by 2050. These agreements will be foundational to meeting that goal,” he wrote in a CalMatters opinion piece.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nina Hawk, the Bay-Delta Initiatives group manager with the Metropolitan Water District — which provides water that serves 19 million Southern Californians — said the Newsom proposal would create an equitable pathway to meeting human and environmental water demands.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It is important that we try to balance what the state board defines as beneficial uses … both for the environment and for farms, in a way that looks at the integrity of the water system and also for the state of California’s natural resources and its economy,” Hawk said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Kevin Padway of the Zone 7 Water Agency, which serves 270,000 East Bay residents, encouraged the water board to adopt the rules, commending them as an “immediately implementable” route to balancing water demands for people and environmental uses.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12018570\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12018570\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/02_012023_Drone_Banks_Pumping_Plant_Aqueduct_CM.jpg\" alt=\"A wide drone shot from above an aqueduct with green grass and a water tower.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/02_012023_Drone_Banks_Pumping_Plant_Aqueduct_CM.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/02_012023_Drone_Banks_Pumping_Plant_Aqueduct_CM-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/02_012023_Drone_Banks_Pumping_Plant_Aqueduct_CM-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/02_012023_Drone_Banks_Pumping_Plant_Aqueduct_CM-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/02_012023_Drone_Banks_Pumping_Plant_Aqueduct_CM-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/02_012023_Drone_Banks_Pumping_Plant_Aqueduct_CM-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A drone provides a view of water pumped from the Harvey O. Banks Delta Pumping Plant into the California Aqueduct at 9,790 cubic feet per second after January storms. The facility located in Alameda County and lifts water into the California Aqueduct. Jan. 20, 2023. \u003ccite>(Ken James/California Department of Water Resources)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>But environmentalists aren’t sold. Some have even refused to call it by its formal name, saying it’s a euphemism with no bearing on “healthy rivers.” They say the rules would favor water users, allowing cities and farms to draw so much water from the Delta and its tributary rivers that salmon will continue their long decline. They say the proposed rules simply don’t offer fish the water they need, let alone support the state’s salmon rebuilding mandate.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If you’re diverting more than half of a river’s flow, you are guaranteeing negative population growth” of salmon, said Gary Bobker, Friends of the River’s program director.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The complex flow rules could even allow growers to entirely drain some rivers in critically dry years, according to Barry Nelson, a water policy analyst with the Golden State Salmon Association who spoke at a recent board workshop.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Dewatering rivers during droughts would be completely consistent with the Bay-Delta Plan,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The State Water Resources Control Board is the agency with the authority to approve the rules. A public hearing and vote could come in 2025.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The water board’s other option would require strict minimum flows in rivers. Water users say those rules would have unacceptable impacts on farms, hydropower and communities — including planned housing projects — while environmentalists and tribes laud it as more protective of fish. It would ensure that rivers contain an average of 55% of the total water available in the watershed at a given time — a measure called unimpaired flow.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While momentum has built behind the state’s Healthy Rivers plan, the state water board could still go either way with their vote. It is even possible that officials adopt both options, with the unimpaired flow pathway reserved as a regulatory backstop, should the Newsom proposal fail, or as concurrent rules applied to waters users who opt out of the voluntary agreements.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Doubling Chinook runs — is it a stream dream?\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>A longstanding mandate requires fishery and water managers to double the Central Valley’s population of naturally reproducing Chinook salmon from levels observed between 1967 and 1991. This would translate into an average of \u003ca href=\"https://deltacouncil.ca.gov/pdf/delta-plan/2019-11-21-preliminary-draft-datasheet-salmon-doubling.pdf\">990,000 spawning Chinook\u003c/a> each year, almost 10 times recent averages.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>State officials say their Healthy Rivers plan would help to realize this goal. Around year-eight — when the program could be extended — officials hope to be about 25% of the way to the doubling goal, said Louise Conrad, lead scientist with the state Department of Water Resources.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Officials with the National Marine Fisheries Service, in a January letter to the state, said the eight-year timeframe “is concerning, given the dire status of native fish species within the Sacramento River Basin and Delta.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in comments emailed to the Water Board in January, noted the light water allowances in critically dry years.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“EPA is concerned that the total volume and timing of Delta inflow and outflow provided under the proposed VA (voluntary agreement) alternative relative to baseline is not large enough to adequately restore and protect aquatic ecosystems,” the agency wrote.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12018571\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12018571\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/03_121124-Fall-Run-Salmon-XM-DWR-01-CM.jpg\" alt=\"A salmon under water with rocks. \" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/03_121124-Fall-Run-Salmon-XM-DWR-01-CM.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/03_121124-Fall-Run-Salmon-XM-DWR-01-CM-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/03_121124-Fall-Run-Salmon-XM-DWR-01-CM-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/03_121124-Fall-Run-Salmon-XM-DWR-01-CM-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/03_121124-Fall-Run-Salmon-XM-DWR-01-CM-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/03_121124-Fall-Run-Salmon-XM-DWR-01-CM-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fall-run Chinook salmon migrate and spawn in the Feather River near the California Department of Water Resources infrastructure and the Feather River Fish Hatchery in Oroville, Butte County, on Nov. 15, 2024. \u003ccite>(Xavier Mascareñas/California Department of Water Resources)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>This target of doubling Chinook is nothing new. The almost legendary “doubling goal” has been on the books since the early 1990s, when federal law \u003ca href=\"https://www.usbr.gov/mp/cvpia/docs-reports/meetings/2013/cvpia-pub-mtg-progress-revisioning-1-17-13.pdf\">set the deadline for 2002 (PDF)\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Now the state’s proposed rules would punt it to 2050 — what salmon advocates say is much too far away for a species already on the brink and a vanishing fishing industry.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Salmon runs could potentially be extinct by then with the flow assets they’re putting forward,” said Ashley Overhouse, Defenders of Wildlife’s water policy advisor.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Representatives of California tribes, who historically relied on Chinook as a dietary mainstay, say they were excluded from planning discussions.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The only people that have been at the table talking about the voluntary agreements are water agencies, water contractors, irrigation districts, and private companies,” said Gary Mulcahy, government liaison for the Winnemem Wintu Tribe. “They (state officials) have excluded tribes, disadvantaged communities, environmental justice communities for nine years.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But the flow rules environmentalists and tribes prefer would cut deep into urban and agricultural water supplies, causing “impacts far and wide” on water exports from the Delta, storage in upstream reservoirs and hydropower production, said Jennifer Pierre, general manager of the State Water Contractors, which represents 27 water agencies that serve 750,000 acres of farmland and 27 million people.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Farmers, she said, would experience substantial permanent economic losses, forcing widespread fallowing of their crops. San Joaquin Valley growers would lose more than a quarter of their water in dry years, and 13% on average for all years, according to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/waterrights/water_issues/programs/bay_delta/docs/2023/staff-report/ch06-waterchngs.pdf\">draft rules (PDF)\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Thaddeus Bettner, executive director of the Sacramento River Settlement Contractors — a group of farmers who largely grow rice — said it would force as much as 30% of his district’s 450,000 irrigated acres out of production, with harder impacts on growers with little groundwater to fall back on.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rice farmer Jon Munger, with 13,000 acres on the east side of the Sacramento Valley, said, in some years, the unimpaired flow approach favored by environmentalists could strip him of virtually all of his water in summer months. His groundwater supply is very limited.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We wouldn’t have any water to grow rice,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That option would also squeeze residential water use. The Placer County Water Agency, which serves about a quarter-million residents northeast of Sacramento, would lose almost half its supply, threatening initiatives to accommodate a growing population, said General Manager Andrew Fecko.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It would cost Southern California a big chunk of its municipal water, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We wouldn’t have sufficient water supply,” said Hawk at the Metropolitan Water District. “It would be a decline at the taps, it would be a decline for businesses.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch3>Billions of dollars in new salmon habitat\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>The program proposes restoring \u003ca href=\"https://resources.ca.gov/Initiatives/Voluntary-Agreements-Page\">45,000 acres\u003c/a> of structural habitat, like floodplains, tidal marshes, in-river piles of woody debris and gravel spawning beds over the next eight years.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Thousands of acres are already completed or underway. This, according to Overhouse at Defenders of Wildlife, leaves roughly 30,000 planned acres that would be brand new additions to the ecosystem — which she and others say would mute the promised benefits of the program.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>All of this will cost money, and to date \u003ca href=\"https://resources.ca.gov/-/media/CNRA-Website/Files/Initiatives/Voluntary-Watershed-Agreements/Draft_FundingPlanDescription.pdf\">$2.4 billion in public funds (PDF)\u003c/a> have been secured to support the flow measures and the habitat restoration. Another $500 million may be needed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The state’s proposed rules would allocate to the Sacramento River system between 100,000 and 700,000 acre-feet of water per year, depending on how much precipitation has fallen. But environmentalists say this isn’t nearly enough. They also worry that regulatory loopholes would allow future water projects — such as the \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/environment/2023/02/california-sites-reservoir/\">Sites Reservoir\u003c/a>, for which Newsom advocated at a public appearance last week — to divert water that would be protected if the state adopted unimpaired flow rules.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It is not an accident that they haven’t solved this problem,” Nelson, with the Salmon Association, said. “The VAs (voluntary agreements) and the Delta tunnel and Sites are a package.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some conservationists are optimistic about the state’s proposal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rene Henery, California science director with Trout Unlimited, thinks more habitat and water — especially in dry years — will be needed to protect salmon. But he also thinks the rules could succeed, as long as it’s just the first step of many in a flexible and collaborative restoration process — something he and a team of colleagues are trying to initiate with a state-funded project called \u003ca href=\"https://csamp.baydeltalive.com/recovery/reorienting-to-recovery\">Reorienting to Recovery\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>UC Davis fish biologist Carson Jeffres, who has studied floodplain restoration projects, also said the salmon doubling objective is achievable through the Newsom proposal as long as state officials “have the courage to be nimble and adjust and adapt if it looks like things aren’t going as planned.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Tribal water rights advocate Regina Chichizola, executive director of Save California Salmon, rejected the Newsom administration’s notion that the state balances competing needs and demands.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "aside",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"tag": "water, salmon",
"label": "More Related Stories "
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We’ve compromised so much that we’re facing an extinction crisis, that tribes don’t have fish for ceremonies,” she told the board in an emotional public comment last week.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Of course I want to make sure that all of the cities have access to water, but in the end agriculture is going to have to use less water,” she said. “The job of the water board is not to make everyone happy, it’s to protect beneficial uses and clean water, and if the salmon go extinct on your watch, that’s something that you’re going to have to tell your grandkids about.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "floatright"
},
"numeric": [
"floatright"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12018557/will-californias-new-plan-for-water-rules-save-salmon-from-extinction",
"authors": [
"byline_news_12018557"
],
"categories": [
"news_31795",
"news_34165",
"news_19906",
"news_8"
],
"tags": [
"news_31711",
"news_5428",
"news_32571",
"news_3531"
],
"featImg": "news_12018569",
"label": "source_news_12018557"
},
"news_12018475": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12018475",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12018475",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1734449421000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "no-tornado-sf-crews-still-working-clear-hundreds-downed-trees",
"title": "No Tornado in SF, But Crews Are Still Working to Clear Hundreds of Downed Trees",
"publishDate": 1734449421,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "No Tornado in SF, But Crews Are Still Working to Clear Hundreds of Downed Trees | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"site": "news"
},
"content": "\u003cp>San Franciscans woken up early Saturday by \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12018356/the-tornado-warning-is-over-heres-why-it-was-issued\">a tornado warning\u003c/a> might have hoped it was just a bad dream, but even though a twister never touched down in the city, destructive winds and rain weren’t a passing nightmare.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Crews are still clearing downed trees and repairing damage after the storm, which produced gusts of up to 80 mph through Golden Gate Park and the Richmond District, according to the National Weather Service. The Department of Public Works is fielding more than 350 reports of fallen and damaged trees on city streets, and the Recreation and Parks Department estimates that up to 100 more were downed throughout its parks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Golden Gate Park and the Mission District were hit particularly hard, according to department spokespeople.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“About 50 to 100 trees fell across the whole park system, and about half of those at least were in the west end of Golden Gate Park,” said Tamara Aparton, the parks department’s communications director. “It was a really violent storm in the west end, and it knocked down a lot of really big trees.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There was some damage to the outer paddock of the park’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11495697/whats-with-the-bison-in-golden-gate-park\">beloved bison pasture\u003c/a>, but Aparton said the inner paddock remained intact, and all of the bison were safe.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the Richmond District, water seeped into the gym at George Washington High School after a rooftop skylight was damaged, according to San Francisco school district spokesperson Laura Dudnick. On Monday, she said the facilities team was working to repair and clean the space.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12018590\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12018590\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241216_SFStormCleanup_GC-9.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241216_SFStormCleanup_GC-9.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241216_SFStormCleanup_GC-9-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241216_SFStormCleanup_GC-9-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241216_SFStormCleanup_GC-9-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241216_SFStormCleanup_GC-9-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241216_SFStormCleanup_GC-9-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A San Francisco Parks and Recreation worker wraps red caution tape around a tree stump by the bison paddock in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Dec. 16, 2024. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>On the other side of the city, crews have been clearing hard-hit streets and sidewalks in the Mission District. Fallen street trees broke windows, wrecked cars and landed on some buildings, and the Department of Public Works is also handling damaged fencing and pavement, spokesperson Rachel Gordon said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Utility infrastructure was also damaged in the storm, which had 100,000 customers without power at its peak, according to PG&E. The company did not yet have a tally of the damage on Monday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>No injuries have been reported to either the public works or parks department.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postID=news_12018025 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241205_Tsunami-Warning_DMB_0666-1020x679.jpg']\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In addition to many downed trees in the Mission, an entire cluster near San Jose Avenue between Noe Valley and Bernal Heights came down at once, causing a road closure on Saturday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The big culprit really is wind and then saturated ground,” she said. “If the ground is really wet, there’s not a lot for the roots to grip onto, so they’re more vulnerable to damage, and [that’s] when large limbs come down.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While the total number of downed trees in this storm wasn’t unusually high, city officials said their cleanup would take at least a few more days.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We have no magic wand to make the fallen trees and the branches disappear,” Gordon told KQED. “There are real people who are going out to pick them up and move them away.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>She said crews had been out before dawn and late into the night clearing trees. When a full tree falls, it needs to be chopped into smaller pieces before it can be moved, while trees that are still partially standing have to be chipped away.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We have gotten the major incidents cleared, but we still have asked for a little bit of patience,” Gordon said. “It might take several more days at least to get all of the green waste picked up and cleared away.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/shossaini\">\u003cem>Sara Hossaini\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [],
"excerpt": "San Francisco parks and public works officials combined said they’re dealing with at least 450 downed and damaged trees, especially in Golden Gate Park and the Mission District.",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1734460086,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 19,
"wordCount": 659
},
"headData": {
"title": "No Tornado in SF, But Crews Are Still Working to Clear Hundreds of Downed Trees | KQED",
"description": "San Francisco parks and public works officials combined said they’re dealing with at least 450 downed and damaged trees, especially in Golden Gate Park and the Mission District.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "No Tornado in SF, But Crews Are Still Working to Clear Hundreds of Downed Trees",
"datePublished": "2024-12-17T07:30:21-08:00",
"dateModified": "2024-12-17T10:28:06-08:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"isAccessibleForFree": "True",
"publisher": {
"@type": "NewsMediaOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.kqed.org/#organization",
"name": "KQED",
"logo": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"url": "https://www.kqed.org",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/KQED",
"https://twitter.com/KQED",
"https://www.instagram.com/kqed/",
"https://www.tiktok.com/@kqedofficial",
"https://www.linkedin.com/company/kqed",
"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeC0IOo7i1P_61zVUWbJ4nw"
]
}
}
},
"sticky": false,
"nprStoryId": "kqed-12018475",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12018475/no-tornado-sf-crews-still-working-clear-hundreds-downed-trees",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>San Franciscans woken up early Saturday by \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12018356/the-tornado-warning-is-over-heres-why-it-was-issued\">a tornado warning\u003c/a> might have hoped it was just a bad dream, but even though a twister never touched down in the city, destructive winds and rain weren’t a passing nightmare.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Crews are still clearing downed trees and repairing damage after the storm, which produced gusts of up to 80 mph through Golden Gate Park and the Richmond District, according to the National Weather Service. The Department of Public Works is fielding more than 350 reports of fallen and damaged trees on city streets, and the Recreation and Parks Department estimates that up to 100 more were downed throughout its parks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Golden Gate Park and the Mission District were hit particularly hard, according to department spokespeople.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“About 50 to 100 trees fell across the whole park system, and about half of those at least were in the west end of Golden Gate Park,” said Tamara Aparton, the parks department’s communications director. “It was a really violent storm in the west end, and it knocked down a lot of really big trees.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There was some damage to the outer paddock of the park’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11495697/whats-with-the-bison-in-golden-gate-park\">beloved bison pasture\u003c/a>, but Aparton said the inner paddock remained intact, and all of the bison were safe.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the Richmond District, water seeped into the gym at George Washington High School after a rooftop skylight was damaged, according to San Francisco school district spokesperson Laura Dudnick. On Monday, she said the facilities team was working to repair and clean the space.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12018590\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12018590\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241216_SFStormCleanup_GC-9.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241216_SFStormCleanup_GC-9.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241216_SFStormCleanup_GC-9-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241216_SFStormCleanup_GC-9-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241216_SFStormCleanup_GC-9-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241216_SFStormCleanup_GC-9-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241216_SFStormCleanup_GC-9-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A San Francisco Parks and Recreation worker wraps red caution tape around a tree stump by the bison paddock in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Dec. 16, 2024. \u003ccite>(Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>On the other side of the city, crews have been clearing hard-hit streets and sidewalks in the Mission District. Fallen street trees broke windows, wrecked cars and landed on some buildings, and the Department of Public Works is also handling damaged fencing and pavement, spokesperson Rachel Gordon said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Utility infrastructure was also damaged in the storm, which had 100,000 customers without power at its peak, according to PG&E. The company did not yet have a tally of the damage on Monday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>No injuries have been reported to either the public works or parks department.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "aside",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"postid": "news_12018025",
"hero": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241205_Tsunami-Warning_DMB_0666-1020x679.jpg",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In addition to many downed trees in the Mission, an entire cluster near San Jose Avenue between Noe Valley and Bernal Heights came down at once, causing a road closure on Saturday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The big culprit really is wind and then saturated ground,” she said. “If the ground is really wet, there’s not a lot for the roots to grip onto, so they’re more vulnerable to damage, and [that’s] when large limbs come down.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While the total number of downed trees in this storm wasn’t unusually high, city officials said their cleanup would take at least a few more days.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We have no magic wand to make the fallen trees and the branches disappear,” Gordon told KQED. “There are real people who are going out to pick them up and move them away.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>She said crews had been out before dawn and late into the night clearing trees. When a full tree falls, it needs to be chopped into smaller pieces before it can be moved, while trees that are still partially standing have to be chipped away.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We have gotten the major incidents cleared, but we still have asked for a little bit of patience,” Gordon said. “It might take several more days at least to get all of the green waste picked up and cleared away.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/shossaini\">\u003cem>Sara Hossaini\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12018475/no-tornado-sf-crews-still-working-clear-hundreds-downed-trees",
"authors": [
"11913"
],
"categories": [
"news_31795",
"news_34165",
"news_8"
],
"tags": [
"news_20061",
"news_1386",
"news_18538",
"news_19204",
"news_255",
"news_3431",
"news_823",
"news_5270",
"news_30125",
"news_38",
"news_2595",
"news_3"
],
"featImg": "news_12018591",
"label": "news"
},
"news_12018471": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12018471",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12018471",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1734391238000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "newsom-pitches-plan-help-californians-without-degrees-land-high-paying-jobs",
"title": "Newsom Pitches Plan to Help Californians Without Degrees Land High-Paying Jobs",
"publishDate": 1734391238,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "Newsom Pitches Plan to Help Californians Without Degrees Land High-Paying Jobs | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"site": "news"
},
"content": "\u003cp>Gov. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/gavin-newsom\">Gavin Newsom\u003c/a> on Monday announced the details of a plan aimed at making it easier for Californians to land high-paying jobs, regardless of whether they went to college — and said he wants to invest $100 million to help implement the proposals.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Dubbed the Master Plan for Career Education, Newsom’s blueprint calls for a number of new tools and policies, including making it easier for people without college degrees to get state jobs and earn college credits for things like military service and volunteer work.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Newsom said the plan, introduced at a news conference at Redding’s Shasta College, recognizes that the path to a stable career can run through a four-year degree program but can also come through non-college experience.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This is around the recognition that we need to create a framework where you can get the benefit of a life well lived that does not include some fancy degree,” Newsom said. “Everybody is included in this agenda.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Newsom said the state has already implemented portions of the plan, including removing the college degree requirement for nearly 30,000 state jobs; he plans to double that number by next year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The plan unveiled Monday also calls for the creation of career passports — essentially a digital tool that lays out someone’s academic records, skills and credentials.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postID=news_12015489 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/112124-Gavin-Fresno-City-Presser-LV_CM_03-copy-1020x680.jpg']\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It will offer employers an easy place to see a verified record of someone’s abilities. Newsom said the goal of the career passport is to shift hiring practices toward valuing skills over degrees.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There was a state of mind that was missing as it relates to those who don’t have the desire, need or capacity \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/perspectives/201601138272/opting-out-of-a-four%e2%80%90year-college\">to imagine a four-year college degree\u003c/a> or even a two-year associate’s degree,” Newsom said. “Those that just want to have a vibrant and outstanding career.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The new master plan also calls for expanding an existing program that makes it easier for veterans, members of the military and some others to get college credits for their experience, such as skills learned during military training or volunteer work. Newsom said the economic impacts would be “immediate and substantial,” saving beneficiaries more than $26,000 in immediate college costs and offering more than $160,000 in benefits over a person’s lifetime.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>He said that while some colleges already offer credit for prior experience, his plan would create a statewide system that could benefit 250,000 Californians, including 30,000 veterans.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Newsom also wants to create a statewide “planning and coordinating collaborative” that would connect schools, workforce training providers and employers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [],
"excerpt": "Gov. Gavin Newsom’s blueprint includes lifting the college degree requirement for tens of thousands of state jobs and other ideas to value skills gained from things like military service.",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1734463828,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 14,
"wordCount": 475
},
"headData": {
"title": "Newsom Pitches Plan to Help Californians Without Degrees Land High-Paying Jobs | KQED",
"description": "Gov. Gavin Newsom’s blueprint includes lifting the college degree requirement for tens of thousands of state jobs and other ideas to value skills gained from things like military service.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "Newsom Pitches Plan to Help Californians Without Degrees Land High-Paying Jobs",
"datePublished": "2024-12-16T15:20:38-08:00",
"dateModified": "2024-12-17T11:30:28-08:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"isAccessibleForFree": "True",
"publisher": {
"@type": "NewsMediaOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.kqed.org/#organization",
"name": "KQED",
"logo": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"url": "https://www.kqed.org",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/KQED",
"https://twitter.com/KQED",
"https://www.instagram.com/kqed/",
"https://www.tiktok.com/@kqedofficial",
"https://www.linkedin.com/company/kqed",
"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeC0IOo7i1P_61zVUWbJ4nw"
]
}
}
},
"audioUrl": "https://traffic.omny.fm/d/clips/0af137ef-751e-4b19-a055-aaef00d2d578/ffca7e9f-6831-4[…]f-aaef00f5a073/aab1c87e-3457-4dca-8f9b-b24901165603/audio.mp3",
"sticky": false,
"nprStoryId": "kqed-12018471",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12018471/newsom-pitches-plan-help-californians-without-degrees-land-high-paying-jobs",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Gov. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/gavin-newsom\">Gavin Newsom\u003c/a> on Monday announced the details of a plan aimed at making it easier for Californians to land high-paying jobs, regardless of whether they went to college — and said he wants to invest $100 million to help implement the proposals.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Dubbed the Master Plan for Career Education, Newsom’s blueprint calls for a number of new tools and policies, including making it easier for people without college degrees to get state jobs and earn college credits for things like military service and volunteer work.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Newsom said the plan, introduced at a news conference at Redding’s Shasta College, recognizes that the path to a stable career can run through a four-year degree program but can also come through non-college experience.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This is around the recognition that we need to create a framework where you can get the benefit of a life well lived that does not include some fancy degree,” Newsom said. “Everybody is included in this agenda.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Newsom said the state has already implemented portions of the plan, including removing the college degree requirement for nearly 30,000 state jobs; he plans to double that number by next year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The plan unveiled Monday also calls for the creation of career passports — essentially a digital tool that lays out someone’s academic records, skills and credentials.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "aside",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"postid": "news_12015489",
"hero": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/112124-Gavin-Fresno-City-Presser-LV_CM_03-copy-1020x680.jpg",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It will offer employers an easy place to see a verified record of someone’s abilities. Newsom said the goal of the career passport is to shift hiring practices toward valuing skills over degrees.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There was a state of mind that was missing as it relates to those who don’t have the desire, need or capacity \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/perspectives/201601138272/opting-out-of-a-four%e2%80%90year-college\">to imagine a four-year college degree\u003c/a> or even a two-year associate’s degree,” Newsom said. “Those that just want to have a vibrant and outstanding career.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The new master plan also calls for expanding an existing program that makes it easier for veterans, members of the military and some others to get college credits for their experience, such as skills learned during military training or volunteer work. Newsom said the economic impacts would be “immediate and substantial,” saving beneficiaries more than $26,000 in immediate college costs and offering more than $160,000 in benefits over a person’s lifetime.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>He said that while some colleges already offer credit for prior experience, his plan would create a statewide system that could benefit 250,000 Californians, including 30,000 veterans.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Newsom also wants to create a statewide “planning and coordinating collaborative” that would connect schools, workforce training providers and employers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12018471/newsom-pitches-plan-help-californians-without-degrees-land-high-paying-jobs",
"authors": [
"3239"
],
"categories": [
"news_31795",
"news_8",
"news_13"
],
"tags": [
"news_18538",
"news_20251",
"news_20013",
"news_27626",
"news_34377",
"news_16",
"news_17968",
"news_237"
],
"featImg": "news_12018474",
"label": "news"
},
"news_12018025": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12018025",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12018025",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1734387444000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "berkeley-defends-tsunami-evacuations-amid-concerns-warnings",
"title": "Berkeley Defends Tsunami Evacuations Amid Concerns of ‘Crying Wolf’ With Warnings",
"publishDate": 1734387444,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "Berkeley Defends Tsunami Evacuations Amid Concerns of ‘Crying Wolf’ With Warnings | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"site": "news"
},
"content": "\u003cp>When a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck off the Humboldt County coast this month, and federal forecasters \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12016827/pair-of-large-earthquakes-rattle-northern-california-and-trigger-tsunami-warning\">warned that a tsunami would arrive\u003c/a> in the Bay Area within 80 minutes, officials throughout the region scrambled to respond.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Several cities and counties warned residents they should head for higher ground.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Berkeley went further. Guided by \u003ca href=\"https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/informationwarehouse/ts_evacuation/\">an inundation map\u003c/a> from the California Geological Survey representing the worst-case flooding impacts from a potential tsunami, the city issued a mandatory evacuation order for areas along its bay shore. Emergency speakers blared warnings. Police and fire personnel cleared people from the waterfront. Schools and businesses, including some outside the danger zone, emptied.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But just as all these steps were completed, the National Tsunami Warning Center — which had forecast a tsunami of at least 3 feet — canceled the alert when it became apparent there was no threat anywhere along the coast.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Now, Berkeley officials are defending the aggressiveness of their response to the Dec. 5 alert while saying they’d like to see \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12017058/how-confusion-over-californias-tsunami-warning-shows-limits-us-forecasting\">improvements in how tsunami warnings are handled\u003c/a> in the future.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12016878\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12016878 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241205_Tsunami-Warning_DMB_0542.jpg\" alt=\"People look out over a railing into an open space.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1332\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241205_Tsunami-Warning_DMB_0542.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241205_Tsunami-Warning_DMB_0542-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241205_Tsunami-Warning_DMB_0542-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241205_Tsunami-Warning_DMB_0542-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241205_Tsunami-Warning_DMB_0542-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241205_Tsunami-Warning_DMB_0542-1920x1279.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">People watch for signs of a tsunami from an overlook point at Brickyard Cove in Berkeley on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. \u003ccite>(David M. Barreda/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The city recognizes that the evacuation order raised concerns about “over-alerting and crying wolf,” Sarah Lana, Berkeley’s emergency manager, said in an interview last week. “I know that some people are concerned that the tsunami didn’t come, and we recognize that it’s a very significant impact to people, to their families, to their businesses, to do a big evacuation.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s a question that has taken on renewed importance for emergency response officials after San Franciscans were jolted awake by \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12018356/the-tornado-warning-is-over-heres-why-it-was-issued\">a tornado warning\u003c/a> on Saturday morning — the Bay Area’s second wireless emergency alert in as many weeks. That warning again left many wondering how they were supposed to respond to such an unfamiliar alert for the area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Regardless of the final determination of what kind of storm it was, residents were understandably anxious to receive an alert about something we don’t associate with our region,” the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/SF_emergency/status/1868087841802338321/photo/1\">said in a statement\u003c/a>. “Heightening the concern is the fact that this is the second WEA in the past two weeks for hazards with low probability like tornados and tsunamis.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postID=news_12018468 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241122-StormHitsBayArea-04-BL-1020x680.jpg']\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lana said several factors came together to prompt Berkeley’s tsunami evacuation order, including that the National Tsunami Warning Center had issued its highest level of alert and that the state’s inundation map showed a serious threat to West Berkeley. The location of the earthquake, about 225 miles northwest of the Golden Gate, was also crucial.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This earthquake was so close, relatively speaking, to the Bay Area that the processes for measuring and confirming this tsunami were just not fast enough for us to be able to wait on taking action,” Lana said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Places such as San Francisco, San Mateo County, Alameda County and the city of Fremont warned residents to head for higher ground after the tsunami warning but did not roll out widespread evacuation orders like Berkeley.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lana said it’s important for emergency officials to be able to act even “with not all the information they need.” That means trusting guidance from federal and state sources about potential threats.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“They’ve been working very hard on providing guidance that we can implement quickly when the time comes. And that’s what we opted to do,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the aftermath, Lana said she’s talked to federal officials about the need for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12016934/qa-imperfect-science-behind-tsunami-warnings\">more precise warnings\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I have expressed those concerns to our partners at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,” she said. “I think this is a place where we just need to be able to support our government scientists and making the changes that we all want to make and they also want to make.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lana said the city will continue to lean toward the side of caution to keep residents safe.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s important that if we have the potential for people to be in danger and that we have that information, that we act quickly,” Lana said. “And hopefully, it’s for just a warning that doesn’t materialize. But, you know, one of these days, it’s not going to be a warning. It’s going to be a real thing.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [],
"excerpt": "Berkeley officials also said they’d like to see improvements in how tsunami warnings are handled. The city’s aggressive response was based on a broad federal warning and a 'worst-case' state inundation map.",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1734389148,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 20,
"wordCount": 796
},
"headData": {
"title": "Berkeley Defends Tsunami Evacuations Amid Concerns of ‘Crying Wolf’ With Warnings | KQED",
"description": "Berkeley officials also said they’d like to see improvements in how tsunami warnings are handled. The city’s aggressive response was based on a broad federal warning and a 'worst-case' state inundation map.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "Berkeley Defends Tsunami Evacuations Amid Concerns of ‘Crying Wolf’ With Warnings",
"datePublished": "2024-12-16T14:17:24-08:00",
"dateModified": "2024-12-16T14:45:48-08:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"isAccessibleForFree": "True",
"publisher": {
"@type": "NewsMediaOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.kqed.org/#organization",
"name": "KQED",
"logo": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"url": "https://www.kqed.org",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/KQED",
"https://twitter.com/KQED",
"https://www.instagram.com/kqed/",
"https://www.tiktok.com/@kqedofficial",
"https://www.linkedin.com/company/kqed",
"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeC0IOo7i1P_61zVUWbJ4nw"
]
}
}
},
"sticky": false,
"nprStoryId": "kqed-12018025",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12018025/berkeley-defends-tsunami-evacuations-amid-concerns-warnings",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>When a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck off the Humboldt County coast this month, and federal forecasters \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12016827/pair-of-large-earthquakes-rattle-northern-california-and-trigger-tsunami-warning\">warned that a tsunami would arrive\u003c/a> in the Bay Area within 80 minutes, officials throughout the region scrambled to respond.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Several cities and counties warned residents they should head for higher ground.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Berkeley went further. Guided by \u003ca href=\"https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/informationwarehouse/ts_evacuation/\">an inundation map\u003c/a> from the California Geological Survey representing the worst-case flooding impacts from a potential tsunami, the city issued a mandatory evacuation order for areas along its bay shore. Emergency speakers blared warnings. Police and fire personnel cleared people from the waterfront. Schools and businesses, including some outside the danger zone, emptied.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But just as all these steps were completed, the National Tsunami Warning Center — which had forecast a tsunami of at least 3 feet — canceled the alert when it became apparent there was no threat anywhere along the coast.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Now, Berkeley officials are defending the aggressiveness of their response to the Dec. 5 alert while saying they’d like to see \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12017058/how-confusion-over-californias-tsunami-warning-shows-limits-us-forecasting\">improvements in how tsunami warnings are handled\u003c/a> in the future.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12016878\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12016878 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241205_Tsunami-Warning_DMB_0542.jpg\" alt=\"People look out over a railing into an open space.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1332\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241205_Tsunami-Warning_DMB_0542.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241205_Tsunami-Warning_DMB_0542-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241205_Tsunami-Warning_DMB_0542-1020x679.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241205_Tsunami-Warning_DMB_0542-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241205_Tsunami-Warning_DMB_0542-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/20241205_Tsunami-Warning_DMB_0542-1920x1279.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">People watch for signs of a tsunami from an overlook point at Brickyard Cove in Berkeley on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. \u003ccite>(David M. Barreda/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The city recognizes that the evacuation order raised concerns about “over-alerting and crying wolf,” Sarah Lana, Berkeley’s emergency manager, said in an interview last week. “I know that some people are concerned that the tsunami didn’t come, and we recognize that it’s a very significant impact to people, to their families, to their businesses, to do a big evacuation.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s a question that has taken on renewed importance for emergency response officials after San Franciscans were jolted awake by \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12018356/the-tornado-warning-is-over-heres-why-it-was-issued\">a tornado warning\u003c/a> on Saturday morning — the Bay Area’s second wireless emergency alert in as many weeks. That warning again left many wondering how they were supposed to respond to such an unfamiliar alert for the area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Regardless of the final determination of what kind of storm it was, residents were understandably anxious to receive an alert about something we don’t associate with our region,” the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/SF_emergency/status/1868087841802338321/photo/1\">said in a statement\u003c/a>. “Heightening the concern is the fact that this is the second WEA in the past two weeks for hazards with low probability like tornados and tsunamis.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "aside",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"postid": "news_12018468",
"hero": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/241122-StormHitsBayArea-04-BL-1020x680.jpg",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lana said several factors came together to prompt Berkeley’s tsunami evacuation order, including that the National Tsunami Warning Center had issued its highest level of alert and that the state’s inundation map showed a serious threat to West Berkeley. The location of the earthquake, about 225 miles northwest of the Golden Gate, was also crucial.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This earthquake was so close, relatively speaking, to the Bay Area that the processes for measuring and confirming this tsunami were just not fast enough for us to be able to wait on taking action,” Lana said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Places such as San Francisco, San Mateo County, Alameda County and the city of Fremont warned residents to head for higher ground after the tsunami warning but did not roll out widespread evacuation orders like Berkeley.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lana said it’s important for emergency officials to be able to act even “with not all the information they need.” That means trusting guidance from federal and state sources about potential threats.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“They’ve been working very hard on providing guidance that we can implement quickly when the time comes. And that’s what we opted to do,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the aftermath, Lana said she’s talked to federal officials about the need for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12016934/qa-imperfect-science-behind-tsunami-warnings\">more precise warnings\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I have expressed those concerns to our partners at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,” she said. “I think this is a place where we just need to be able to support our government scientists and making the changes that we all want to make and they also want to make.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lana said the city will continue to lean toward the side of caution to keep residents safe.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s important that if we have the potential for people to be in danger and that we have that information, that we act quickly,” Lana said. “And hopefully, it’s for just a warning that doesn’t materialize. But, you know, one of these days, it’s not going to be a warning. It’s going to be a real thing.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12018025/berkeley-defends-tsunami-evacuations-amid-concerns-warnings",
"authors": [
"222"
],
"categories": [
"news_31795",
"news_34165",
"news_8"
],
"tags": [
"news_1386",
"news_129",
"news_18538",
"news_19204",
"news_27626",
"news_3431",
"news_1013",
"news_3"
],
"featImg": "news_12016880",
"label": "news"
},
"news_12018468": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12018468",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12018468",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1734376394000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "more-rain-passes-through-bay-area-stronger-storm-coming-by-weekend",
"title": "More Rain Passes Through Bay Area, With a Stronger Storm Coming by Weekend",
"publishDate": 1734376394,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "More Rain Passes Through Bay Area, With a Stronger Storm Coming by Weekend | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"site": "news"
},
"content": "\u003cp>Though it might not look like it based on the gray rain clouds gathering outside your window Monday morning, this week’s weather is expected to be a brief reprieve from \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12017880/bay-area-braces-quadruple-threat-rain-wind-surf-king-tides\">the Bay Area’s rainy fall\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After a fairly weak storm passes through on Monday, the Bay Area will have dry, and even some sunny, weather through the end of the work week. This weekend, a stronger rain system is on the horizon, threatening to complicate last-minute holiday shopping and travel.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Light rain began in the North Bay early Monday and is traveling south to San Francisco and the South Bay. Meteorologists say it won’t bring rainfall totals anywhere near the records broken last month.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Higher-elevation areas of the North Bay could get up to three-quarters of an inch, while just up to a quarter of an inch is expected elsewhere.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Showers should start to taper off in the evening, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Crystal Oudit. Enjoy the week of dry, slightly warmer weather, she recommended, since the Bay Area could be getting a gray, wet Christmas this year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://twitter.com/NWSBayArea/status/1868525828914794860\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It does look like rain’s going to return, possibly Saturday into the weekend, and then we do see a signal for a chance for wet weather for the week of Christmas,” she told KQED.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s too soon to make out many specifics about this weekend’s storm, Oudit said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postID=news_12018406 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/470133176_916398103956314_89174337297673206_n-1020x765.jpg']\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So far, the incoming system looks stronger than Monday’s scattered showers, but it doesn’t look set up to rival last weekend’s heavy rain and strong winds — including a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12018406/tornado-hits-santa-cruz-county\">tornado in Santa Cruz County\u003c/a> and San Francisco’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12018356/the-tornado-warning-is-over-heres-why-it-was-issued\">first citywide tornado warning\u003c/a> — or November’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12015275/another-strong-storm-to-slam-california-raising-flood-risk-in-north-bay\">double atmospheric rivers\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The National Weather Service is forecasting “unsettled and wet weather,” and although Oudit said it’s not yet being categorized as an atmospheric river, this is the season for those particularly wet events.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“For the North Bay, what we have in our forecast from Saturday to Monday [is] anywhere between 2 to 3 1/2 inches,” she said. “At higher terrain, you can see up to 4 inches.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There could be some gusty winds, but no concerning speeds are expected so far.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [],
"excerpt": "After Northern California was slammed by an intense storm last weekend, Monday’s light rain will be followed by dry, even sunny, weather until a stronger rain system on the horizon.",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1734378350,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 14,
"wordCount": 417
},
"headData": {
"title": "More Rain Passes Through Bay Area, With a Stronger Storm Coming by Weekend | KQED",
"description": "After Northern California was slammed by an intense storm last weekend, Monday’s light rain will be followed by dry, even sunny, weather until a stronger rain system on the horizon.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "More Rain Passes Through Bay Area, With a Stronger Storm Coming by Weekend",
"datePublished": "2024-12-16T11:13:14-08:00",
"dateModified": "2024-12-16T11:45:50-08:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"isAccessibleForFree": "True",
"publisher": {
"@type": "NewsMediaOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.kqed.org/#organization",
"name": "KQED",
"logo": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"url": "https://www.kqed.org",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/KQED",
"https://twitter.com/KQED",
"https://www.instagram.com/kqed/",
"https://www.tiktok.com/@kqedofficial",
"https://www.linkedin.com/company/kqed",
"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeC0IOo7i1P_61zVUWbJ4nw"
]
}
}
},
"sticky": false,
"nprStoryId": "kqed-12018468",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12018468/more-rain-passes-through-bay-area-stronger-storm-coming-by-weekend",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Though it might not look like it based on the gray rain clouds gathering outside your window Monday morning, this week’s weather is expected to be a brief reprieve from \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12017880/bay-area-braces-quadruple-threat-rain-wind-surf-king-tides\">the Bay Area’s rainy fall\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After a fairly weak storm passes through on Monday, the Bay Area will have dry, and even some sunny, weather through the end of the work week. This weekend, a stronger rain system is on the horizon, threatening to complicate last-minute holiday shopping and travel.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Light rain began in the North Bay early Monday and is traveling south to San Francisco and the South Bay. Meteorologists say it won’t bring rainfall totals anywhere near the records broken last month.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Higher-elevation areas of the North Bay could get up to three-quarters of an inch, while just up to a quarter of an inch is expected elsewhere.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Showers should start to taper off in the evening, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Crystal Oudit. Enjoy the week of dry, slightly warmer weather, she recommended, since the Bay Area could be getting a gray, wet Christmas this year.\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "singleTwitterStatus",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"id": "1868525828914794860"
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>“It does look like rain’s going to return, possibly Saturday into the weekend, and then we do see a signal for a chance for wet weather for the week of Christmas,” she told KQED.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s too soon to make out many specifics about this weekend’s storm, Oudit said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "aside",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"postid": "news_12018406",
"hero": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/470133176_916398103956314_89174337297673206_n-1020x765.jpg",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So far, the incoming system looks stronger than Monday’s scattered showers, but it doesn’t look set up to rival last weekend’s heavy rain and strong winds — including a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12018406/tornado-hits-santa-cruz-county\">tornado in Santa Cruz County\u003c/a> and San Francisco’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12018356/the-tornado-warning-is-over-heres-why-it-was-issued\">first citywide tornado warning\u003c/a> — or November’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12015275/another-strong-storm-to-slam-california-raising-flood-risk-in-north-bay\">double atmospheric rivers\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The National Weather Service is forecasting “unsettled and wet weather,” and although Oudit said it’s not yet being categorized as an atmospheric river, this is the season for those particularly wet events.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“For the North Bay, what we have in our forecast from Saturday to Monday [is] anywhere between 2 to 3 1/2 inches,” she said. “At higher terrain, you can see up to 4 inches.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There could be some gusty winds, but no concerning speeds are expected so far.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12018468/more-rain-passes-through-bay-area-stronger-storm-coming-by-weekend",
"authors": [
"11913"
],
"categories": [
"news_31795",
"news_34165",
"news_8"
],
"tags": [
"news_20061",
"news_1386",
"news_19204",
"news_255",
"news_18352",
"news_27626",
"news_28199",
"news_3431",
"news_34054",
"news_30125",
"news_38",
"news_1083",
"news_3"
],
"featImg": "news_12015569",
"label": "news"
},
"news_12017652": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12017652",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12017652",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1734350472000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "how-to-kill-a-cop-death-despair-and-corruption-in-californias-most-violent-prison",
"title": "'How to Kill a Cop': Death, Despair and Corruption in California's Most Violent Prison",
"publishDate": 1734350472,
"format": "image",
"headTitle": "‘How to Kill a Cop’: Death, Despair and Corruption in California’s Most Violent Prison | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"term": 33521,
"site": "news"
},
"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>Warning: This story contains graphic language, and descriptions of violence and suicide. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hen Lili Steele got home from work on that hot, humid evening in August 2021, she expected to find her husband, Sgt. Kevin Steele, sitting at his desk working on his book. The couple had moved to a rural area near Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks after Steele had taken a leave of absence from his job as an investigator in a high-security prison in Folsom, California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Writing the book, Lili said, “was his new job.” The manuscript chronicled Steele’s decade at the prison, where he had become increasingly frustrated with a system he came to see as corrupt and antithetical to his deep Christian faith. His project had an ominous working title: \u003cem>The Thin Line Blurs…How to Kill a Cop…Betrayal\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But the 56-year-old wasn’t at his desk.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lili called Steele’s phone and found it ringing on the kitchen counter. She started to panic; she knew her husband had been struggling. Months earlier, he’d told her that he was haunted by a “trailer of dead people.” Some were soldiers he’d served alongside in Iraq who hadn’t made it home. The rest were from the \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/facility-locator/sac/\">California State Prison, Sacramento\u003c/a>, known colloquially as New Folsom.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There was Ronnie Price, the 65-year-old whose arms were shackled behind his back when correctional officers slammed him to the ground, fatally injuring him. There was Luis Giovanny Aguilar, the young man who’d been stabbed to death by two other incarcerated men in full view of officers. Finally, and perhaps most painfully, there was his friend, officer Valentino Rodriguez Jr., who’d died of a fentanyl overdose six days after blowing the whistle on fellow officers for alleged misconduct.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Kevin, you didn’t kill those people, you tried to help,” Lili remembers telling her husband. “You followed the protocol, the chain of command. You told the people in charge. It’s up to them to carry the ball now.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After searching the house, Lili walked from the open garage across their driveway to a red storage shed. That’s where she found her husband already dead. Steele had hanged himself.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In a recording of the 911 call, the dispatcher can be heard asking Lili if her husband had been sick.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“No,” she sobbed. “He’s been dealing with a lot of stuff from his work.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Considered in isolation, Steele’s suicide might have been chalked up to one man’s struggle, but the timing — less than a year after the death of his friend Rodriguez, who worked in the same elite unit — points at something larger. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/podcasts/onourwatch\">A multiyear KQED investigation and an eight-part podcast called On Our Watch\u003c/a> found a persistent code of silence among New Folsom officers that went largely unchecked by prison leadership and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). An exclusive analysis of hundreds of internal use-of-force records, dozens of leaked documents and videos, and interviews with current and former CDCR officers revealed a culture of cover-ups that enabled the abuse of incarcerated people, officer-on-officer harassment and at least two homicides at the prison.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017610\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12017610\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/020_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/020_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/020_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/020_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/020_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/020_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/020_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/020_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">An armed correctional officer looks from a window of the Short Term Restricted Housing (STRH) unit entrance at California State Prison, Sacramento, also known as New Folsom, on April 13, 2023. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>A spokesperson said in an email that CDCR “maintains a zero-tolerance policy on code of silence” and that the agency “is fundamentally reforming its approach to addressing allegations of staff misconduct to enhance staff accountability and improve transparency.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Over the past year and a half the agency declined KQED’s multiple requests to interview New Folsom’s outgoing warden, Jeff Lynch, and the head of the agency, Secretary Jeff Macomber, who served as the warden there from 2013 to 2016. The agency also did not respond to a request to speak with Jason Schultz, who was appointed acting warden in November. CDCR representatives have repeatedly declined to answer questions about the high rate of use of force at New Folsom. They said they could not comment on specific allegations made by Steele and Rodriguez before their deaths.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But a trove of written and recorded materials left behind by the two officers and obtained by KQED details their fear of retribution and sense of despair as they tried to expose misconduct in their institution.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Outlier\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Steele started off as a true believer. Hired by CDCR in 2001, he was initially assigned to San Quentin before transferring to New Folsom in 2008. Sprawled along the American River just outside Sacramento, the prison houses about 2,200 people, many of whom have mental health needs or have been convicted of the most serious crimes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Working as a correctional officer appealed to the sense of duty and service Steele had enjoyed in his Air Force career, while also promising good benefits and opportunities for advancement. The sergeant’s brother, Michael, said he liked to claim that nobody “worked harder than a Steele.” If his shift started at five in the morning, he’d arrive at four. Each day on his way into New Folsom, Steele walked past the Gothic green tower of the adjoining old Folsom prison (made famous by Johnny Cash) carrying his lunch in a clear plastic bag through the checkpoint of the newer facility. Once he clocked in, “he didn’t stop moving,” said Steele’s colleague, retired correctional officer Annette Eichhorn.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Prison leadership entrusted Steele with a lot of responsibilities, from drug testing officers to leading annual trainings. In 2015, he was promoted to prosecution coordinator in the Investigative Services Unit (ISU). Known among officers and incarcerated people as the “squad,” the specialized team serves as the police force for the prison, investigating crimes committed by prisoners and complaints against staff, including for excessive use of force.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017609\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12017609\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/258_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/258_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/258_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/258_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/258_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/258_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/258_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/258_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The East Gate of old Folsom Prison in Sacramento, where Johnny Cash played in 1968. New Folsom, which was initially administered by old Folsom’s warden, opened in 1986. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Officers can lawfully use their hands, batons and even the weight of their bodies to subdue prisoners who resist, or ignore their commands. They can deploy less lethal weapons like pepper spray and foam bullets to stop fights or break up riots. If someone’s life is in danger, officers can respond with deadly force. In general, force has to be proportional to the threat, and cannot be used after a threat has been subdued, or as retaliation or punishment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even among high-security prisons, where violent encounters with staff are most common, New Folsom stands out: It had the highest overall use-of-force rate of any California state prison from 2009 through 2023, \u003ca href=\"https://academic.oup.com/jrssig/article-abstract/21/5/16/7803753?redirectedFrom=fulltext\">according to an in-depth analysis of CDCR reports published by researchers\u003c/a> at University of California, Berkeley, in partnership with KQED. CDCR has not yet posted all the data for this year, but numbers released so far show that use-of-force rates at New Folsom remain the highest in the state.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/HT2gx/8/\" width=\"800\" height=\"580\" scrolling=\"yes\" class=\"iframe-class\" frameborder=\"0\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>New Folsom has been even more of an outlier when it comes to the most serious cases — those in which officers use deadly force or badly injure incarcerated people. KQED’s exclusive analysis of investigative records from 2014 through 2019 revealed that New Folsom had three times as many of these cases as any other prison in the state.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/GLkYl/9/\" width=\"800\" height=\"900\" scrolling=\"yes\" class=\"iframe-class\" frameborder=\"0\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A CDCR spokesperson told KQED last year that she took issue with KQED’s analysis of general use-of-force data, but the agency did not respond to further detailed requests for clarification and questions regarding these findings.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Warden Jeff Lynch appeared unaware of an unusual level of officer violence at New Folsom. Asked about it during a media tour of the facility in April 2023, he said use-of-force rates at his prison were “probably pretty similar” to other high-security facilities in California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But over the years, Steele had raised grave concerns about officer violence to prison leadership. It was part of his job to collect the statements of prisoners who’d been injured by guards, and he’d noticed a troubling pattern.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017606\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12017606\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/187_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/187_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/187_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/187_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/187_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/187_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/187_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/187_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">An officer escorts a prisoner to a cell in the Short Term Restricted Housing unit at California State Prison, Sacramento, also known as New Folsom, on April 13, 2023. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>A cover-up\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>On Sept. 16, 2016, Steele interviewed 65-year-old Ronnie Price as he lay handcuffed on a gurney in the hallway of the UC Davis Medical Center with visible trauma to his face that included missing teeth and a broken jaw.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In his unfinished book, Steele wrote that he expected to find a “combative, disruptive and quarrelsome inmate,” but instead found Price “pleasant and amicable.” Steele recalled Price telling him that officers had tried to force him to move to the cell of an active gang member, which Price feared would mean trouble.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In a recording of the interview acquired by KQED, Price told Steele that during the escort he passively resisted officers, who then shackled his feet together. His hands were already chained behind his back. As they walked him through the rotunda of the housing unit — an area not covered by surveillance cameras — Price said an officer stepped on the chain between his ankles, causing him to fall face-first onto the cement floor. Price told Steele that as he raised his head to spit out his bloody teeth, “Somebody grabbed my head and slammed it into the ground.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017608\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"max-width: 640px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-12017608\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-Ronnie-Price-KQED-1020x1275.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-Ronnie-Price-KQED-1020x1275.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-Ronnie-Price-KQED-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-Ronnie-Price-KQED-160x200.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-Ronnie-Price-KQED-1228x1536.jpg 1228w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-Ronnie-Price-KQED.jpg 1374w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Prison portrait of Ronnie Price, who died in 2016 as a result of injuries caused by correctional staff. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Price family)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The next day, Price died of a pulmonary embolism related to his injuries, according to the coroner’s report. Steele attended the autopsy and then contacted his bosses. “I was very specific when I advised the administration and my supervisor that I believed that staff were responsible for the death of Inmate Price,” he writes in his book.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Internal documents obtained by KQED through a public records request show that officers wrote the incident up to make it look like Price posed an active threat, claiming that he’d “spun to his left, and lunged forward breaking free” of the escort and that “immediate force” was used “to overcome” resistance.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But after lengthy investigations by the FBI and CDCR, five officers and a sergeant would lose their jobs, and three of them would be convicted of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11929335/former-new-folsom-officer-sentenced-to-more-than-12-years-in-federal-prison-for-inmates-death\">federal charges related to excessive force and efforts to cover up the truth about Price’s death\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It is exceedingly rare for officers to be disciplined for injuring people in California prisons, but Steele believed the Price cover-up was not an isolated incident. Over the next year, he reported at least two more incidents in which officers’ version of events failed to explain the severe injuries of the men he spoke to. Joel Uribe and Ramiro Navarro, independently made strikingly similar allegations in their use-of-force interviews with Steele: During separate escorts, officers had stopped in an area not covered by surveillance cameras and badly beat them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Please don’t think I’m exaggerating,” said Uribe, 50, who’s still in prison but no longer at New Folsom. “They really wanted to have me killed.” Uribe told KQED he was targeted because staff wrongly suspected that he had helped provoke an attack on an officer. Navarro, 56, said in a phone interview from prison that officers punched and hit him with a metal tool. He told Steele the last thing he remembered before he “passed out” was an officer kicking him in the head. Both men were in restraints for the escort, according to case documents, and denied provoking the officers’ assaults.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017607\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12017607\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-Ronnie-Price-7219-Form-KQED-800x1029.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"1029\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-Ronnie-Price-7219-Form-KQED-800x1029.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-Ronnie-Price-7219-Form-KQED-1020x1312.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-Ronnie-Price-7219-Form-KQED-160x206.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-Ronnie-Price-7219-Form-KQED-1194x1536.jpg 1194w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-Ronnie-Price-7219-Form-KQED-1592x2048.jpg 1592w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-Ronnie-Price-7219-Form-KQED-1920x2471.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-Ronnie-Price-7219-Form-KQED-scaled.jpg 1990w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">CDCR medical form indicating Ronnie Price’s injuries. Obtained from CDCR via public records request.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>But an officer claimed in his report that Uribe “spun around” and struck out with a walking cane, at which point the officer used “immediate physical force to overcome resistance, subdue an attack and effect custody.” A supervisor wrote that after Navarro “aggressively swung his head” in an attempt to headbutt them, officers used “the minimal amount of physical force needed to place Navarro in a prone position.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Documents show that Uribe suffered a concussion, broken ribs, and a face laceration; he told KQED he still has hearing loss in one of his ears. Navarro’s ribs were also broken, and doctors inserted a chest tube to drain blood from around his lung, reports show.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Despite internal investigations and formal complaints made by Uribe and Navarro, no officers were ever disciplined. Instead, documents show that both prisoners were written up for the incidents; each said they were sent to solitary confinement for a year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In all, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11977062/4-foul-play-s2-new-folsom\">a dozen men who were incarcerated at New Folsom told KQED\u003c/a> that officers had used force as retaliation for causing trouble, submitting complaints or even attempting suicide, which triggers a protocol that means extra work for officers. Many of these men had filed formal grievances, but to little effect. Internal reports documenting serious use-of-force incidents at New Folsom from 2014 through 2021 show that, aside from the case involving Price, only one other incident resulted in discipline for an officer, who CDCR fired for using a prohibited chokehold.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Unlike Steele, many CDCR employees chose not to speak up. Four current and former correctional officers — who asked KQED for anonymity because they feared for their job security or physical safety — said that it was well known that some officers would beat up incarcerated people. Each said they witnessed at least one of these beatings firsthand, but did not report misconduct due to fear of retaliation from their fellow officers or supervisors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I’m sorry that we were too fearful to do the right thing when we were there,” said one retired officer. “But to live under that kind of fear, I can’t explain to you.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8-DcbCqgpc\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sgt. Kevin Steele conducted use-of-force interviews with incarcerated people; subjects’ faces were redacted by the agency. Edited from video footage obtained from CDCR via public records request. (Annie Fruit/KQED)\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>The rookie\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In late 2018, correctional officer Valentino Rodriguez walked into the ISU office for his first day on the job. Steele writes in his book that the 28-year-old was “fresh-faced and eager to overachieve.” Rodriguez had stopped by Adalberto’s Mexican Food that morning to pick up breakfast burritos for the whole team — an office tradition by which new members would gain acceptance into the squad. But as the morning wore on, the offering was ignored; to Steele this was a deliberate snub, and he’d see it as an omen of what was to come.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017605\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"max-width: 683px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12017605\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-VALENTINO-RODRIGUEZ-JR-04-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"683\" height=\"854\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-VALENTINO-RODRIGUEZ-JR-04-KQED.jpg 683w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-VALENTINO-RODRIGUEZ-JR-04-KQED-160x200.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Valentino Rodriguez Jr. with his mother Erma Rodriguez at his graduation from CDCR’s officer academy in Galt, California, May 1, 2015. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Rodriguez family)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Officers often wait years to get tapped for the squad. Rodriguez had earned kudos as a sharp report writer and a hard worker, but he was relatively inexperienced. Some in the unit thought he’d “skipped the line,” according to officers’ later testimony in a disciplinary hearing. They began calling Rodriguez “half-patch,” suggesting he hadn’t fully earned the special black and green badge of the ISU uniform.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In contrast, Steele welcomed the new guy. In his book, he describes thanking Rodriguez for the food that first day and taking an extra burrito home “so as not to waste his act of kindness.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The two men worked in different divisions of the squad — Steele was in Criminal Prosecution while Rodriguez had been assigned to Security and Investigations — but Steele always had a positive word for the younger officer. “You inspire me!” Steele texted him on more than one occasion. Sometimes, on the weekends, they’d carpool to law enforcement seminars where they could brush up on the latest drug interdiction tools or California’s prison gangs. And Steele became a lifeline for Rodriguez when he needed advice.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But the coldness from Rodriguez’s closest teammates soon turned to open hostility, according to KQED’s review of text messages in Rodriguez’s phone. One officer in particular, Daniel Garland, taunted him regularly. He called him “fag,” and told him to “sukadik” on a group chat. Garland did not agree to speak to KQED for this story, but his attorney said her client’s actions did not rise to the level of harassment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rodriguez’s direct supervisor, Sgt. David Anderson, who was on some of the text threads, did not intervene (Anderson later told investigators “I should have stepped in,” according to public documents). Rodriguez complained in a text to another officer that Anderson would bad-mouth Steele and other senior officers in front of his subordinates, and then threaten to throw Rodriguez off the squad if he said anything. Rodriguez told his fiancée, Mimy, that his supervisor once put his hands around Rodriguez’s neck and told him he could “make it look like an accident.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Anderson, who was promoted to lieutenant in 2022, did not respond to multiple requests for comment. He told investigators that he treated Rodriguez the same as everyone else, and did not believe the young officer had been offended by what he characterized as “banter.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017604\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1005px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12017604\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-VALENTINO-RODRIGUEZ-JR-02-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1005\" height=\"670\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-VALENTINO-RODRIGUEZ-JR-02-KQED.jpg 1005w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-VALENTINO-RODRIGUEZ-JR-02-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-VALENTINO-RODRIGUEZ-JR-02-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1005px) 100vw, 1005px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Rodriguez in the office at his family’s business early in his career, dressed for work at San Quentin State Prison. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Rodriguez family)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>CDCR has a “zero tolerance” policy for discriminatory language and harassment. But in reviewing 80 cases of officer discrimination going back to 2015, KQED found that misconduct rarely led to firing, even in instances that involved unwanted touching or threatening a subordinate.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Amid the violence and chaos of a maximum security prison, where trust is essential for officers’ safety, Rodriguez didn’t feel his team had his back. He complained to a friend over text that his colleagues refused to help him with an arrest, and that they disparaged him in front of prisoners; he said that the only person he trusted was Steele.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Steele was only partially aware of what was going on with Rodriguez, but he later told investigators that he noticed his friend would duck into the bathroom nearly every day before his shift. When Steele asked if he was OK, Rodriguez confided that his stress was so intense he often had to vomit before he went into the ISU. Steele recalled Rodriguez saying, “They just never stop teasing me. They don’t ever stop.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Despite this, Rodriguez continued to seek his colleagues’ approval — texting the group about his efforts to lose weight or a big drug bust he pulled off. Rodriguez’s father, Valentino Rodriguez Sr., told KQED he now regrets raising his son to be so eager to please and quick to forgive.[aside postID=news_11973330 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/oow_webbanner0122.png']Much later, Rodriguez would tell prison leaders that — from small things like playing video games on duty to planting drugs and weapons on prisoners in order to claim overtime for a bust — his team had been rife with misconduct. But at the time, he said nothing of this to Steele or anyone else.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rodriguez kept another secret, too. He had struggled with opioid addiction in college before successfully kicking the habit in rehab. Mimy said that sometime during his stint at New Folsom he relapsed. By late 2019, the relentless harassment by his peers and the everyday violence he witnessed inside the prison walls was starting to pile up.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Then, just before the Christmas holiday, a brutal murder in the prison would help tip Rodriguez past his breaking point.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It would also shake Steele’s faith in the institution.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>A killing in B8\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>On Dec. 12, 2019, 29-year-old Luis Giovanny Aguilar sat watching television in a common area of B8, a highly restricted unit reserved for people who were considered especially violent or dangerous. Aguilar — whose prison nickname was “Raskal” — had a reputation among officers for being “mouthy.” About a week earlier, on the way out of the shower back into the unit, he had kicked an officer in the chest.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>On surveillance footage leaked to KQED, Aguilar appeared unbothered as a group of officers brought two other men out of their cells and chained them to individual desks — Cody Taylor, a white man with a tattoo down his face, and Anthony Rodriguez, a heavyset Latino man with glasses.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017603\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1494px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12017603\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/10_05_08.95Aguilar.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1494\" height=\"753\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/10_05_08.95Aguilar.jpg 1494w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/10_05_08.95Aguilar-800x403.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/10_05_08.95Aguilar-1020x514.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/10_05_08.95Aguilar-160x81.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1494px) 100vw, 1494px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Luis Giovanny Aguilar, chained to his chair inside a high-security unit at New Folsom prison just moments before his death on Dec. 12, 2019. This still shot is from CDCR security camera footage that was leaked to KQED.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>This was supposed to be the most secure type of unit in the state. All the men had been strip-searched before stepping out of their cells. Their handcuffs were attached to a chain at their waists, and their feet were shackled together. Once seated, their ankles were also locked to the metal chairs they sat in. Overlooking the three men, a control booth officer sat behind a large window with a less lethal launcher, which fires foam rounds, and a deadly Mini-14 semi-automatic rifle.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As soon as the officers filed out of the room, Taylor and Anthony Rodriguez got to work on their cuffs with tiny metal tools they had smuggled past the guards. They quickly escaped their restraints, headed up the stairs and retrieved makeshift weapons from beneath a cell door. Then they ran back down the stairs and attacked Aguilar, stabbing his upper chest, torso and head.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The assault lasted more than a minute. The control booth officer fired a few foam rounds, one of which hit Taylor, but the projectiles did not stop the attack. By the time officers entered the unit with guns drawn, Aguilar was unresponsive on the floor. He was taken to the on-site medical unit where he was pronounced dead.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017602\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12017602\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_3947-Tinkerbell-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1789\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_3947-Tinkerbell-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_3947-Tinkerbell-800x559.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_3947-Tinkerbell-1020x713.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_3947-Tinkerbell-160x112.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_3947-Tinkerbell-1536x1074.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_3947-Tinkerbell-2048x1432.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_3947-Tinkerbell-1920x1342.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A makeshift knife that was used in the attempted murder that was carried out by Cody Taylor, Anthony Rodriguez and Dion Green two months before the murder of Luis Giovanny Aguilar. This screenshot of CDCR’s evidence photograph was leaked to KQED.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>That same day, another incarcerated man in the unit claimed responsibility for the murder. Self-described prison gang “shot-caller” Dion Green told investigators he’d ordered Anthony Rodriguez and Taylor to kill Aguilar because it was gang “business,” and passed them the weapons under the door.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After the incident, Steele and Officer Rodriguez both had roles to play. Steele’s job was to help facilitate the prosecution of the three men. With Green’s confession and the whole thing caught on surveillance video, it appeared to be a straightforward case.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But something about the murder didn’t sit right with Steele. In his book, he describes poring over the video footage “from start to finish innumerable times” to try to understand how it had happened. Given the extensive security protocols in B8, this kind of attack should not have been possible.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017600\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12017600\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/046_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/046_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/046_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/046_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/046_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/046_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/046_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/046_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">An incarcerated person is cuffed at his ankles to a desk during a group therapy session at California State Prison, Sacramento, also known as New Folsom, on April 13, 2023. These are similar to the ankle restraints used in the B8 unit. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Rodriguez, meanwhile, was assigned to write a report explaining the gang connections of the murder, and to attend the autopsy, which was gruesome. “Skull was full of blood,” he wrote in an update to Steele in which he detailed more than 50 stab wounds to Aguilar’s back, head and heart.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rodriguez had seen violence and death before, but the images of dead bodies from this and other autopsies were getting harder to shake off.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017601\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12017601\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/PHOTO-of-Val-Jr-reasons-to-leave-800x1067.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"1067\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A picture of a redacted note saved on Valentino Rodriguez’s phone from January 2020, shortly before he took a leave of absence for work-related stress. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Valentino Rodriguez Sr.)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“I don’t want to take this stuff home. It will feed the ghost,” he texted his supervisor, Anderson, in early January.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But his work had already crept into his home and relationship. Mimy was increasingly upset about the long hours Rodriguez worked at the prison, and how even after his shift he was often withdrawn, irritable or too tired to talk.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Valentino, we’re your family,” Mimy told him. “We love you. You know, if something happens to you, that job is just gonna replace you, but we can’t replace you.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A few weeks after the B8 murder, Rodriguez walked into Steele’s office and announced he was resigning. In his book, Steele writes that he tried to convince the young officer to stay — he had too much talent to waste — but Rodriguez was adamant.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Ultimately, the chief deputy warden convinced Rodriguez to take a leave of absence for work-related stress, according to public documents.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rodriguez returned home that day and sat down next to Mimy on their living room couch. Even though he hadn’t quit, he told her his career as a correctional officer was over.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This is my identity,” she remembers him saying. “I feel like I’ve given up on everything.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Hints and allegations\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Steele had little time to ruminate on his friend’s absence. As the COVID-19 pandemic slammed into all aspects of prison life in spring of 2020, Steele was tasked with helping prisoners appear in court, which now took place over Zoom. This put him in regular contact with the three men who’d been charged with Aguilar’s murder.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Steele writes in his book that on separate occasions, as they waited for court to begin or some technical glitch to be resolved, both “shot-caller” Dion Green and Cody Taylor, one of the two stabbers, dropped hints that there was more to the murder than Steele knew.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The men’s insinuations added to some troubling evidence Steele had already come across, according to his book. Just two months before the murder, the same three men had carried out an almost identical attack on another incarcerated man, nearly killing him; yet after that incident, the suspects hadn’t been put in separate housing, as CDCR protocol dictates. Given this violent history, officers should have been on high alert, yet Taylor and his co-assailant, Anthony Rodriguez, had again slipped their cuffs when they killed Aguilar.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SSuhezQmsM\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>\u003ci data-stringify-type=\"italic\">Criminal justice reporter Sukey Lewis’ demonstration of the double-locking mechanism on the handcuffs that were generally used around the prisoners’ ankles, and how a ‘black box’ device works\u003c/i>. (Sukey Lewis and Maha Sanad/KQED)\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That was especially surprising to Steele because the men were wearing “black boxes” over their restraints — tamper-resistant hard plastic shells that cover the cuffs’ keyhole and, when applied properly, are nearly impossible to escape.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Steele also stumbled across an unusual incident while looking at archived surveillance footage: It showed Taylor loose in the B8 common room a week before the Aguilar murder, running up the stairs to retrieve something from beneath Green’s cell door. As Steele watched the video, he waited for officers to sound the alarm or enter the unit, but they didn’t. He notes in his book that this apparent “practice-run” wasn’t reported or documented.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In June, Taylor, who’d already pleaded guilty to the murder, sent a letter to the warden making a stunning claim: Officers had played a role in the killing. Steele was assigned to follow up. In a recording of that interview, which was leaked to KQED, Taylor told Steele that B8 officers had agreed not to fully lock his and Anthony Rodriguez’s cuffs, allowing the men to circumvent the tamper-proof black boxes, and to instruct the control booth officer not to use deadly force. In Taylor’s telling, officers facilitated the attack on Aguilar because he had assaulted one of their own.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tar6yJvCMpM\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sgt. Kevin Steele interviewed Cody Taylor on July 3, 2020, about his allegations that officers enabled the murder of Luis Giovanny Aguilar. This video was edited from CDCR footage that was leaked to KQED. (Annie Fruit/KQED)\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While Anthony Rodriguez did not agree to speak to Steele, Green did. In a recorded interview that was leaked to KQED, Green echoed Taylor’s allegations.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“[Aguilar] would be alive today if it wasn’t for the assistance and\u003cbr>\nthe help of your staff,” Green told Steele.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>CDCR stated that it is “working with outside law enforcement agencies on this case” and could not comment. In court filings, attorneys for CDCR staff members have denied allegations that officers were involved in the killing. An FBI agent said in a phone call last year that they were investigating the case, but a spokesperson declined to officially confirm or deny the agency’s involvement.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Steele shared Taylor and Green’s allegations with New Folsom’s warden, Jeff Lynch, with the chief deputy warden, and with his own supervisor, according to correspondence that was leaked to KQED and obtained through public records requests. Steele also sent the videos of his interviews and suggested giving Taylor and Green polygraph tests. The warden thanked Steele and told him New Folsom’s internal affairs lieutenant, Brandon Strohmaier, “will be chatting with you.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At some point, prison administrators forwarded these allegations to CDCR’s Office of Internal Affairs in Sacramento, and to the FBI, which looks into allegations of civil rights abuses by law enforcement.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But months passed, and Steele saw few signs that anyone had picked up the threads of his investigation. No one else came to interview Taylor or Green, and it appears no one followed up on Steele’s suggestion to polygraph them, according to documents, interviews with the men themselves and confidential sources familiar with the investigation. Early on, a handful of officers who were on duty the day of the murder were reassigned to the mailroom, but they weren’t suspended or banned from the facility (a way to limit officers’ access to the prison while they’re under criminal suspicion).\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017599\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12017599\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/214_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/214_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/214_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/214_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/214_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/214_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/214_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/214_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Keys and handcuffs hang from the belt of a correctional officer in the Short Term Restricted Housing unit at California State Prison, Sacramento, also known as New Folsom prison, on April 13, 2023. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>CDCR’s Office of Internal Affairs often moves slowly, but emails obtained by KQED show this case was uniquely delayed, and a special agent was not assigned until a year after the murder, according to a report by the inspector general of prisons.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Meanwhile, Steele started to feel the blowback for digging into the case. In his book, he describes being excluded from conversations in the ISU, and how, in the solitary unit where Taylor and Green were being held, officers who’d formerly been helpful began to display “agitation and unrest.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Perhaps most disturbing to Steele was that Green’s and Taylor’s allegations, which he’d passed up the chain of command in confidence, began circulating among prisoners — a sign, he thought, that his fellow officers were trying to undermine his work and endanger Taylor and Green.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There is a leak coming from someone,” Steele wrote in a follow-up email to the warden. This time, Lynch’s response was even more laconic: “Thank u.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Superhero\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>While on leave, Valentino Rodriguez had been working for his dad at the family pool business, writing bids for installation and repair. Even though he was still a correctional officer on paper, he was trying to leave the world of the prison behind. But the long-term effects of his years at New Folsom persisted. He wrestled with mounting depression and anxiety. He sought help from a therapist, but had trouble sharing his struggles with those closest to him.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One afternoon that summer, Steele called. Rodriguez was at his dad’s house for a barbecue, and his father remembers that he disappeared for a couple of hours. He came back saying Steele had uncovered evidence that officers had a hand in the Aguilar murder, and that Steele had reported it up the chain.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“They’re starting to treat him like they treated me,” Rodriguez Sr. remembers his son telling him. “He’s scared.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Steele had also been encouraging Rodriguez to report the misconduct he’d witnessed, according to Mimy. But Rodriguez was nervous about what would happen to him and his family if he came forward.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mimy said her fiancé became increasingly fearful and reluctant to leave the house even to walk their dogs. He placed obstacles next to the front door so he could hear anyone trying to get in. He slept with his gun.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Is everything okay?” Mimy remembers asking him. “Who are you nervous about coming? What is going on?” Rodriguez never said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mimy tried to distract him with planning their upcoming wedding. She felt if they could just get through this year, they’d be able to put New Folsom behind them and start a family.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But a few weeks before the ceremony, Rodriguez started a casual text conversation with Strohmaier, the ISU’s internal affairs lieutenant, about his upcoming marriage and other personal matters. Then Rodriguez let loose with a series of long texts describing his misery in the squad.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“That team is broken,” he wrote. “There is shit they do, say, or don’t do that could cause everyone from the Warden down to get the boot.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017958\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12017958\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/230_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/230_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/230_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/230_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/230_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/230_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/230_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/230_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Jeff Lynch, warden at New Folsom prison, during a press tour on April 13, 2023. He is set to retire December 2024. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>It’s not clear why Rodriguez chose this moment to share his grievances with the person who fielded internal complaints at New Folsom, but Strohmaier eventually forwarded the messages to the warden, who asked Rodriguez to come talk to him.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Twelve days after his wedding, Rodriguez walked back through the gates of New Folsom to expose the brotherhood of officers he’d once protected.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Warden Jeff Lynch would later testify that in this meeting, Rodriguez told him the ISU was a “dysfunctional environment” that had driven him from the job and ruined his health. He also warned Lynch that he’d seen ISU officers — the institution’s police — breaking the law by planting drugs and weapons to get overtime. Lynch testified that he’d listened intently, and then asked him to write up his allegations in a formal memo. Rodriguez said he’d think about it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mimy said that when her new husband came home, he looked like a weight had been lifted. “He felt confident that the warden was going to help,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017597\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12017597\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/super-hero-800x1067.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"1067\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/super-hero-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/super-hero-160x213.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/super-hero.jpg 931w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photograph of final messages between Rodriguez and Steele just hours before Rodriguez’s death. Rodriguez did not seek medical treatment for the health issue he describes, so it is unclear what exactly happened. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Valentino Rodriguez Sr.)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The following week, while Lynch was still waiting for Rodriguez’s memo, he ordered a search of the ISU for the contraband Rodriguez had mentioned. According to Lynch’s testimony, the search didn’t turn up anything concerning. But it did have an effect — now, the whole team knew someone had talked.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Steele texted Rodriguez the next day to show his support: “I appreciate, admire and respect you!”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I just hope that i am not mentioned at all to anyone,”\u003cbr>\nRodriguez texted back. “It took a lot out of me to re-live the truth…So much pain and fear.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Dude you are my superhero,” Steele responded. “Stay strong! I got you.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But Rodriguez was already spiraling. That evening, while Mimy was at dinner with friends, Rodriguez texted her to say he’d heard from two people at New Folsom who knew about his meeting with the warden.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Which means it’s out now that i told on the team,” he wrote. “Tomorrow they want me to write a memo and i don’t know what ima do.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When Mimy got home an hour later, she saw a light coming from the guest bathroom. There she found her husband of 19 days slumped against the wall.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s his job,” she told a responding police officer. “This is all because of his job.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The coroner’s report notes that drug paraphernalia was next to Rodriguez’s body and classifies his death as an accident. The report also describes the scene — a wedding photo of Rodriguez and Mimy on the mantle and a stack of gifts in the corner.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Steele found out about Rodriguez’s death through social media reports.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In his book, Steele compares Rodriguez to the New Testament figure Timothy, who was beaten to death by a pagan mob after speaking out against them. “In many ways,” he wrote, “young Valentino, like Timothy, would remain courageous and committed to the truth all the way till the end.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017596\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12017596\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231106-OnOurWatch-30-BL-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231106-OnOurWatch-30-BL-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231106-OnOurWatch-30-BL-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231106-OnOurWatch-30-BL-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231106-OnOurWatch-30-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231106-OnOurWatch-30-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231106-OnOurWatch-30-BL-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231106-OnOurWatch-30-BL-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">An altar made by Mimy Rodriguez for her late husband, Officer Valentino Rodriguez, sits on a shelf at her home in Sacramento on Nov. 6, 2023. Rodriguez loved ketchup and wore Giorgio Armani cologne. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Flight and fight\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The memorial mass was held under a large oak tree at the Catholic grammar school in West Sacramento. Valentino Rodriguez Sr., weighed down by grief, noticed a trim man with piercing blue eyes making his way forward through the receiving line. While he’d heard a lot about Steele, this was the first time they’d met in person. As Rodriguez Sr. remembers, Steele grabbed his shoulders and said, “If you need me for anything, I can help you.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Back at the prison that day, Steele taped pictures of Rodriguez up in the window of his office. He wanted the officers who’d harassed his friend to know he held them responsible, Steele later told Rodriguez’s father. The squad, in turn, shunned Steele and went so far as to file a complaint against him, which didn’t go anywhere, according to public records.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Warden Lynch sent out an email forbidding anyone in the ISU from speaking to the Rodriguez family. Even though the move could have been preventive — in the event of an investigation into the harassment of Rodriguez, CDCR policy would not allow staff to talk about the case — Steele saw the directive as an attempt at self-protection. Adding to Steele’s disappointment, the warden never called Rodriguez’s family to offer condolences.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So when Rodriguez Sr., heartbroken and craving answers, reached out to Steele with texts and photos of his son as a boy, Steele wrote back. The two men began texting and talking on the phone nearly every day — discovering their shared Christian faith, their love for antique cars and their sorrow over the loss of Rodriguez.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rodriguez Sr. drew a direct line between his son’s overdose and New Folsom. In one of their telephone conversations, he even asked Steele if someone at the prison could have provided the fentanyl that killed him (KQED found no evidence to substantiate his concern). Steele urged Rodriguez Sr. to file a complaint with CDCR’s Office of Internal Affairs and gave him a contact at the FBI.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017595\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12017595\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231130-OnOurWatch-25-BL-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231130-OnOurWatch-25-BL-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231130-OnOurWatch-25-BL-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231130-OnOurWatch-25-BL-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231130-OnOurWatch-25-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231130-OnOurWatch-25-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231130-OnOurWatch-25-BL-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231130-OnOurWatch-25-BL-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Valentino Rodriguez Sr. stands in a warehouse at his West Sacramento pool business on Nov. 30, 2023, where his son Valentino Rodriguez Jr. worked while on leave from New Folsom before his untimely death. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>While Steele told Rodriguez Sr. he could trust those agencies to do the right thing, his book reveals that he had his doubts. Years earlier, the Ronnie Price case had taught him that officers were capable of conspiracy and silence. The apathy he perceived in the wake of Aguilar’s homicide now appeared to be evidence of a dark and willful blindness. And the warden’s apparent focus on damage control rather than human suffering following a young officer’s death broke something inside him. Steele wondered if there were any limits to the corruption he felt closing in around him.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lili said that, though he tried to hide it from her, her husband was afraid. “He literally would open up the door and look around the corner,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Steele wasn’t the first whistleblower to feel like he had a target on his back. Over the years, officers who have reported misconduct have found “rat” written on their windshield, received threatening phone calls, been left with no backup in dangerous situations and even been followed home at night.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Steele had come forward internally, but he’d also been in touch with the FBI, according to text messages given to KQED. He’d passed along evidence he’d gathered regarding Aguilar’s murder and shared his suspicions that officers were somehow culpable. Steele believed that without him, any potential federal investigation would have few witnesses. Steele told Rodriguez Sr. that he had no idea how far CDCR would go to keep him quiet.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And so, Steele crafted an exit strategy. In January, he and Lili packed up their belongings and moved across the country to Miller County, Missouri, where Steele had spent time in the Air Force. His plan was to run through his vacation and sick days and then retire.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017594\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12017594\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/100605-F-1108H-322-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"2238\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/100605-F-1108H-322-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/100605-F-1108H-322-800x700.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/100605-F-1108H-322-1020x892.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/100605-F-1108H-322-160x140.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/100605-F-1108H-322-1536x1343.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/100605-F-1108H-322-2048x1791.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/100605-F-1108H-322-1920x1679.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kevin Steele served in the US Air Force Reserve for 21 years before retiring as a master sergeant in April 2016. He deployed twice to Iraq and was commended for his service. \u003ccite>(US Air Force)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>But Steele couldn’t resist firing off a couple of parting shots at New Folsom’s warden and CDCR — two incendiary memos alleging in detail the mistreatment of incarcerated people and officers’ role in the Aguilar murder. He included Rodriguez’s claims about ISU misconduct, and questioned Warden Lynch’s actions as a leader.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Addressing Lynch directly, he wrote: “You should consider the very likely possibility that during YOUR superintendence of [New Folsom], more staff will be charged for criminal activity than any other institution within the state.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A month after Steele had left the state, a notice, which was leaked to KQED, was posted at the front gate of New Folsom: Sgt. Kevin Steele was banned from prison grounds. While he had no plans to return, it stung.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“He was crushed,” Lili remembers. Steele told her, “I would have died for that department.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Steele had trouble adapting to his new life in the Ozarks. He applied for a couple jobs and interviewed well, but didn’t get them. Lili said he suspected someone at the prison had somehow interfered, though as far as she knew, prison officials still thought they were in California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Steele still woke up before 4 a.m., but now he had nowhere to go.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>‘My Thoughts’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>On March 15, 2021, Steele sent Rodriguez Sr. a link to \u003ca href=\"https://www.buzzfeed.com/albertsamaha/the-prison-guard-who-couldnt-escape-prison\">a Buzzfeed article about a correctional officer at High Desert State Prison in Northern California who had reported misconduct\u003c/a>, only to find his colleagues turning on him. The officer was found dead by apparent suicide in 2011. Among some notes with messages for his family was one that read, “I told the truth.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The actual number of suicides among CDCR’s 30,000 officers is unknown; the agency said it doesn’t track those deaths out of respect for employees’ privacy. But KQED has been able to confirm that at least 30 officers who had worked for CDCR died by suicide from 2020 through 2023. Steele dealt with this firsthand; he’d counseled an officer who was struggling with thoughts of suicide and even interrupted a prison employee trying to asphyxiate themselves in a garage.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017640\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12017640\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_0848.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_0848.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_0848-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_0848-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_0848-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_0848-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_0848-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_0848-1920x1440.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">These badges represent the 30 CDCR correctional officers who took their own lives from 2020 through 2023. \u003ccite>(Anna Vignet/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In response to \u003ca href=\"https://gspp.berkeley.edu/research-and-impact/publications/officer-health-and-wellness-results-from-the-california-correctional-office\">a 2017 UC Berkeley survey of CDCR officers\u003c/a>, 1 in 10 said they had suicidal thoughts. That’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/ss/ss7101a1.htm\">more than twice the national average reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention\u003c/a>. A CDCR spokesperson wrote in an email that the department is “committed to promoting the mental health and wellbeing” of its employees, who have access to a number of interventions and services including chaplains and therapists.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Steele did speak to a chaplain, but, like a lot of officers, he was wary of mental health professionals, fearing that if he sought help the institution would use it against him. Instead, Lili said, her husband “self-medicated” with alcohol to get to sleep at night.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In April of 2021, Steele got some news that buoyed his spirits. Daniel Garland, one of the officers who’d mistreated Rodriguez, had been banned from the institution.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At the time, it seemed to Rodriguez Sr. and Steele that their efforts to hold someone accountable for Rodriguez’s death were finally starting to bear fruit. They expected to see more repercussions for everyone who’d harassed Rodriguez, or known about it and done nothing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017593\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12017593\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-KEVIN-STEELE-03-KQED-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-KEVIN-STEELE-03-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-KEVIN-STEELE-03-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-KEVIN-STEELE-03-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-KEVIN-STEELE-03-KQED.jpg 1507w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The red storage shed where Sgt. Kevin Steele was found deceased on August 20, 2021. Photo obtained from the Sheriff’s Dept. in Miller County, Mo., via public records request.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“Justice is beginning to simmer!” Steele texted Rodriguez Sr.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But four months later, on Aug. 20, 2021, Steele called up Rodriguez Sr. in a rage. He’d just received a call from CDCR’s Office of Internal Affairs to schedule an interview about the Aguilar murder.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It had been 20 months since Aguilar was killed, over a year since Steele passed on evidence that officers might be involved, and eight months since Steele sent his explosive memo to the warden.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rodriguez Sr. remembers Steele venting: “Why are they just wrapping this up? All of a sudden they’re in a hurry?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Less than an hour later, a home security camera captured Steele walking out of his open garage. The footage, obtained by KQED through a public records request, shows him crossing the driveway toward his shed at 5:23 p.m. dressed in an orange T-shirt and shorts. He’s holding one end of a blue nylon rope in his hand. The other end of the rope is looped around his neck. He reaches the shed door and passes out of view.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017592\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"max-width: 1246px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12017592\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/MyThoughtsRedactedScreenshot.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1246\" height=\"742\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/MyThoughtsRedactedScreenshot.jpg 1246w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/MyThoughtsRedactedScreenshot-800x476.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/MyThoughtsRedactedScreenshot-1020x607.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/MyThoughtsRedactedScreenshot-160x95.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1246px) 100vw, 1246px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A screenshot of the note found on Steele’s computer. KQED redacted the names of the CDCR officials in Steele’s note to protect their privacy. Obtained from the Sheriff’s Dept. in Miller County, Mo. via public records request.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The next day, Lili found a document on the home computer titled “My Thoughts.” It read, in part:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Lili is my angel, my light and my survivor.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In an apparent reference to the time of day that Jesus died on the cross, he wrote, “I know what time it is … it is the 9th hour and no one is here.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“CDCR killed me, I told the truth and shielded the truth… These barbarians killed Valentino and I.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The letter included a list of names of CDCR officials he held responsible for his and his friend’s deaths. Under the list were the note’s final three words: “Cowards and Bandits!”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Aftermath\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Shortly after Steele’s death, CDCR internal affairs agents finally conducted their first interviews with the officers who had been implicated in the death of Luis Giovanny Aguilar — nearly two years after his murder. They never interviewed Green, the shot caller, or the men who stabbed Aguilar, according to a confidential source familiar with the investigation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Office of the Inspector General (OIG), a state-level prison watchdog, rated the department’s handling of the case “poor.” In a report, the OIG faulted the agency for “unnecessary” delays and poor interview techniques “that failed to elicit the details of each officers’ involvement and knowledge of events and failed to ask follow-up questions.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The report shows that CDCR ultimately sustained allegations that one officer failed to respond to alarms the day Aguilar was stabbed. The officer in the control booth was disciplined for not having his Mini-14 rifle on him during the attack. Each got a temporary 5% pay cut. A third officer was given the heaviest punishment, a temporary 10% pay cut, for recording the murder footage on his phone and sharing it with a colleague.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017591\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12017591\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-LUIS-GIOVANNY-AGUILAR-01-KQED-800x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-LUIS-GIOVANNY-AGUILAR-01-KQED-800x800.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-LUIS-GIOVANNY-AGUILAR-01-KQED-160x160.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-LUIS-GIOVANNY-AGUILAR-01-KQED.jpg 898w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The last time that Luis Giovanny Aguilar saw his mother, Ma Rosario Zaragoza, in Tijuana, Mexico, 2018. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Aguilar family)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>An ongoing lawsuit filed by Aguilar’s mother against Warden Lynch and the officers in the B8 unit alleges staff either conspired to kill her son, or at the very least failed to protect him. In court filings, lawyers for CDCR have denied that prison staff were involved in the homicide. The FBI declined to comment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Garland, along with an officer who’d used the N-word and other derogatory language in the office, was fired. Two more ISU team members were given lengthy pay cuts for calling Rodriguez half-patch and failing to report misconduct; they both work at different prisons now. (All four officers have submitted appeals to state court, which are pending.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>New Folsom remains a violent place; four incarcerated people were killed at the prison this year, three at the hands of other prisoners, and one after being restrained by officers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lynch is retiring this month. Jason Schultz, who worked at New Folsom from 2008 through 2020, was named acting warden in November.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Since Steele’s suicide in 2021, CDCR has made some important changes; last year, Governor Gavin Newsom introduced the “California Model” of prison management, which borrows its ethos of reintegration and emotional well-being from the Norwegian approach to incarceration. Officers at certain prisons, including New Folsom, now wear body cameras. And CDCR put in place a new process for reviewing grievances against staff, which the department says will “ensure complaints are properly, fairly and thoroughly reviewed.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Yet, despite months of KQED’s attempts to get answers, no one from the agency would address the underlying question raised by the deaths of Steele and Rodriguez: How successful can any reforms be if officers remain afraid to report misconduct, and if the few who come forward risk being marginalized and ignored?\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>‘Uncontestable’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>When a person in state custody takes their own life, an independent panel reviews the circumstances and makes a determination about how it could have been prevented. But there is no such accounting of the circumstances surrounding officer suicides. In a 2023 interview, Stephen Walker, who advocates for mental health resources on behalf of the correctional officers’ union, told KQED that if these deaths were happening in any other occupation, “there would be a mass public outcry calling for an investigation into what is happening and what is at the root of this many people losing their lives.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017590\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12017590\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231106-OnOurWatch-35-BL-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231106-OnOurWatch-35-BL-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231106-OnOurWatch-35-BL-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231106-OnOurWatch-35-BL-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231106-OnOurWatch-35-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231106-OnOurWatch-35-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231106-OnOurWatch-35-BL-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231106-OnOurWatch-35-BL-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mimy Rodriguez holds a framed wedding photo of herself and her late husband, Officer Valentino Rodriguez, at her home in Sacramento, Calif., on Nov. 6, 2023. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>After Rodriguez and Steele died, the state insurance fund sent each of their widows instructions on how to receive survivor benefits. There were two options: The simpler path was to sign a form stating that the men’s deaths were unrelated to their jobs. Neither woman could bring herself to sign.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The alternative was to argue that their husbands had died as a direct result of working in the prison. Initially, those claims were denied, and Lili and Mimy had to go through the painful process of documenting their husbands’ decline.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A doctor who reviewed Rodriguez’s medical records on behalf of the state found that his drug use was related to depression, anxiety and panic attacks stemming from his job at New Folsom. “This claim appears to be uncontestable,” he wrote.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mimy Rodriguez cried when she received a letter from the state saying that her husband’s death “was the result of his employment” at New Folsom.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lili Steele’s claim was also granted: A workers’ compensation review of Steele’s writings and an interview with Lili found that psychological strain from his job at the prison contributed to his suicide.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The claim, Lili said, was her way of saying, “I know what you people did to him.”\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can dial 988 [U.S.] to reach the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story is a collaboration between KQED, the \u003ca href=\"https://projects.scpr.org/california-reporting-project/\">California Reporting Project\u003c/a> and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/californianewsroom\">California Newsroom\u003c/a>, and was made possible in part by support from \u003ca href=\"https://www.calendow.org\">The California Endowment\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Lead editor: \u003ca href=\"https://www.markbetancourt.com/\">Mark Betancourt\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Data analysis: Amanda Glazer, PhD Candidate at UC Berkeley Statistics; Jeremy Sanchez Rue, Associate Professor of Practice at UC Berkeley Journalism.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Additional research by students at \u003ca href=\"https://journalism.berkeley.edu/programs/mj/investigative-reporting/\">Berkeley Journalism’s Investigative Reporting Program\u003c/a>: Julietta Bisharyan, Laura Fitzgerald, William Jenkins, Cayla Mihalovich, Armon Owlia, Kathleen Quinn, Elizabeth Santos, Vera Watt and Junyao Yang. Additional support from UC Berkeley Journalism’s David Barstow.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [],
"excerpt": "Exclusive analysis of hundreds of internal use-of-force records, dozens of leaked documents and videos, and interviews with current and former corrections officers reveal a culture of cover-ups that enabled the abuse of incarcerated people, officer-on-officer harassment and at least two homicides at New Folsom.",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1734454273,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": true,
"hasChartOrMap": true,
"iframeSrcs": [
"https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/HT2gx/8/",
"https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/GLkYl/9/"
],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 168,
"wordCount": 9264
},
"headData": {
"title": "'How to Kill a Cop': Death, Despair and Corruption in California's Most Violent Prison | KQED",
"description": "Exclusive analysis of hundreds of internal use-of-force records, dozens of leaked documents and videos, and interviews with current and former corrections officers reveal a culture of cover-ups that enabled the abuse of incarcerated people, officer-on-officer harassment and at least two homicides at New Folsom.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "'How to Kill a Cop': Death, Despair and Corruption in California's Most Violent Prison",
"datePublished": "2024-12-16T04:01:12-08:00",
"dateModified": "2024-12-17T08:51:13-08:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"isAccessibleForFree": "True",
"publisher": {
"@type": "NewsMediaOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.kqed.org/#organization",
"name": "KQED",
"logo": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"url": "https://www.kqed.org",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/KQED",
"https://twitter.com/KQED",
"https://www.instagram.com/kqed/",
"https://www.tiktok.com/@kqedofficial",
"https://www.linkedin.com/company/kqed",
"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeC0IOo7i1P_61zVUWbJ4nw"
]
}
}
},
"sticky": false,
"nprStoryId": "kqed-12017652",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12017652/how-to-kill-a-cop-death-despair-and-corruption-in-californias-most-violent-prison",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>Warning: This story contains graphic language, and descriptions of violence and suicide. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class=\"utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__dropcapShortcode__dropcap\">W\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>hen Lili Steele got home from work on that hot, humid evening in August 2021, she expected to find her husband, Sgt. Kevin Steele, sitting at his desk working on his book. The couple had moved to a rural area near Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks after Steele had taken a leave of absence from his job as an investigator in a high-security prison in Folsom, California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Writing the book, Lili said, “was his new job.” The manuscript chronicled Steele’s decade at the prison, where he had become increasingly frustrated with a system he came to see as corrupt and antithetical to his deep Christian faith. His project had an ominous working title: \u003cem>The Thin Line Blurs…How to Kill a Cop…Betrayal\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But the 56-year-old wasn’t at his desk.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lili called Steele’s phone and found it ringing on the kitchen counter. She started to panic; she knew her husband had been struggling. Months earlier, he’d told her that he was haunted by a “trailer of dead people.” Some were soldiers he’d served alongside in Iraq who hadn’t made it home. The rest were from the \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/facility-locator/sac/\">California State Prison, Sacramento\u003c/a>, known colloquially as New Folsom.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There was Ronnie Price, the 65-year-old whose arms were shackled behind his back when correctional officers slammed him to the ground, fatally injuring him. There was Luis Giovanny Aguilar, the young man who’d been stabbed to death by two other incarcerated men in full view of officers. Finally, and perhaps most painfully, there was his friend, officer Valentino Rodriguez Jr., who’d died of a fentanyl overdose six days after blowing the whistle on fellow officers for alleged misconduct.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Kevin, you didn’t kill those people, you tried to help,” Lili remembers telling her husband. “You followed the protocol, the chain of command. You told the people in charge. It’s up to them to carry the ball now.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After searching the house, Lili walked from the open garage across their driveway to a red storage shed. That’s where she found her husband already dead. Steele had hanged himself.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In a recording of the 911 call, the dispatcher can be heard asking Lili if her husband had been sick.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“No,” she sobbed. “He’s been dealing with a lot of stuff from his work.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Considered in isolation, Steele’s suicide might have been chalked up to one man’s struggle, but the timing — less than a year after the death of his friend Rodriguez, who worked in the same elite unit — points at something larger. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/podcasts/onourwatch\">A multiyear KQED investigation and an eight-part podcast called On Our Watch\u003c/a> found a persistent code of silence among New Folsom officers that went largely unchecked by prison leadership and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). An exclusive analysis of hundreds of internal use-of-force records, dozens of leaked documents and videos, and interviews with current and former CDCR officers revealed a culture of cover-ups that enabled the abuse of incarcerated people, officer-on-officer harassment and at least two homicides at the prison.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017610\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12017610\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/020_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/020_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/020_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/020_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/020_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/020_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/020_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/020_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">An armed correctional officer looks from a window of the Short Term Restricted Housing (STRH) unit entrance at California State Prison, Sacramento, also known as New Folsom, on April 13, 2023. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>A spokesperson said in an email that CDCR “maintains a zero-tolerance policy on code of silence” and that the agency “is fundamentally reforming its approach to addressing allegations of staff misconduct to enhance staff accountability and improve transparency.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Over the past year and a half the agency declined KQED’s multiple requests to interview New Folsom’s outgoing warden, Jeff Lynch, and the head of the agency, Secretary Jeff Macomber, who served as the warden there from 2013 to 2016. The agency also did not respond to a request to speak with Jason Schultz, who was appointed acting warden in November. CDCR representatives have repeatedly declined to answer questions about the high rate of use of force at New Folsom. They said they could not comment on specific allegations made by Steele and Rodriguez before their deaths.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But a trove of written and recorded materials left behind by the two officers and obtained by KQED details their fear of retribution and sense of despair as they tried to expose misconduct in their institution.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Outlier\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Steele started off as a true believer. Hired by CDCR in 2001, he was initially assigned to San Quentin before transferring to New Folsom in 2008. Sprawled along the American River just outside Sacramento, the prison houses about 2,200 people, many of whom have mental health needs or have been convicted of the most serious crimes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Working as a correctional officer appealed to the sense of duty and service Steele had enjoyed in his Air Force career, while also promising good benefits and opportunities for advancement. The sergeant’s brother, Michael, said he liked to claim that nobody “worked harder than a Steele.” If his shift started at five in the morning, he’d arrive at four. Each day on his way into New Folsom, Steele walked past the Gothic green tower of the adjoining old Folsom prison (made famous by Johnny Cash) carrying his lunch in a clear plastic bag through the checkpoint of the newer facility. Once he clocked in, “he didn’t stop moving,” said Steele’s colleague, retired correctional officer Annette Eichhorn.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Prison leadership entrusted Steele with a lot of responsibilities, from drug testing officers to leading annual trainings. In 2015, he was promoted to prosecution coordinator in the Investigative Services Unit (ISU). Known among officers and incarcerated people as the “squad,” the specialized team serves as the police force for the prison, investigating crimes committed by prisoners and complaints against staff, including for excessive use of force.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017609\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12017609\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/258_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/258_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/258_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/258_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/258_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/258_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/258_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/258_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The East Gate of old Folsom Prison in Sacramento, where Johnny Cash played in 1968. New Folsom, which was initially administered by old Folsom’s warden, opened in 1986. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Officers can lawfully use their hands, batons and even the weight of their bodies to subdue prisoners who resist, or ignore their commands. They can deploy less lethal weapons like pepper spray and foam bullets to stop fights or break up riots. If someone’s life is in danger, officers can respond with deadly force. In general, force has to be proportional to the threat, and cannot be used after a threat has been subdued, or as retaliation or punishment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even among high-security prisons, where violent encounters with staff are most common, New Folsom stands out: It had the highest overall use-of-force rate of any California state prison from 2009 through 2023, \u003ca href=\"https://academic.oup.com/jrssig/article-abstract/21/5/16/7803753?redirectedFrom=fulltext\">according to an in-depth analysis of CDCR reports published by researchers\u003c/a> at University of California, Berkeley, in partnership with KQED. CDCR has not yet posted all the data for this year, but numbers released so far show that use-of-force rates at New Folsom remain the highest in the state.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/HT2gx/8/\" width=\"800\" height=\"580\" scrolling=\"yes\" class=\"iframe-class\" frameborder=\"0\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>New Folsom has been even more of an outlier when it comes to the most serious cases — those in which officers use deadly force or badly injure incarcerated people. KQED’s exclusive analysis of investigative records from 2014 through 2019 revealed that New Folsom had three times as many of these cases as any other prison in the state.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/GLkYl/9/\" width=\"800\" height=\"900\" scrolling=\"yes\" class=\"iframe-class\" frameborder=\"0\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A CDCR spokesperson told KQED last year that she took issue with KQED’s analysis of general use-of-force data, but the agency did not respond to further detailed requests for clarification and questions regarding these findings.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Warden Jeff Lynch appeared unaware of an unusual level of officer violence at New Folsom. Asked about it during a media tour of the facility in April 2023, he said use-of-force rates at his prison were “probably pretty similar” to other high-security facilities in California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But over the years, Steele had raised grave concerns about officer violence to prison leadership. It was part of his job to collect the statements of prisoners who’d been injured by guards, and he’d noticed a troubling pattern.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017606\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12017606\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/187_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/187_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/187_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/187_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/187_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/187_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/187_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/187_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">An officer escorts a prisoner to a cell in the Short Term Restricted Housing unit at California State Prison, Sacramento, also known as New Folsom, on April 13, 2023. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>A cover-up\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>On Sept. 16, 2016, Steele interviewed 65-year-old Ronnie Price as he lay handcuffed on a gurney in the hallway of the UC Davis Medical Center with visible trauma to his face that included missing teeth and a broken jaw.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In his unfinished book, Steele wrote that he expected to find a “combative, disruptive and quarrelsome inmate,” but instead found Price “pleasant and amicable.” Steele recalled Price telling him that officers had tried to force him to move to the cell of an active gang member, which Price feared would mean trouble.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In a recording of the interview acquired by KQED, Price told Steele that during the escort he passively resisted officers, who then shackled his feet together. His hands were already chained behind his back. As they walked him through the rotunda of the housing unit — an area not covered by surveillance cameras — Price said an officer stepped on the chain between his ankles, causing him to fall face-first onto the cement floor. Price told Steele that as he raised his head to spit out his bloody teeth, “Somebody grabbed my head and slammed it into the ground.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017608\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"max-width: 640px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-12017608\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-Ronnie-Price-KQED-1020x1275.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-Ronnie-Price-KQED-1020x1275.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-Ronnie-Price-KQED-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-Ronnie-Price-KQED-160x200.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-Ronnie-Price-KQED-1228x1536.jpg 1228w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-Ronnie-Price-KQED.jpg 1374w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Prison portrait of Ronnie Price, who died in 2016 as a result of injuries caused by correctional staff. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Price family)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The next day, Price died of a pulmonary embolism related to his injuries, according to the coroner’s report. Steele attended the autopsy and then contacted his bosses. “I was very specific when I advised the administration and my supervisor that I believed that staff were responsible for the death of Inmate Price,” he writes in his book.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Internal documents obtained by KQED through a public records request show that officers wrote the incident up to make it look like Price posed an active threat, claiming that he’d “spun to his left, and lunged forward breaking free” of the escort and that “immediate force” was used “to overcome” resistance.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But after lengthy investigations by the FBI and CDCR, five officers and a sergeant would lose their jobs, and three of them would be convicted of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11929335/former-new-folsom-officer-sentenced-to-more-than-12-years-in-federal-prison-for-inmates-death\">federal charges related to excessive force and efforts to cover up the truth about Price’s death\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It is exceedingly rare for officers to be disciplined for injuring people in California prisons, but Steele believed the Price cover-up was not an isolated incident. Over the next year, he reported at least two more incidents in which officers’ version of events failed to explain the severe injuries of the men he spoke to. Joel Uribe and Ramiro Navarro, independently made strikingly similar allegations in their use-of-force interviews with Steele: During separate escorts, officers had stopped in an area not covered by surveillance cameras and badly beat them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Please don’t think I’m exaggerating,” said Uribe, 50, who’s still in prison but no longer at New Folsom. “They really wanted to have me killed.” Uribe told KQED he was targeted because staff wrongly suspected that he had helped provoke an attack on an officer. Navarro, 56, said in a phone interview from prison that officers punched and hit him with a metal tool. He told Steele the last thing he remembered before he “passed out” was an officer kicking him in the head. Both men were in restraints for the escort, according to case documents, and denied provoking the officers’ assaults.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017607\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12017607\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-Ronnie-Price-7219-Form-KQED-800x1029.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"1029\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-Ronnie-Price-7219-Form-KQED-800x1029.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-Ronnie-Price-7219-Form-KQED-1020x1312.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-Ronnie-Price-7219-Form-KQED-160x206.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-Ronnie-Price-7219-Form-KQED-1194x1536.jpg 1194w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-Ronnie-Price-7219-Form-KQED-1592x2048.jpg 1592w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-Ronnie-Price-7219-Form-KQED-1920x2471.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-Ronnie-Price-7219-Form-KQED-scaled.jpg 1990w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">CDCR medical form indicating Ronnie Price’s injuries. Obtained from CDCR via public records request.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>But an officer claimed in his report that Uribe “spun around” and struck out with a walking cane, at which point the officer used “immediate physical force to overcome resistance, subdue an attack and effect custody.” A supervisor wrote that after Navarro “aggressively swung his head” in an attempt to headbutt them, officers used “the minimal amount of physical force needed to place Navarro in a prone position.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Documents show that Uribe suffered a concussion, broken ribs, and a face laceration; he told KQED he still has hearing loss in one of his ears. Navarro’s ribs were also broken, and doctors inserted a chest tube to drain blood from around his lung, reports show.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Despite internal investigations and formal complaints made by Uribe and Navarro, no officers were ever disciplined. Instead, documents show that both prisoners were written up for the incidents; each said they were sent to solitary confinement for a year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In all, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11977062/4-foul-play-s2-new-folsom\">a dozen men who were incarcerated at New Folsom told KQED\u003c/a> that officers had used force as retaliation for causing trouble, submitting complaints or even attempting suicide, which triggers a protocol that means extra work for officers. Many of these men had filed formal grievances, but to little effect. Internal reports documenting serious use-of-force incidents at New Folsom from 2014 through 2021 show that, aside from the case involving Price, only one other incident resulted in discipline for an officer, who CDCR fired for using a prohibited chokehold.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Unlike Steele, many CDCR employees chose not to speak up. Four current and former correctional officers — who asked KQED for anonymity because they feared for their job security or physical safety — said that it was well known that some officers would beat up incarcerated people. Each said they witnessed at least one of these beatings firsthand, but did not report misconduct due to fear of retaliation from their fellow officers or supervisors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I’m sorry that we were too fearful to do the right thing when we were there,” said one retired officer. “But to live under that kind of fear, I can’t explain to you.”\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/d8-DcbCqgpc'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/d8-DcbCqgpc'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>Sgt. Kevin Steele conducted use-of-force interviews with incarcerated people; subjects’ faces were redacted by the agency. Edited from video footage obtained from CDCR via public records request. (Annie Fruit/KQED)\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>The rookie\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In late 2018, correctional officer Valentino Rodriguez walked into the ISU office for his first day on the job. Steele writes in his book that the 28-year-old was “fresh-faced and eager to overachieve.” Rodriguez had stopped by Adalberto’s Mexican Food that morning to pick up breakfast burritos for the whole team — an office tradition by which new members would gain acceptance into the squad. But as the morning wore on, the offering was ignored; to Steele this was a deliberate snub, and he’d see it as an omen of what was to come.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017605\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"max-width: 683px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12017605\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-VALENTINO-RODRIGUEZ-JR-04-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"683\" height=\"854\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-VALENTINO-RODRIGUEZ-JR-04-KQED.jpg 683w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-VALENTINO-RODRIGUEZ-JR-04-KQED-160x200.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Valentino Rodriguez Jr. with his mother Erma Rodriguez at his graduation from CDCR’s officer academy in Galt, California, May 1, 2015. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Rodriguez family)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Officers often wait years to get tapped for the squad. Rodriguez had earned kudos as a sharp report writer and a hard worker, but he was relatively inexperienced. Some in the unit thought he’d “skipped the line,” according to officers’ later testimony in a disciplinary hearing. They began calling Rodriguez “half-patch,” suggesting he hadn’t fully earned the special black and green badge of the ISU uniform.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In contrast, Steele welcomed the new guy. In his book, he describes thanking Rodriguez for the food that first day and taking an extra burrito home “so as not to waste his act of kindness.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The two men worked in different divisions of the squad — Steele was in Criminal Prosecution while Rodriguez had been assigned to Security and Investigations — but Steele always had a positive word for the younger officer. “You inspire me!” Steele texted him on more than one occasion. Sometimes, on the weekends, they’d carpool to law enforcement seminars where they could brush up on the latest drug interdiction tools or California’s prison gangs. And Steele became a lifeline for Rodriguez when he needed advice.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But the coldness from Rodriguez’s closest teammates soon turned to open hostility, according to KQED’s review of text messages in Rodriguez’s phone. One officer in particular, Daniel Garland, taunted him regularly. He called him “fag,” and told him to “sukadik” on a group chat. Garland did not agree to speak to KQED for this story, but his attorney said her client’s actions did not rise to the level of harassment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rodriguez’s direct supervisor, Sgt. David Anderson, who was on some of the text threads, did not intervene (Anderson later told investigators “I should have stepped in,” according to public documents). Rodriguez complained in a text to another officer that Anderson would bad-mouth Steele and other senior officers in front of his subordinates, and then threaten to throw Rodriguez off the squad if he said anything. Rodriguez told his fiancée, Mimy, that his supervisor once put his hands around Rodriguez’s neck and told him he could “make it look like an accident.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Anderson, who was promoted to lieutenant in 2022, did not respond to multiple requests for comment. He told investigators that he treated Rodriguez the same as everyone else, and did not believe the young officer had been offended by what he characterized as “banter.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017604\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1005px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12017604\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-VALENTINO-RODRIGUEZ-JR-02-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1005\" height=\"670\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-VALENTINO-RODRIGUEZ-JR-02-KQED.jpg 1005w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-VALENTINO-RODRIGUEZ-JR-02-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-VALENTINO-RODRIGUEZ-JR-02-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1005px) 100vw, 1005px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Rodriguez in the office at his family’s business early in his career, dressed for work at San Quentin State Prison. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Rodriguez family)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>CDCR has a “zero tolerance” policy for discriminatory language and harassment. But in reviewing 80 cases of officer discrimination going back to 2015, KQED found that misconduct rarely led to firing, even in instances that involved unwanted touching or threatening a subordinate.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Amid the violence and chaos of a maximum security prison, where trust is essential for officers’ safety, Rodriguez didn’t feel his team had his back. He complained to a friend over text that his colleagues refused to help him with an arrest, and that they disparaged him in front of prisoners; he said that the only person he trusted was Steele.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Steele was only partially aware of what was going on with Rodriguez, but he later told investigators that he noticed his friend would duck into the bathroom nearly every day before his shift. When Steele asked if he was OK, Rodriguez confided that his stress was so intense he often had to vomit before he went into the ISU. Steele recalled Rodriguez saying, “They just never stop teasing me. They don’t ever stop.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Despite this, Rodriguez continued to seek his colleagues’ approval — texting the group about his efforts to lose weight or a big drug bust he pulled off. Rodriguez’s father, Valentino Rodriguez Sr., told KQED he now regrets raising his son to be so eager to please and quick to forgive.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "aside",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"postid": "news_11973330",
"hero": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/oow_webbanner0122.png",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Much later, Rodriguez would tell prison leaders that — from small things like playing video games on duty to planting drugs and weapons on prisoners in order to claim overtime for a bust — his team had been rife with misconduct. But at the time, he said nothing of this to Steele or anyone else.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rodriguez kept another secret, too. He had struggled with opioid addiction in college before successfully kicking the habit in rehab. Mimy said that sometime during his stint at New Folsom he relapsed. By late 2019, the relentless harassment by his peers and the everyday violence he witnessed inside the prison walls was starting to pile up.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Then, just before the Christmas holiday, a brutal murder in the prison would help tip Rodriguez past his breaking point.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It would also shake Steele’s faith in the institution.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>A killing in B8\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>On Dec. 12, 2019, 29-year-old Luis Giovanny Aguilar sat watching television in a common area of B8, a highly restricted unit reserved for people who were considered especially violent or dangerous. Aguilar — whose prison nickname was “Raskal” — had a reputation among officers for being “mouthy.” About a week earlier, on the way out of the shower back into the unit, he had kicked an officer in the chest.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>On surveillance footage leaked to KQED, Aguilar appeared unbothered as a group of officers brought two other men out of their cells and chained them to individual desks — Cody Taylor, a white man with a tattoo down his face, and Anthony Rodriguez, a heavyset Latino man with glasses.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017603\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1494px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12017603\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/10_05_08.95Aguilar.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1494\" height=\"753\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/10_05_08.95Aguilar.jpg 1494w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/10_05_08.95Aguilar-800x403.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/10_05_08.95Aguilar-1020x514.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/10_05_08.95Aguilar-160x81.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1494px) 100vw, 1494px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Luis Giovanny Aguilar, chained to his chair inside a high-security unit at New Folsom prison just moments before his death on Dec. 12, 2019. This still shot is from CDCR security camera footage that was leaked to KQED.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>This was supposed to be the most secure type of unit in the state. All the men had been strip-searched before stepping out of their cells. Their handcuffs were attached to a chain at their waists, and their feet were shackled together. Once seated, their ankles were also locked to the metal chairs they sat in. Overlooking the three men, a control booth officer sat behind a large window with a less lethal launcher, which fires foam rounds, and a deadly Mini-14 semi-automatic rifle.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As soon as the officers filed out of the room, Taylor and Anthony Rodriguez got to work on their cuffs with tiny metal tools they had smuggled past the guards. They quickly escaped their restraints, headed up the stairs and retrieved makeshift weapons from beneath a cell door. Then they ran back down the stairs and attacked Aguilar, stabbing his upper chest, torso and head.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The assault lasted more than a minute. The control booth officer fired a few foam rounds, one of which hit Taylor, but the projectiles did not stop the attack. By the time officers entered the unit with guns drawn, Aguilar was unresponsive on the floor. He was taken to the on-site medical unit where he was pronounced dead.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017602\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12017602\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_3947-Tinkerbell-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1789\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_3947-Tinkerbell-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_3947-Tinkerbell-800x559.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_3947-Tinkerbell-1020x713.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_3947-Tinkerbell-160x112.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_3947-Tinkerbell-1536x1074.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_3947-Tinkerbell-2048x1432.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_3947-Tinkerbell-1920x1342.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A makeshift knife that was used in the attempted murder that was carried out by Cody Taylor, Anthony Rodriguez and Dion Green two months before the murder of Luis Giovanny Aguilar. This screenshot of CDCR’s evidence photograph was leaked to KQED.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>That same day, another incarcerated man in the unit claimed responsibility for the murder. Self-described prison gang “shot-caller” Dion Green told investigators he’d ordered Anthony Rodriguez and Taylor to kill Aguilar because it was gang “business,” and passed them the weapons under the door.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After the incident, Steele and Officer Rodriguez both had roles to play. Steele’s job was to help facilitate the prosecution of the three men. With Green’s confession and the whole thing caught on surveillance video, it appeared to be a straightforward case.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But something about the murder didn’t sit right with Steele. In his book, he describes poring over the video footage “from start to finish innumerable times” to try to understand how it had happened. Given the extensive security protocols in B8, this kind of attack should not have been possible.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017600\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12017600\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/046_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/046_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/046_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/046_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/046_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/046_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/046_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/046_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">An incarcerated person is cuffed at his ankles to a desk during a group therapy session at California State Prison, Sacramento, also known as New Folsom, on April 13, 2023. These are similar to the ankle restraints used in the B8 unit. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Rodriguez, meanwhile, was assigned to write a report explaining the gang connections of the murder, and to attend the autopsy, which was gruesome. “Skull was full of blood,” he wrote in an update to Steele in which he detailed more than 50 stab wounds to Aguilar’s back, head and heart.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rodriguez had seen violence and death before, but the images of dead bodies from this and other autopsies were getting harder to shake off.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017601\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12017601\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/PHOTO-of-Val-Jr-reasons-to-leave-800x1067.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"1067\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A picture of a redacted note saved on Valentino Rodriguez’s phone from January 2020, shortly before he took a leave of absence for work-related stress. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Valentino Rodriguez Sr.)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“I don’t want to take this stuff home. It will feed the ghost,” he texted his supervisor, Anderson, in early January.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But his work had already crept into his home and relationship. Mimy was increasingly upset about the long hours Rodriguez worked at the prison, and how even after his shift he was often withdrawn, irritable or too tired to talk.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Valentino, we’re your family,” Mimy told him. “We love you. You know, if something happens to you, that job is just gonna replace you, but we can’t replace you.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A few weeks after the B8 murder, Rodriguez walked into Steele’s office and announced he was resigning. In his book, Steele writes that he tried to convince the young officer to stay — he had too much talent to waste — but Rodriguez was adamant.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Ultimately, the chief deputy warden convinced Rodriguez to take a leave of absence for work-related stress, according to public documents.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rodriguez returned home that day and sat down next to Mimy on their living room couch. Even though he hadn’t quit, he told her his career as a correctional officer was over.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This is my identity,” she remembers him saying. “I feel like I’ve given up on everything.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Hints and allegations\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Steele had little time to ruminate on his friend’s absence. As the COVID-19 pandemic slammed into all aspects of prison life in spring of 2020, Steele was tasked with helping prisoners appear in court, which now took place over Zoom. This put him in regular contact with the three men who’d been charged with Aguilar’s murder.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Steele writes in his book that on separate occasions, as they waited for court to begin or some technical glitch to be resolved, both “shot-caller” Dion Green and Cody Taylor, one of the two stabbers, dropped hints that there was more to the murder than Steele knew.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The men’s insinuations added to some troubling evidence Steele had already come across, according to his book. Just two months before the murder, the same three men had carried out an almost identical attack on another incarcerated man, nearly killing him; yet after that incident, the suspects hadn’t been put in separate housing, as CDCR protocol dictates. Given this violent history, officers should have been on high alert, yet Taylor and his co-assailant, Anthony Rodriguez, had again slipped their cuffs when they killed Aguilar.\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/9SSuhezQmsM'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/9SSuhezQmsM'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>\u003ci data-stringify-type=\"italic\">Criminal justice reporter Sukey Lewis’ demonstration of the double-locking mechanism on the handcuffs that were generally used around the prisoners’ ankles, and how a ‘black box’ device works\u003c/i>. (Sukey Lewis and Maha Sanad/KQED)\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That was especially surprising to Steele because the men were wearing “black boxes” over their restraints — tamper-resistant hard plastic shells that cover the cuffs’ keyhole and, when applied properly, are nearly impossible to escape.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Steele also stumbled across an unusual incident while looking at archived surveillance footage: It showed Taylor loose in the B8 common room a week before the Aguilar murder, running up the stairs to retrieve something from beneath Green’s cell door. As Steele watched the video, he waited for officers to sound the alarm or enter the unit, but they didn’t. He notes in his book that this apparent “practice-run” wasn’t reported or documented.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In June, Taylor, who’d already pleaded guilty to the murder, sent a letter to the warden making a stunning claim: Officers had played a role in the killing. Steele was assigned to follow up. In a recording of that interview, which was leaked to KQED, Taylor told Steele that B8 officers had agreed not to fully lock his and Anthony Rodriguez’s cuffs, allowing the men to circumvent the tamper-proof black boxes, and to instruct the control booth officer not to use deadly force. In Taylor’s telling, officers facilitated the attack on Aguilar because he had assaulted one of their own.\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/tar6yJvCMpM'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/tar6yJvCMpM'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>Sgt. Kevin Steele interviewed Cody Taylor on July 3, 2020, about his allegations that officers enabled the murder of Luis Giovanny Aguilar. This video was edited from CDCR footage that was leaked to KQED. (Annie Fruit/KQED)\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While Anthony Rodriguez did not agree to speak to Steele, Green did. In a recorded interview that was leaked to KQED, Green echoed Taylor’s allegations.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“[Aguilar] would be alive today if it wasn’t for the assistance and\u003cbr>\nthe help of your staff,” Green told Steele.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>CDCR stated that it is “working with outside law enforcement agencies on this case” and could not comment. In court filings, attorneys for CDCR staff members have denied allegations that officers were involved in the killing. An FBI agent said in a phone call last year that they were investigating the case, but a spokesperson declined to officially confirm or deny the agency’s involvement.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Steele shared Taylor and Green’s allegations with New Folsom’s warden, Jeff Lynch, with the chief deputy warden, and with his own supervisor, according to correspondence that was leaked to KQED and obtained through public records requests. Steele also sent the videos of his interviews and suggested giving Taylor and Green polygraph tests. The warden thanked Steele and told him New Folsom’s internal affairs lieutenant, Brandon Strohmaier, “will be chatting with you.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At some point, prison administrators forwarded these allegations to CDCR’s Office of Internal Affairs in Sacramento, and to the FBI, which looks into allegations of civil rights abuses by law enforcement.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But months passed, and Steele saw few signs that anyone had picked up the threads of his investigation. No one else came to interview Taylor or Green, and it appears no one followed up on Steele’s suggestion to polygraph them, according to documents, interviews with the men themselves and confidential sources familiar with the investigation. Early on, a handful of officers who were on duty the day of the murder were reassigned to the mailroom, but they weren’t suspended or banned from the facility (a way to limit officers’ access to the prison while they’re under criminal suspicion).\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017599\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12017599\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/214_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/214_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/214_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/214_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/214_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/214_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/214_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/214_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Keys and handcuffs hang from the belt of a correctional officer in the Short Term Restricted Housing unit at California State Prison, Sacramento, also known as New Folsom prison, on April 13, 2023. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>CDCR’s Office of Internal Affairs often moves slowly, but emails obtained by KQED show this case was uniquely delayed, and a special agent was not assigned until a year after the murder, according to a report by the inspector general of prisons.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Meanwhile, Steele started to feel the blowback for digging into the case. In his book, he describes being excluded from conversations in the ISU, and how, in the solitary unit where Taylor and Green were being held, officers who’d formerly been helpful began to display “agitation and unrest.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Perhaps most disturbing to Steele was that Green’s and Taylor’s allegations, which he’d passed up the chain of command in confidence, began circulating among prisoners — a sign, he thought, that his fellow officers were trying to undermine his work and endanger Taylor and Green.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There is a leak coming from someone,” Steele wrote in a follow-up email to the warden. This time, Lynch’s response was even more laconic: “Thank u.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Superhero\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>While on leave, Valentino Rodriguez had been working for his dad at the family pool business, writing bids for installation and repair. Even though he was still a correctional officer on paper, he was trying to leave the world of the prison behind. But the long-term effects of his years at New Folsom persisted. He wrestled with mounting depression and anxiety. He sought help from a therapist, but had trouble sharing his struggles with those closest to him.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One afternoon that summer, Steele called. Rodriguez was at his dad’s house for a barbecue, and his father remembers that he disappeared for a couple of hours. He came back saying Steele had uncovered evidence that officers had a hand in the Aguilar murder, and that Steele had reported it up the chain.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“They’re starting to treat him like they treated me,” Rodriguez Sr. remembers his son telling him. “He’s scared.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Steele had also been encouraging Rodriguez to report the misconduct he’d witnessed, according to Mimy. But Rodriguez was nervous about what would happen to him and his family if he came forward.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mimy said her fiancé became increasingly fearful and reluctant to leave the house even to walk their dogs. He placed obstacles next to the front door so he could hear anyone trying to get in. He slept with his gun.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Is everything okay?” Mimy remembers asking him. “Who are you nervous about coming? What is going on?” Rodriguez never said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mimy tried to distract him with planning their upcoming wedding. She felt if they could just get through this year, they’d be able to put New Folsom behind them and start a family.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But a few weeks before the ceremony, Rodriguez started a casual text conversation with Strohmaier, the ISU’s internal affairs lieutenant, about his upcoming marriage and other personal matters. Then Rodriguez let loose with a series of long texts describing his misery in the squad.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“That team is broken,” he wrote. “There is shit they do, say, or don’t do that could cause everyone from the Warden down to get the boot.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017958\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12017958\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/230_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/230_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/230_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/230_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/230_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/230_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/230_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/230_KQED_NewFolsomPrisonSacramento_04132023-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Jeff Lynch, warden at New Folsom prison, during a press tour on April 13, 2023. He is set to retire December 2024. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>It’s not clear why Rodriguez chose this moment to share his grievances with the person who fielded internal complaints at New Folsom, but Strohmaier eventually forwarded the messages to the warden, who asked Rodriguez to come talk to him.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Twelve days after his wedding, Rodriguez walked back through the gates of New Folsom to expose the brotherhood of officers he’d once protected.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Warden Jeff Lynch would later testify that in this meeting, Rodriguez told him the ISU was a “dysfunctional environment” that had driven him from the job and ruined his health. He also warned Lynch that he’d seen ISU officers — the institution’s police — breaking the law by planting drugs and weapons to get overtime. Lynch testified that he’d listened intently, and then asked him to write up his allegations in a formal memo. Rodriguez said he’d think about it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mimy said that when her new husband came home, he looked like a weight had been lifted. “He felt confident that the warden was going to help,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017597\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12017597\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/super-hero-800x1067.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"1067\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/super-hero-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/super-hero-160x213.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/super-hero.jpg 931w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photograph of final messages between Rodriguez and Steele just hours before Rodriguez’s death. Rodriguez did not seek medical treatment for the health issue he describes, so it is unclear what exactly happened. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Valentino Rodriguez Sr.)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The following week, while Lynch was still waiting for Rodriguez’s memo, he ordered a search of the ISU for the contraband Rodriguez had mentioned. According to Lynch’s testimony, the search didn’t turn up anything concerning. But it did have an effect — now, the whole team knew someone had talked.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Steele texted Rodriguez the next day to show his support: “I appreciate, admire and respect you!”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I just hope that i am not mentioned at all to anyone,”\u003cbr>\nRodriguez texted back. “It took a lot out of me to re-live the truth…So much pain and fear.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Dude you are my superhero,” Steele responded. “Stay strong! I got you.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But Rodriguez was already spiraling. That evening, while Mimy was at dinner with friends, Rodriguez texted her to say he’d heard from two people at New Folsom who knew about his meeting with the warden.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Which means it’s out now that i told on the team,” he wrote. “Tomorrow they want me to write a memo and i don’t know what ima do.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When Mimy got home an hour later, she saw a light coming from the guest bathroom. There she found her husband of 19 days slumped against the wall.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s his job,” she told a responding police officer. “This is all because of his job.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The coroner’s report notes that drug paraphernalia was next to Rodriguez’s body and classifies his death as an accident. The report also describes the scene — a wedding photo of Rodriguez and Mimy on the mantle and a stack of gifts in the corner.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Steele found out about Rodriguez’s death through social media reports.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In his book, Steele compares Rodriguez to the New Testament figure Timothy, who was beaten to death by a pagan mob after speaking out against them. “In many ways,” he wrote, “young Valentino, like Timothy, would remain courageous and committed to the truth all the way till the end.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017596\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12017596\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231106-OnOurWatch-30-BL-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231106-OnOurWatch-30-BL-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231106-OnOurWatch-30-BL-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231106-OnOurWatch-30-BL-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231106-OnOurWatch-30-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231106-OnOurWatch-30-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231106-OnOurWatch-30-BL-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231106-OnOurWatch-30-BL-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">An altar made by Mimy Rodriguez for her late husband, Officer Valentino Rodriguez, sits on a shelf at her home in Sacramento on Nov. 6, 2023. Rodriguez loved ketchup and wore Giorgio Armani cologne. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Flight and fight\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The memorial mass was held under a large oak tree at the Catholic grammar school in West Sacramento. Valentino Rodriguez Sr., weighed down by grief, noticed a trim man with piercing blue eyes making his way forward through the receiving line. While he’d heard a lot about Steele, this was the first time they’d met in person. As Rodriguez Sr. remembers, Steele grabbed his shoulders and said, “If you need me for anything, I can help you.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Back at the prison that day, Steele taped pictures of Rodriguez up in the window of his office. He wanted the officers who’d harassed his friend to know he held them responsible, Steele later told Rodriguez’s father. The squad, in turn, shunned Steele and went so far as to file a complaint against him, which didn’t go anywhere, according to public records.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Warden Lynch sent out an email forbidding anyone in the ISU from speaking to the Rodriguez family. Even though the move could have been preventive — in the event of an investigation into the harassment of Rodriguez, CDCR policy would not allow staff to talk about the case — Steele saw the directive as an attempt at self-protection. Adding to Steele’s disappointment, the warden never called Rodriguez’s family to offer condolences.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So when Rodriguez Sr., heartbroken and craving answers, reached out to Steele with texts and photos of his son as a boy, Steele wrote back. The two men began texting and talking on the phone nearly every day — discovering their shared Christian faith, their love for antique cars and their sorrow over the loss of Rodriguez.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rodriguez Sr. drew a direct line between his son’s overdose and New Folsom. In one of their telephone conversations, he even asked Steele if someone at the prison could have provided the fentanyl that killed him (KQED found no evidence to substantiate his concern). Steele urged Rodriguez Sr. to file a complaint with CDCR’s Office of Internal Affairs and gave him a contact at the FBI.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017595\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12017595\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231130-OnOurWatch-25-BL-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231130-OnOurWatch-25-BL-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231130-OnOurWatch-25-BL-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231130-OnOurWatch-25-BL-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231130-OnOurWatch-25-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231130-OnOurWatch-25-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231130-OnOurWatch-25-BL-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231130-OnOurWatch-25-BL-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Valentino Rodriguez Sr. stands in a warehouse at his West Sacramento pool business on Nov. 30, 2023, where his son Valentino Rodriguez Jr. worked while on leave from New Folsom before his untimely death. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>While Steele told Rodriguez Sr. he could trust those agencies to do the right thing, his book reveals that he had his doubts. Years earlier, the Ronnie Price case had taught him that officers were capable of conspiracy and silence. The apathy he perceived in the wake of Aguilar’s homicide now appeared to be evidence of a dark and willful blindness. And the warden’s apparent focus on damage control rather than human suffering following a young officer’s death broke something inside him. Steele wondered if there were any limits to the corruption he felt closing in around him.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lili said that, though he tried to hide it from her, her husband was afraid. “He literally would open up the door and look around the corner,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Steele wasn’t the first whistleblower to feel like he had a target on his back. Over the years, officers who have reported misconduct have found “rat” written on their windshield, received threatening phone calls, been left with no backup in dangerous situations and even been followed home at night.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Steele had come forward internally, but he’d also been in touch with the FBI, according to text messages given to KQED. He’d passed along evidence he’d gathered regarding Aguilar’s murder and shared his suspicions that officers were somehow culpable. Steele believed that without him, any potential federal investigation would have few witnesses. Steele told Rodriguez Sr. that he had no idea how far CDCR would go to keep him quiet.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And so, Steele crafted an exit strategy. In January, he and Lili packed up their belongings and moved across the country to Miller County, Missouri, where Steele had spent time in the Air Force. His plan was to run through his vacation and sick days and then retire.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017594\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12017594\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/100605-F-1108H-322-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"2238\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/100605-F-1108H-322-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/100605-F-1108H-322-800x700.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/100605-F-1108H-322-1020x892.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/100605-F-1108H-322-160x140.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/100605-F-1108H-322-1536x1343.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/100605-F-1108H-322-2048x1791.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/100605-F-1108H-322-1920x1679.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kevin Steele served in the US Air Force Reserve for 21 years before retiring as a master sergeant in April 2016. He deployed twice to Iraq and was commended for his service. \u003ccite>(US Air Force)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>But Steele couldn’t resist firing off a couple of parting shots at New Folsom’s warden and CDCR — two incendiary memos alleging in detail the mistreatment of incarcerated people and officers’ role in the Aguilar murder. He included Rodriguez’s claims about ISU misconduct, and questioned Warden Lynch’s actions as a leader.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Addressing Lynch directly, he wrote: “You should consider the very likely possibility that during YOUR superintendence of [New Folsom], more staff will be charged for criminal activity than any other institution within the state.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A month after Steele had left the state, a notice, which was leaked to KQED, was posted at the front gate of New Folsom: Sgt. Kevin Steele was banned from prison grounds. While he had no plans to return, it stung.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“He was crushed,” Lili remembers. Steele told her, “I would have died for that department.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Steele had trouble adapting to his new life in the Ozarks. He applied for a couple jobs and interviewed well, but didn’t get them. Lili said he suspected someone at the prison had somehow interfered, though as far as she knew, prison officials still thought they were in California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Steele still woke up before 4 a.m., but now he had nowhere to go.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>‘My Thoughts’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>On March 15, 2021, Steele sent Rodriguez Sr. a link to \u003ca href=\"https://www.buzzfeed.com/albertsamaha/the-prison-guard-who-couldnt-escape-prison\">a Buzzfeed article about a correctional officer at High Desert State Prison in Northern California who had reported misconduct\u003c/a>, only to find his colleagues turning on him. The officer was found dead by apparent suicide in 2011. Among some notes with messages for his family was one that read, “I told the truth.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The actual number of suicides among CDCR’s 30,000 officers is unknown; the agency said it doesn’t track those deaths out of respect for employees’ privacy. But KQED has been able to confirm that at least 30 officers who had worked for CDCR died by suicide from 2020 through 2023. Steele dealt with this firsthand; he’d counseled an officer who was struggling with thoughts of suicide and even interrupted a prison employee trying to asphyxiate themselves in a garage.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017640\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12017640\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_0848.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_0848.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_0848-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_0848-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_0848-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_0848-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_0848-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/IMG_0848-1920x1440.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">These badges represent the 30 CDCR correctional officers who took their own lives from 2020 through 2023. \u003ccite>(Anna Vignet/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In response to \u003ca href=\"https://gspp.berkeley.edu/research-and-impact/publications/officer-health-and-wellness-results-from-the-california-correctional-office\">a 2017 UC Berkeley survey of CDCR officers\u003c/a>, 1 in 10 said they had suicidal thoughts. That’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/ss/ss7101a1.htm\">more than twice the national average reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention\u003c/a>. A CDCR spokesperson wrote in an email that the department is “committed to promoting the mental health and wellbeing” of its employees, who have access to a number of interventions and services including chaplains and therapists.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Steele did speak to a chaplain, but, like a lot of officers, he was wary of mental health professionals, fearing that if he sought help the institution would use it against him. Instead, Lili said, her husband “self-medicated” with alcohol to get to sleep at night.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In April of 2021, Steele got some news that buoyed his spirits. Daniel Garland, one of the officers who’d mistreated Rodriguez, had been banned from the institution.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At the time, it seemed to Rodriguez Sr. and Steele that their efforts to hold someone accountable for Rodriguez’s death were finally starting to bear fruit. They expected to see more repercussions for everyone who’d harassed Rodriguez, or known about it and done nothing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017593\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12017593\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-KEVIN-STEELE-03-KQED-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-KEVIN-STEELE-03-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-KEVIN-STEELE-03-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-KEVIN-STEELE-03-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-KEVIN-STEELE-03-KQED.jpg 1507w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The red storage shed where Sgt. Kevin Steele was found deceased on August 20, 2021. Photo obtained from the Sheriff’s Dept. in Miller County, Mo., via public records request.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“Justice is beginning to simmer!” Steele texted Rodriguez Sr.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But four months later, on Aug. 20, 2021, Steele called up Rodriguez Sr. in a rage. He’d just received a call from CDCR’s Office of Internal Affairs to schedule an interview about the Aguilar murder.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It had been 20 months since Aguilar was killed, over a year since Steele passed on evidence that officers might be involved, and eight months since Steele sent his explosive memo to the warden.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rodriguez Sr. remembers Steele venting: “Why are they just wrapping this up? All of a sudden they’re in a hurry?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Less than an hour later, a home security camera captured Steele walking out of his open garage. The footage, obtained by KQED through a public records request, shows him crossing the driveway toward his shed at 5:23 p.m. dressed in an orange T-shirt and shorts. He’s holding one end of a blue nylon rope in his hand. The other end of the rope is looped around his neck. He reaches the shed door and passes out of view.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017592\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"max-width: 1246px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12017592\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/MyThoughtsRedactedScreenshot.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1246\" height=\"742\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/MyThoughtsRedactedScreenshot.jpg 1246w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/MyThoughtsRedactedScreenshot-800x476.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/MyThoughtsRedactedScreenshot-1020x607.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/MyThoughtsRedactedScreenshot-160x95.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1246px) 100vw, 1246px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A screenshot of the note found on Steele’s computer. KQED redacted the names of the CDCR officials in Steele’s note to protect their privacy. Obtained from the Sheriff’s Dept. in Miller County, Mo. via public records request.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The next day, Lili found a document on the home computer titled “My Thoughts.” It read, in part:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Lili is my angel, my light and my survivor.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In an apparent reference to the time of day that Jesus died on the cross, he wrote, “I know what time it is … it is the 9th hour and no one is here.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“CDCR killed me, I told the truth and shielded the truth… These barbarians killed Valentino and I.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The letter included a list of names of CDCR officials he held responsible for his and his friend’s deaths. Under the list were the note’s final three words: “Cowards and Bandits!”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Aftermath\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Shortly after Steele’s death, CDCR internal affairs agents finally conducted their first interviews with the officers who had been implicated in the death of Luis Giovanny Aguilar — nearly two years after his murder. They never interviewed Green, the shot caller, or the men who stabbed Aguilar, according to a confidential source familiar with the investigation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Office of the Inspector General (OIG), a state-level prison watchdog, rated the department’s handling of the case “poor.” In a report, the OIG faulted the agency for “unnecessary” delays and poor interview techniques “that failed to elicit the details of each officers’ involvement and knowledge of events and failed to ask follow-up questions.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The report shows that CDCR ultimately sustained allegations that one officer failed to respond to alarms the day Aguilar was stabbed. The officer in the control booth was disciplined for not having his Mini-14 rifle on him during the attack. Each got a temporary 5% pay cut. A third officer was given the heaviest punishment, a temporary 10% pay cut, for recording the murder footage on his phone and sharing it with a colleague.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017591\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12017591\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-LUIS-GIOVANNY-AGUILAR-01-KQED-800x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-LUIS-GIOVANNY-AGUILAR-01-KQED-800x800.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-LUIS-GIOVANNY-AGUILAR-01-KQED-160x160.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/241113-OOW-LUIS-GIOVANNY-AGUILAR-01-KQED.jpg 898w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The last time that Luis Giovanny Aguilar saw his mother, Ma Rosario Zaragoza, in Tijuana, Mexico, 2018. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Aguilar family)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>An ongoing lawsuit filed by Aguilar’s mother against Warden Lynch and the officers in the B8 unit alleges staff either conspired to kill her son, or at the very least failed to protect him. In court filings, lawyers for CDCR have denied that prison staff were involved in the homicide. The FBI declined to comment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Garland, along with an officer who’d used the N-word and other derogatory language in the office, was fired. Two more ISU team members were given lengthy pay cuts for calling Rodriguez half-patch and failing to report misconduct; they both work at different prisons now. (All four officers have submitted appeals to state court, which are pending.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>New Folsom remains a violent place; four incarcerated people were killed at the prison this year, three at the hands of other prisoners, and one after being restrained by officers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lynch is retiring this month. Jason Schultz, who worked at New Folsom from 2008 through 2020, was named acting warden in November.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Since Steele’s suicide in 2021, CDCR has made some important changes; last year, Governor Gavin Newsom introduced the “California Model” of prison management, which borrows its ethos of reintegration and emotional well-being from the Norwegian approach to incarceration. Officers at certain prisons, including New Folsom, now wear body cameras. And CDCR put in place a new process for reviewing grievances against staff, which the department says will “ensure complaints are properly, fairly and thoroughly reviewed.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Yet, despite months of KQED’s attempts to get answers, no one from the agency would address the underlying question raised by the deaths of Steele and Rodriguez: How successful can any reforms be if officers remain afraid to report misconduct, and if the few who come forward risk being marginalized and ignored?\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>‘Uncontestable’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>When a person in state custody takes their own life, an independent panel reviews the circumstances and makes a determination about how it could have been prevented. But there is no such accounting of the circumstances surrounding officer suicides. In a 2023 interview, Stephen Walker, who advocates for mental health resources on behalf of the correctional officers’ union, told KQED that if these deaths were happening in any other occupation, “there would be a mass public outcry calling for an investigation into what is happening and what is at the root of this many people losing their lives.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12017590\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12017590\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231106-OnOurWatch-35-BL-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231106-OnOurWatch-35-BL-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231106-OnOurWatch-35-BL-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231106-OnOurWatch-35-BL-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231106-OnOurWatch-35-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231106-OnOurWatch-35-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231106-OnOurWatch-35-BL-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/231106-OnOurWatch-35-BL-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mimy Rodriguez holds a framed wedding photo of herself and her late husband, Officer Valentino Rodriguez, at her home in Sacramento, Calif., on Nov. 6, 2023. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>After Rodriguez and Steele died, the state insurance fund sent each of their widows instructions on how to receive survivor benefits. There were two options: The simpler path was to sign a form stating that the men’s deaths were unrelated to their jobs. Neither woman could bring herself to sign.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The alternative was to argue that their husbands had died as a direct result of working in the prison. Initially, those claims were denied, and Lili and Mimy had to go through the painful process of documenting their husbands’ decline.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A doctor who reviewed Rodriguez’s medical records on behalf of the state found that his drug use was related to depression, anxiety and panic attacks stemming from his job at New Folsom. “This claim appears to be uncontestable,” he wrote.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mimy Rodriguez cried when she received a letter from the state saying that her husband’s death “was the result of his employment” at New Folsom.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lili Steele’s claim was also granted: A workers’ compensation review of Steele’s writings and an interview with Lili found that psychological strain from his job at the prison contributed to his suicide.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The claim, Lili said, was her way of saying, “I know what you people did to him.”\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can dial 988 [U.S.] to reach the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story is a collaboration between KQED, the \u003ca href=\"https://projects.scpr.org/california-reporting-project/\">California Reporting Project\u003c/a> and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/californianewsroom\">California Newsroom\u003c/a>, and was made possible in part by support from \u003ca href=\"https://www.calendow.org\">The California Endowment\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Lead editor: \u003ca href=\"https://www.markbetancourt.com/\">Mark Betancourt\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Data analysis: Amanda Glazer, PhD Candidate at UC Berkeley Statistics; Jeremy Sanchez Rue, Associate Professor of Practice at UC Berkeley Journalism.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Additional research by students at \u003ca href=\"https://journalism.berkeley.edu/programs/mj/investigative-reporting/\">Berkeley Journalism’s Investigative Reporting Program\u003c/a>: Julietta Bisharyan, Laura Fitzgerald, William Jenkins, Cayla Mihalovich, Armon Owlia, Kathleen Quinn, Elizabeth Santos, Vera Watt and Junyao Yang. Additional support from UC Berkeley Journalism’s David Barstow.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "floatright"
},
"numeric": [
"floatright"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12017652/how-to-kill-a-cop-death-despair-and-corruption-in-californias-most-violent-prison",
"authors": [
"8676",
"6625"
],
"programs": [
"news_33521"
],
"categories": [
"news_31795",
"news_34167",
"news_6188",
"news_8"
],
"tags": [
"news_27626",
"news_29466",
"news_95"
],
"featImg": "news_12017639",
"label": "news_33521"
}
},
"podcastsReducer": {
"isFetching": false,
"fetchFailed": false,
"hasFetched": false,
"podcasts": {}
},
"radioProgramsReducer": {
"isFetching": false,
"fetchFailed": false,
"hasFetched": false,
"radioPrograms": {}
},
"radioSearchSegmentsReducer": {},
"programsReducer": {
"all-things-considered": {
"id": "all-things-considered",
"title": "All Things Considered",
"info": "Every weekday, \u003cem>All Things Considered\u003c/em> hosts Robert Siegel, Audie Cornish, Ari Shapiro, and Kelly McEvers present the program's trademark mix of news, interviews, commentaries, reviews, and offbeat features. Michel Martin hosts on the weekends.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 1pm-2pm, 4:30pm-6:30pm\u003cbr />SAT-SUN 5pm-6pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/All-Things-Considered-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/all-things-considered/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/all-things-considered"
},
"american-suburb-podcast": {
"id": "american-suburb-podcast",
"title": "American Suburb: The Podcast",
"tagline": "The flip side of gentrification, told through one town",
"info": "Gentrification is changing cities across America, forcing people from neighborhoods they have long called home. Call them the displaced. Now those priced out of the Bay Area are looking for a better life in an unlikely place. American Suburb follows this migration to one California town along the Delta, 45 miles from San Francisco. But is this once sleepy suburb ready for them?",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/American-Suburb-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/news/series/american-suburb-podcast",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 19
},
"link": "/news/series/american-suburb-podcast/",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/RBrW",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?mt=2&id=1287748328",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/American-Suburb-p1086805/",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/series/american-suburb-podcast/feed/podcast",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkMzMDExODgxNjA5"
}
},
"baycurious": {
"id": "baycurious",
"title": "Bay Curious",
"tagline": "Exploring the Bay Area, one question at a time",
"info": "KQED’s new podcast, Bay Curious, gets to the bottom of the mysteries — both profound and peculiar — that give the Bay Area its unique identity. And we’ll do it with your help! You ask the questions. You decide what Bay Curious investigates. And you join us on the journey to find the answers.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Bay-Curious-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Bay Curious",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/news/series/baycurious",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 3
},
"link": "/podcasts/baycurious",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bay-curious/id1172473406",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/500557090/bay-curious",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/category/bay-curious-podcast/feed/podcast",
"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9a90d476-aa04-455d-9a4c-0871ed6216d4/bay-curious",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/bay-curious",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/6O76IdmhixfijmhTZLIJ8k"
}
},
"bbc-world-service": {
"id": "bbc-world-service",
"title": "BBC World Service",
"info": "The day's top stories from BBC News compiled twice daily in the week, once at weekends.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 9pm-10pm, TUE-FRI 1am-2am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BBC-World-Service-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live:bbc_world_service",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "BBC World Service"
},
"link": "/radio/program/bbc-world-service",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/global-news-podcast/id135067274?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/BBC-World-Service-p455581/",
"rss": "https://podcasts.files.bbci.co.uk/p02nq0gn.rss"
}
},
"californiareport": {
"id": "californiareport",
"title": "The California Report",
"tagline": "California, day by day",
"info": "KQED’s statewide radio news program providing daily coverage of issues, trends and public policy decisions.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-California-Report-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED The California Report",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/californiareport",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 8
},
"link": "/californiareport",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kqeds-the-california-report/id79681292",
"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/26099305-72af-4542-9dde-ac1807fe36d5/kqed-s-the-california-report",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/432285393/the-california-report",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqedfm-kqeds-the-california-report-podcast-8838",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/tag/tcram/feed/podcast"
}
},
"californiareportmagazine": {
"id": "californiareportmagazine",
"title": "The California Report Magazine",
"tagline": "Your state, your stories",
"info": "Every week, The California Report Magazine takes you on a road trip for the ears: to visit the places and meet the people who make California unique. The in-depth storytelling podcast from the California Report.",
"airtime": "FRI 4:30pm-5pm, 6:30pm-7pm, 11pm-11:30pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-California-Report-Magazine-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED The California Report Magazine",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/californiareportmagazine",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 10
},
"link": "/californiareportmagazine",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-california-report-magazine/id1314750545",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkM3NjkwNjk1OTAz",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/564733126/the-california-report-magazine",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/the-california-report-magazine",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/tag/tcrmag/feed/podcast"
}
},
"city-arts": {
"id": "city-arts",
"title": "City Arts & Lectures",
"info": "A one-hour radio program to hear celebrated writers, artists and thinkers address contemporary ideas and values, often discussing the creative process. Please note: tapes or transcripts are not available",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/05/cityartsandlecture-300x300.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.cityarts.net/",
"airtime": "SUN 1pm-2pm, TUE 10pm, WED 1am",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "City Arts & Lectures"
},
"link": "https://www.cityarts.net",
"subscribe": {
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/City-Arts-and-Lectures-p692/",
"rss": "https://www.cityarts.net/feed/"
}
},
"closealltabs": {
"id": "closealltabs",
"title": "Close All Tabs",
"tagline": "Your irreverent guide to the trends redefining our world",
"info": "Close All Tabs breaks down how digital culture shapes our world through thoughtful insights and irreverent humor.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/CAT_2_Tile-scaled.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Close All Tabs",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/closealltabs",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 1
},
"link": "/podcasts/closealltabs",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/close-all-tabs/id214663465",
"rss": "https://feeds.megaphone.fm/KQINC6993880386",
"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/92d9d4ac-67a3-4eed-b10a-fb45d45b1ef2/close-all-tabs",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/6LAJFHnGK1pYXYzv6SIol6?si=deb0cae19813417c"
}
},
"code-switch-life-kit": {
"id": "code-switch-life-kit",
"title": "Code Switch / Life Kit",
"info": "\u003cem>Code Switch\u003c/em>, which listeners will hear in the first part of the hour, has fearless and much-needed conversations about race. Hosted by journalists of color, the show tackles the subject of race head-on, exploring how it impacts every part of society — from politics and pop culture to history, sports and more.\u003cbr />\u003cbr />\u003cem>Life Kit\u003c/em>, which will be in the second part of the hour, guides you through spaces and feelings no one prepares you for — from finances to mental health, from workplace microaggressions to imposter syndrome, from relationships to parenting. The show features experts with real world experience and shares their knowledge. Because everyone needs a little help being human.\u003cbr />\u003cbr />\u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510312/codeswitch\">\u003cem>Code Switch\u003c/em> offical site and podcast\u003c/a>\u003cbr />\u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/lifekit\">\u003cem>Life Kit\u003c/em> offical site and podcast\u003c/a>\u003cbr />",
"airtime": "SUN 9pm-10pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Code-Switch-Life-Kit-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/code-switch-life-kit",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/1112190608?mt=2&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubnByLm9yZy9yc3MvcG9kY2FzdC5waHA_aWQ9NTEwMzEy",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/3bExJ9JQpkwNhoHvaIIuyV",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510312/podcast.xml"
}
},
"commonwealth-club": {
"id": "commonwealth-club",
"title": "Commonwealth Club of California Podcast",
"info": "The Commonwealth Club of California is the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum. As a non-partisan forum, The Club brings to the public airwaves diverse viewpoints on important topics. The Club's weekly radio broadcast - the oldest in the U.S., dating back to 1924 - is carried across the nation on public radio stations and is now podcasting. Our website archive features audio of our recent programs, as well as selected speeches from our long and distinguished history. This podcast feed is usually updated twice a week and is always un-edited.",
"airtime": "THU 10pm, FRI 1am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Commonwealth-Club-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.commonwealthclub.org/podcasts",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "Commonwealth Club of California"
},
"link": "/radio/program/commonwealth-club",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/commonwealth-club-of-california-podcast/id976334034?mt=2",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jb21tb253ZWFsdGhjbHViLm9yZy9hdWRpby9wb2RjYXN0L3dlZWtseS54bWw",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/Commonwealth-Club-of-California-p1060/"
}
},
"forum": {
"id": "forum",
"title": "Forum",
"tagline": "The conversation starts here",
"info": "KQED’s live call-in program discussing local, state, national and international issues, as well as in-depth interviews.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 9am-11am, 10pm-11pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Forum-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Forum with Mina Kim and Alexis Madrigal",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/forum",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 9
},
"link": "/forum",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kqeds-forum/id73329719",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkM5NTU3MzgxNjMz",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/432307980/forum",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqedfm-kqeds-forum-podcast",
"rss": "https://feeds.megaphone.fm/KQINC9557381633"
}
},
"freakonomics-radio": {
"id": "freakonomics-radio",
"title": "Freakonomics Radio",
"info": "Freakonomics Radio is a one-hour award-winning podcast and public-radio project hosted by Stephen Dubner, with co-author Steve Levitt as a regular guest. It is produced in partnership with WNYC.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/05/freakonomicsRadio.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "http://freakonomics.com/",
"airtime": "SUN 1am-2am, SAT 3pm-4pm",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "WNYC"
},
"link": "/radio/program/freakonomics-radio",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/4s8b",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/freakonomics-radio/id354668519",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/WNYC-Podcasts/Freakonomics-Radio-p272293/",
"rss": "https://feeds.feedburner.com/freakonomicsradio"
}
},
"fresh-air": {
"id": "fresh-air",
"title": "Fresh Air",
"info": "Hosted by Terry Gross, \u003cem>Fresh Air from WHYY\u003c/em> is the Peabody Award-winning weekday magazine of contemporary arts and issues. One of public radio's most popular programs, Fresh Air features intimate conversations with today's biggest luminaries.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 7pm-8pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Fresh-Air-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/fresh-air/",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/fresh-air",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/4s8b",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=214089682&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/Fresh-Air-p17/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/381444908/podcast.xml"
}
},
"here-and-now": {
"id": "here-and-now",
"title": "Here & Now",
"info": "A live production of NPR and WBUR Boston, in collaboration with stations across the country, Here & Now reflects the fluid world of news as it's happening in the middle of the day, with timely, in-depth news, interviews and conversation. Hosted by Robin Young, Jeremy Hobson and Tonya Mosley.",
"airtime": "MON-THU 11am-12pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Here-And-Now-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "http://www.wbur.org/hereandnow",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/here-and-now",
"subsdcribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?mt=2&id=426698661",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/Here--Now-p211/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510051/podcast.xml"
}
},
"hidden-brain": {
"id": "hidden-brain",
"title": "Hidden Brain",
"info": "Shankar Vedantam uses science and storytelling to reveal the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior, shape our choices and direct our relationships.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/05/hiddenbrain.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/series/423302056/hidden-brain",
"airtime": "SUN 7pm-8pm",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "NPR"
},
"link": "/radio/program/hidden-brain",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hidden-brain/id1028908750?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/Science-Podcasts/Hidden-Brain-p787503/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510308/podcast.xml"
}
},
"how-i-built-this": {
"id": "how-i-built-this",
"title": "How I Built This with Guy Raz",
"info": "Guy Raz dives into the stories behind some of the world's best known companies. How I Built This weaves a narrative journey about innovators, entrepreneurs and idealists—and the movements they built.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/05/howIBuiltThis.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510313/how-i-built-this",
"airtime": "SUN 7:30pm-8pm",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/how-i-built-this",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/3zxy",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-built-this-with-guy-raz/id1150510297?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/How-I-Built-This-p910896/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510313/podcast.xml"
}
},
"hyphenacion": {
"id": "hyphenacion",
"title": "Hyphenación",
"tagline": "Where conversation and cultura meet",
"info": "What kind of no sabo word is Hyphenación? For us, it’s about living within a hyphenation. Like being a third-gen Mexican-American from the Texas border now living that Bay Area Chicano life. Like Xorje! Each week we bring together a couple of hyphenated Latinos to talk all about personal life choices: family, careers, relationships, belonging … everything is on the table. ",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Hyphenacion_FinalAssets_PodcastTile.png",
"imageAlt": "KQED Hyphenación",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/hyphenacion",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 15
},
"link": "/podcasts/hyphenacion",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hyphenaci%C3%B3n/id1191591838",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/2p3Fifq96nw9BPcmFdIq0o?si=39209f7b25774f38",
"youtube": "https://www.youtube.com/c/kqedarts",
"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6c3dd23c-93fb-4aab-97ba-1725fa6315f1/hyphenaci%C3%B3n",
"rss": "https://feeds.megaphone.fm/KQINC2275451163"
}
},
"jerrybrown": {
"id": "jerrybrown",
"title": "The Political Mind of Jerry Brown",
"tagline": "Lessons from a lifetime in politics",
"info": "The Political Mind of Jerry Brown brings listeners the wisdom of the former Governor, Mayor, and presidential candidate. Scott Shafer interviewed Brown for more than 40 hours, covering the former governor's life and half-century in the political game – and Brown has some lessons he'd like to share. ",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-Political-Mind-of-Jerry-Brown-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED The Political Mind of Jerry Brown",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/jerrybrown",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 18
},
"link": "/podcasts/jerrybrown",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/790253322/the-political-mind-of-jerry-brown",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1492194549",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/series/jerrybrown/feed/podcast/",
"tuneIn": "http://tun.in/pjGcK",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/the-political-mind-of-jerry-brown",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/54C1dmuyFyKMFttY6X2j6r?si=K8SgRCoISNK6ZbjpXrX5-w",
"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/44420f75-3b0e-4301-ab3b-16da6b09e543/the-political-mind-of-jerry-brown"
}
},
"latino-usa": {
"id": "latino-usa",
"title": "Latino USA",
"airtime": "MON 1am-2am, SUN 6pm-7pm",
"info": "Latino USA, the radio journal of news and culture, is the only national, English-language radio program produced from a Latino perspective.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/latinoUsa.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "http://latinousa.org/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/latino-usa",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/xtTd",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=79681317&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/Latino-USA-p621/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510016/podcast.xml"
}
},
"marketplace": {
"id": "marketplace",
"title": "Marketplace",
"info": "Our flagship program, helmed by Kai Ryssdal, examines what the day in money delivered, through stories, conversations, newsworthy numbers and more. Updated Monday through Friday at about 3:30 p.m. PT.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 4pm-4:30pm, MON-WED 6:30pm-7pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Marketplace-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.marketplace.org/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "American Public Media"
},
"link": "/radio/program/marketplace",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=201853034&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/APM-Marketplace-p88/",
"rss": "https://feeds.publicradio.org/public_feeds/marketplace-pm/rss/rss"
}
},
"masters-of-scale": {
"id": "masters-of-scale",
"title": "Masters of Scale",
"info": "Masters of Scale is an original podcast in which LinkedIn co-founder and Greylock Partner Reid Hoffman sets out to describe and prove theories that explain how great entrepreneurs take their companies from zero to a gazillion in ingenious fashion.",
"airtime": "Every other Wednesday June 12 through October 16 at 8pm (repeats Thursdays at 2am)",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Masters-of-Scale-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://mastersofscale.com/",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "WaitWhat"
},
"link": "/radio/program/masters-of-scale",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "http://mastersofscale.app.link/",
"rss": "https://rss.art19.com/masters-of-scale"
}
},
"mindshift": {
"id": "mindshift",
"title": "MindShift",
"tagline": "A podcast about the future of learning and how we raise our kids",
"info": "The MindShift podcast explores the innovations in education that are shaping how kids learn. Hosts Ki Sung and Katrina Schwartz introduce listeners to educators, researchers, parents and students who are developing effective ways to improve how kids learn. We cover topics like how fed-up administrators are developing surprising tactics to deal with classroom disruptions; how listening to podcasts are helping kids develop reading skills; the consequences of overparenting; and why interdisciplinary learning can engage students on all ends of the traditional achievement spectrum. This podcast is part of the MindShift education site, a division of KQED News. KQED is an NPR/PBS member station based in San Francisco. You can also visit the MindShift website for episodes and supplemental blog posts or tweet us \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/MindShiftKQED\">@MindShiftKQED\u003c/a> or visit us at \u003ca href=\"/mindshift\">MindShift.KQED.org\u003c/a>",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Mindshift-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED MindShift: How We Will Learn",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/mindshift/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 12
},
"link": "/podcasts/mindshift",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mindshift-podcast/id1078765985",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkM1NzY0NjAwNDI5",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/464615685/mind-shift-podcast",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/stories-teachers-share",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/0MxSpNYZKNprFLCl7eEtyx"
}
},
"morning-edition": {
"id": "morning-edition",
"title": "Morning Edition",
"info": "\u003cem>Morning Edition\u003c/em> takes listeners around the country and the world with multi-faceted stories and commentaries every weekday. Hosts Steve Inskeep, David Greene and Rachel Martin bring you the latest breaking news and features to prepare you for the day.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 3am-9am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Morning-Edition-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/morning-edition/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/morning-edition"
},
"onourwatch": {
"id": "onourwatch",
"title": "On Our Watch",
"tagline": "Deeply-reported investigative journalism",
"info": "For decades, the process for how police police themselves has been inconsistent – if not opaque. In some states, like California, these proceedings were completely hidden. After a new police transparency law unsealed scores of internal affairs files, our reporters set out to examine these cases and the shadow world of police discipline. On Our Watch brings listeners into the rooms where officers are questioned and witnesses are interrogated to find out who this system is really protecting. Is it the officers, or the public they've sworn to serve?",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/On-Our-Watch-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "On Our Watch from NPR and KQED",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/onourwatch",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 11
},
"link": "/podcasts/onourwatch",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1567098962",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5ucHIub3JnLzUxMDM2MC9wb2RjYXN0LnhtbD9zYz1nb29nbGVwb2RjYXN0cw",
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/onourwatch",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/0OLWoyizopu6tY1XiuX70x",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/On-Our-Watch-p1436229/",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/show/on-our-watch",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510360/podcast.xml"
}
},
"on-the-media": {
"id": "on-the-media",
"title": "On The Media",
"info": "Our weekly podcast explores how the media 'sausage' is made, casts an incisive eye on fluctuations in the marketplace of ideas, and examines threats to the freedom of information and expression in America and abroad. For one hour a week, the show tries to lift the veil from the process of \"making media,\" especially news media, because it's through that lens that we see the world and the world sees us",
"airtime": "SUN 2pm-3pm, MON 12am-1am",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/onTheMedia.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.wnycstudios.org/shows/otm",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "wnyc"
},
"link": "/radio/program/on-the-media",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-media/id73330715?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/On-the-Media-p69/",
"rss": "http://feeds.wnyc.org/onthemedia"
}
},
"pbs-newshour": {
"id": "pbs-newshour",
"title": "PBS NewsHour",
"info": "Analysis, background reports and updates from the PBS NewsHour putting today's news in context.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 3pm-4pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PBS-News-Hour-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.pbs.org/newshour/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "pbs"
},
"link": "/radio/program/pbs-newshour",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pbs-newshour-full-show/id394432287?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/PBS-NewsHour---Full-Show-p425698/",
"rss": "https://www.pbs.org/newshour/feeds/rss/podcasts/show"
}
},
"perspectives": {
"id": "perspectives",
"title": "Perspectives",
"tagline": "KQED's series of daily listener commentaries since 1991",
"info": "KQED's series of daily listener commentaries since 1991.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Perspectives_Tile_Final.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Perspectives",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/perspectives/",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 14
},
"link": "/perspectives",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id73801135",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/432309616/perspectives",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/perspectives/category/perspectives/feed/",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93dzIua3FlZC5vcmcvcGVyc3BlY3RpdmVzL2NhdGVnb3J5L3BlcnNwZWN0aXZlcy9mZWVkLw"
}
},
"planet-money": {
"id": "planet-money",
"title": "Planet Money",
"info": "The economy explained. Imagine you could call up a friend and say, Meet me at the bar and tell me what's going on with the economy. Now imagine that's actually a fun evening.",
"airtime": "SUN 3pm-4pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/planetmoney.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/sections/money/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/planet-money",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/M4f5",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/planet-money/id290783428?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/Business--Economics-Podcasts/Planet-Money-p164680/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510289/podcast.xml"
}
},
"politicalbreakdown": {
"id": "politicalbreakdown",
"title": "Political Breakdown",
"tagline": "Politics from a personal perspective",
"info": "Political Breakdown is a new series that explores the political intersection of California and the nation. Each week hosts Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos are joined with a new special guest to unpack politics -- with personality — and offer an insider’s glimpse at how politics happens.",
"airtime": "THU 6:30pm-7pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Political-Breakdown-2024-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Political Breakdown",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/politicalbreakdown",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 5
},
"link": "/podcasts/politicalbreakdown",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/political-breakdown/id1327641087",
"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e0c2d153-ad36-4c8d-901d-f1da6a724824/political-breakdown",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/572155894/political-breakdown",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/political-breakdown",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/07RVyIjIdk2WDuVehvBMoN",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/tag/political-breakdown/feed/podcast"
}
},
"possible": {
"id": "possible",
"title": "Possible",
"info": "Possible is hosted by entrepreneur Reid Hoffman and writer Aria Finger. Together in Possible, Hoffman and Finger lead enlightening discussions about building a brighter collective future. The show features interviews with visionary guests like Trevor Noah, Sam Altman and Janette Sadik-Khan. Possible paints an optimistic portrait of the world we can create through science, policy, business, art and our shared humanity. It asks: What if everything goes right for once? How can we get there? Each episode also includes a short fiction story generated by advanced AI GPT-4, serving as a thought-provoking springboard to speculate how humanity could leverage technology for good.",
"airtime": "SUN 2pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Possible-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.possible.fm/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "Possible"
},
"link": "/radio/program/possible",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/possible/id1677184070",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/730YpdUSNlMyPQwNnyjp4k"
}
},
"pri-the-world": {
"id": "pri-the-world",
"title": "PRI's The World: Latest Edition",
"info": "Each weekday, host Marco Werman and his team of producers bring you the world's most interesting stories in an hour of radio that reminds us just how small our planet really is.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 2pm-3pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-World-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.pri.org/programs/the-world",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "PRI"
},
"link": "/radio/program/pri-the-world",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pris-the-world-latest-edition/id278196007?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/News--Politics-Podcasts/PRIs-The-World-p24/",
"rss": "http://feeds.feedburner.com/pri/theworld"
}
},
"radiolab": {
"id": "radiolab",
"title": "Radiolab",
"info": "A two-time Peabody Award-winner, Radiolab is an investigation told through sounds and stories, and centered around one big idea. In the Radiolab world, information sounds like music and science and culture collide. Hosted by Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich, the show is designed for listeners who demand skepticism, but appreciate wonder. WNYC Studios is the producer of other leading podcasts including Freakonomics Radio, Death, Sex & Money, On the Media and many more.",
"airtime": "SUN 12am-1am, SAT 2pm-3pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/radiolab1400.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.wnycstudios.org/shows/radiolab/",
"meta": {
"site": "science",
"source": "WNYC"
},
"link": "/radio/program/radiolab",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/radiolab/id152249110?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/RadioLab-p68032/",
"rss": "https://feeds.wnyc.org/radiolab"
}
},
"reveal": {
"id": "reveal",
"title": "Reveal",
"info": "Created by The Center for Investigative Reporting and PRX, Reveal is public radios first one-hour weekly radio show and podcast dedicated to investigative reporting. Credible, fact based and without a partisan agenda, Reveal combines the power and artistry of driveway moment storytelling with data-rich reporting on critically important issues. The result is stories that inform and inspire, arming our listeners with information to right injustices, hold the powerful accountable and improve lives.Reveal is hosted by Al Letson and showcases the award-winning work of CIR and newsrooms large and small across the nation. In a radio and podcast market crowded with choices, Reveal focuses on important and often surprising stories that illuminate the world for our listeners.",
"airtime": "SAT 4pm-5pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/reveal300px.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.revealnews.org/episodes/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/reveal",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/reveal/id886009669",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/Reveal-p679597/",
"rss": "http://feeds.revealradio.org/revealpodcast"
}
},
"rightnowish": {
"id": "rightnowish",
"title": "Rightnowish",
"tagline": "Art is where you find it",
"info": "Rightnowish digs into life in the Bay Area right now… ish. Journalist Pendarvis Harshaw takes us to galleries painted on the sides of liquor stores in West Oakland. We'll dance in warehouses in the Bayview, make smoothies with kids in South Berkeley, and listen to classical music in a 1984 Cutlass Supreme in Richmond. Every week, Pen talks to movers and shakers about how the Bay Area shapes what they create, and how they shape the place we call home.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Rightnowish-Podcast-Tile-500x500-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Rightnowish with Pendarvis Harshaw",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/rightnowish",
"meta": {
"site": "arts",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 16
},
"link": "/podcasts/rightnowish",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/721590300/rightnowish",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/arts/programs/rightnowish/feed/podcast",
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rightnowish/id1482187648",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/rightnowish",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkMxMjU5MTY3NDc4",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/7kEJuafTzTVan7B78ttz1I"
}
},
"science-friday": {
"id": "science-friday",
"title": "Science Friday",
"info": "Science Friday is a weekly science talk show, broadcast live over public radio stations nationwide. Each week, the show focuses on science topics that are in the news and tries to bring an educated, balanced discussion to bear on the scientific issues at hand. Panels of expert guests join host Ira Flatow, a veteran science journalist, to discuss science and to take questions from listeners during the call-in portion of the program.",
"airtime": "FRI 11am-1pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Science-Friday-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.wnycstudios.org/shows/science-friday",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/science-friday",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=73329284&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/Science-Friday-p394/",
"rss": "http://feeds.wnyc.org/science-friday"
}
},
"snap-judgment": {
"id": "snap-judgment",
"title": "Snap Judgment",
"tagline": "Real stories with killer beats",
"info": "The Snap Judgment radio show and podcast mixes real stories with killer beats to produce cinematic, dramatic radio. Snap's musical brand of storytelling dares listeners to see the world through the eyes of another. This is storytelling... with a BEAT!! Snap first aired on public radio stations nationwide in July 2010. Today, Snap Judgment airs on over 450 public radio stations and is brought to the airwaves by KQED & PRX.",
"airtime": "SAT 1pm-2pm, 9pm-10pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Snap-Judgment-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Snap Judgment",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://snapjudgment.org",
"meta": {
"site": "arts",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 4
},
"link": "https://snapjudgment.org",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/snap-judgment/id283657561",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/449018144/snap-judgment",
"stitcher": "https://www.pandora.com/podcast/snap-judgment/PC:241?source=stitcher-sunset",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/3Cct7ZWmxHNAtLgBTqjC5v",
"rss": "https://snap.feed.snapjudgment.org/"
}
},
"soldout": {
"id": "soldout",
"title": "SOLD OUT: Rethinking Housing in America",
"tagline": "A new future for housing",
"info": "Sold Out: Rethinking Housing in America",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Sold-Out-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Sold Out: Rethinking Housing in America",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/soldout",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 13
},
"link": "/podcasts/soldout",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/911586047/s-o-l-d-o-u-t-a-new-future-for-housing",
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/introducing-sold-out-rethinking-housing-in-america/id1531354937",
"rss": "https://feeds.megaphone.fm/soldout",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/38dTBSk2ISFoPiyYNoKn1X",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/sold-out-rethinking-housing-in-america",
"tunein": "https://tunein.com/radio/SOLD-OUT-Rethinking-Housing-in-America-p1365871/"
}
},
"spooked": {
"id": "spooked",
"title": "Spooked",
"tagline": "True-life supernatural stories",
"info": "",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Spooked-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Spooked",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://spookedpodcast.org/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 7
},
"link": "https://spookedpodcast.org/",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spooked/id1279361017",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/549547848/snap-judgment-presents-spooked",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/76571Rfl3m7PLJQZKQIGCT",
"rss": "https://feeds.simplecast.com/TBotaapn"
}
},
"tech-nation": {
"id": "tech-nation",
"title": "Tech Nation Radio Podcast",
"info": "Tech Nation is a weekly public radio program, hosted by Dr. Moira Gunn. Founded in 1993, it has grown from a simple interview show to a multi-faceted production, featuring conversations with noted technology and science leaders, and a weekly science and technology-related commentary.",
"airtime": "FRI 10pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Tech-Nation-Radio-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "http://technation.podomatic.com/",
"meta": {
"site": "science",
"source": "Tech Nation Media"
},
"link": "/radio/program/tech-nation",
"subscribe": {
"rss": "https://technation.podomatic.com/rss2.xml"
}
},
"ted-radio-hour": {
"id": "ted-radio-hour",
"title": "TED Radio Hour",
"info": "The TED Radio Hour is a journey through fascinating ideas, astonishing inventions, fresh approaches to old problems, and new ways to think and create.",
"airtime": "SUN 3pm-4pm, SAT 10pm-11pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/tedRadioHour.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/ted-radio-hour/?showDate=2018-06-22",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/ted-radio-hour",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/8vsS",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=523121474&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/TED-Radio-Hour-p418021/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510298/podcast.xml"
}
},
"thebay": {
"id": "thebay",
"title": "The Bay",
"tagline": "Local news to keep you rooted",
"info": "Host Devin Katayama walks you through the biggest story of the day with reporters and newsmakers.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-Bay-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED The Bay",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/thebay",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 2
},
"link": "/podcasts/thebay",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bay/id1350043452",
"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d800ea4c-7a2c-42f2-b861-edaf78a5db0b/the-bay",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/586725995/the-bay",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/the-bay",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/4BIKBKIujizLHlIlBNaAqQ",
"rss": "https://feeds.megaphone.fm/KQINC8259786327"
}
},
"thelatest": {
"id": "thelatest",
"title": "The Latest",
"tagline": "Trusted local news in real time",
"info": "",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Latest-2025-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED The Latest",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/thelatest",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 6
},
"link": "/thelatest",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-latest-from-kqed/id1197721799",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/1257949365/the-latest-from-k-q-e-d",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/5KIIXMgM9GTi5AepwOYvIZ?si=bd3053fec7244dba",
"rss": "https://feeds.megaphone.fm/KQINC9137121918"
}
},
"theleap": {
"id": "theleap",
"title": "The Leap",
"tagline": "What if you closed your eyes, and jumped?",
"info": "Stories about people making dramatic, risky changes, told by award-winning public radio reporter Judy Campbell.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-Leap-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED The Leap",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/theleap",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 17
},
"link": "/podcasts/theleap",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leap/id1046668171",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/447248267/the-leap",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/the-leap",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/3sSlVHHzU0ytLwuGs1SD1U",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/programs/the-leap/feed/podcast"
}
},
"the-moth-radio-hour": {
"id": "the-moth-radio-hour",
"title": "The Moth Radio Hour",
"info": "Since its launch in 1997, The Moth has presented thousands of true stories, told live and without notes, to standing-room-only crowds worldwide. Moth storytellers stand alone, under a spotlight, with only a microphone and a roomful of strangers. The storyteller and the audience embark on a high-wire act of shared experience which is both terrifying and exhilarating. Since 2008, The Moth podcast has featured many of our favorite stories told live on Moth stages around the country. For information on all of our programs and live events, visit themoth.org.",
"airtime": "SAT 8pm-9pm and SUN 11am-12pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/theMoth.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://themoth.org/",
"meta": {
"site": "arts",
"source": "prx"
},
"link": "/radio/program/the-moth-radio-hour",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-moth-podcast/id275699983?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/The-Moth-p273888/",
"rss": "http://feeds.themoth.org/themothpodcast"
}
},
"the-new-yorker-radio-hour": {
"id": "the-new-yorker-radio-hour",
"title": "The New Yorker Radio Hour",
"info": "The New Yorker Radio Hour is a weekly program presented by the magazine's editor, David Remnick, and produced by WNYC Studios and The New Yorker. Each episode features a diverse mix of interviews, profiles, storytelling, and an occasional burst of humor inspired by the magazine, and shaped by its writers, artists, and editors. This isn't a radio version of a magazine, but something all its own, reflecting the rich possibilities of audio storytelling and conversation. Theme music for the show was composed and performed by Merrill Garbus of tUnE-YArDs.",
"airtime": "SAT 10am-11am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-New-Yorker-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.wnycstudios.org/shows/tnyradiohour",
"meta": {
"site": "arts",
"source": "WNYC"
},
"link": "/radio/program/the-new-yorker-radio-hour",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1050430296",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/WNYC-Podcasts/New-Yorker-Radio-Hour-p803804/",
"rss": "https://feeds.feedburner.com/newyorkerradiohour"
}
},
"the-sam-sanders-show": {
"id": "the-sam-sanders-show",
"title": "The Sam Sanders Show",
"info": "One of public radio's most dynamic voices, Sam Sanders helped launch The NPR Politics Podcast and hosted NPR's hit show It's Been A Minute. Now, the award-winning host returns with something brand new, The Sam Sanders Show. Every week, Sam Sanders and friends dig into the culture that shapes our lives: what's driving the biggest trends, how artists really think, and even the memes you can't stop scrolling past. Sam is beloved for his way of unpacking the world and bringing you up close to fresh currents and engaging conversations. The Sam Sanders Show is smart, funny and always a good time.",
"airtime": "FRI 12-1pm AND SAT 11am-12pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/The-Sam-Sanders-Show-Podcast-Tile-400x400-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.kcrw.com/shows/the-sam-sanders-show/latest",
"meta": {
"site": "arts",
"source": "KCRW"
},
"link": "https://www.kcrw.com/shows/the-sam-sanders-show/latest",
"subscribe": {
"rss": "https://feed.cdnstream1.com/zjb/feed/download/ac/28/59/ac28594c-e1d0-4231-8728-61865cdc80e8.xml"
}
},
"the-splendid-table": {
"id": "the-splendid-table",
"title": "The Splendid Table",
"info": "\u003cem>The Splendid Table\u003c/em> hosts our nation's conversations about cooking, sustainability and food culture.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-Splendid-Table-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.splendidtable.org/",
"airtime": "SUN 10-11 pm",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/the-splendid-table"
},
"this-american-life": {
"id": "this-american-life",
"title": "This American Life",
"info": "This American Life is a weekly public radio show, heard by 2.2 million people on more than 500 stations. Another 2.5 million people download the weekly podcast. It is hosted by Ira Glass, produced in collaboration with Chicago Public Media, delivered to stations by PRX The Public Radio Exchange, and has won all of the major broadcasting awards.",
"airtime": "SAT 12pm-1pm, 7pm-8pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/thisAmericanLife.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.thisamericanlife.org/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "wbez"
},
"link": "/radio/program/this-american-life",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=201671138&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"rss": "https://www.thisamericanlife.org/podcast/rss.xml"
}
},
"tinydeskradio": {
"id": "tinydeskradio",
"title": "Tiny Desk Radio",
"info": "We're bringing the best of Tiny Desk to the airwaves, only on public radio.",
"airtime": "SUN 8pm and SAT 9pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/300x300-For-Member-Station-Logo-Tiny-Desk-Radio-@2x.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/series/g-s1-52030/tiny-desk-radio",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/tinydeskradio",
"subscribe": {
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/g-s1-52030/rss.xml"
}
},
"wait-wait-dont-tell-me": {
"id": "wait-wait-dont-tell-me",
"title": "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!",
"info": "Peter Sagal and Bill Kurtis host the weekly NPR News quiz show alongside some of the best and brightest news and entertainment personalities.",
"airtime": "SUN 10am-11am, SAT 11am-12pm, SAT 6pm-7pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Wait-Wait-Podcast-Tile-300x300-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/wait-wait-dont-tell-me/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/wait-wait-dont-tell-me",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/Xogv",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=121493804&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/Wait-Wait-Dont-Tell-Me-p46/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/344098539/podcast.xml"
}
},
"weekend-edition-saturday": {
"id": "weekend-edition-saturday",
"title": "Weekend Edition Saturday",
"info": "Weekend Edition Saturday wraps up the week's news and offers a mix of analysis and features on a wide range of topics, including arts, sports, entertainment, and human interest stories. The two-hour program is hosted by NPR's Peabody Award-winning Scott Simon.",
"airtime": "SAT 5am-10am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Weekend-Edition-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/weekend-edition-saturday/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/weekend-edition-saturday"
},
"weekend-edition-sunday": {
"id": "weekend-edition-sunday",
"title": "Weekend Edition Sunday",
"info": "Weekend Edition Sunday features interviews with newsmakers, artists, scientists, politicians, musicians, writers, theologians and historians. The program has covered news events from Nelson Mandela's 1990 release from a South African prison to the capture of Saddam Hussein.",
"airtime": "SUN 5am-10am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Weekend-Edition-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/weekend-edition-sunday/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/weekend-edition-sunday"
}
},
"racesReducer": {},
"racesGenElectionReducer": {},
"racesGenElection2026Reducer": {},
"radioSchedulesReducer": {},
"listsReducer": {
"posts/news?category=california": {
"isFetching": false,
"latestQuery": {
"from": 1896,
"size": 12
},
"vitalsOnly": false,
"totalRequested": 12,
"isLoading": false,
"isLoadingMore": true,
"total": {
"value": 2586,
"relation": "eq"
},
"items": [
"news_12018723",
"news_12018517",
"news_12018466",
"news_12018653",
"news_12018477",
"news_12018609",
"news_12018557",
"news_12018475",
"news_12018471",
"news_12018025",
"news_12018468",
"news_12017652"
],
"complete": true
}
},
"recallGuideReducer": {
"intros": {},
"policy": {},
"candidates": {}
},
"savedArticleReducer": {
"articles": [],
"status": {}
},
"newslettersReducer": {
"isFetching": false,
"fetchFailed": false,
"hasFetched": false,
"newsletters": {},
"isSubscribing": false,
"isUnsubscribing": false,
"subscribedNewsletters": {}
},
"termsReducer": {
"about": {
"name": "About",
"type": "terms",
"id": "about",
"slug": "about",
"link": "/about",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"arts": {
"name": "Arts & Culture",
"grouping": [
"arts",
"pop",
"trulyca"
],
"description": "KQED Arts provides daily in-depth coverage of the Bay Area's music, art, film, performing arts, literature and arts news, as well as cultural commentary and criticism.",
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts",
"slug": "arts",
"link": "/arts",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"artschool": {
"name": "Art School",
"parent": "arts",
"type": "terms",
"id": "artschool",
"slug": "artschool",
"link": "/artschool",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"bayareabites": {
"name": "KQED food",
"grouping": [
"food",
"bayareabites",
"checkplease"
],
"parent": "food",
"type": "terms",
"id": "bayareabites",
"slug": "bayareabites",
"link": "/food",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"bayareahiphop": {
"name": "Bay Area Hiphop",
"type": "terms",
"id": "bayareahiphop",
"slug": "bayareahiphop",
"link": "/bayareahiphop",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"campaign21": {
"name": "Campaign 21",
"type": "terms",
"id": "campaign21",
"slug": "campaign21",
"link": "/campaign21",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"careers": {
"name": "Careers",
"type": "terms",
"id": "careers",
"slug": "careers",
"link": "/careers",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"checkplease": {
"name": "KQED food",
"grouping": [
"food",
"bayareabites",
"checkplease"
],
"parent": "food",
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease",
"slug": "checkplease",
"link": "/food",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"education": {
"name": "Education",
"grouping": [
"education"
],
"type": "terms",
"id": "education",
"slug": "education",
"link": "/education",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"elections": {
"name": "Elections",
"type": "terms",
"id": "elections",
"slug": "elections",
"link": "/elections",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"events": {
"name": "Events",
"type": "terms",
"id": "events",
"slug": "events",
"link": "/events",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"event": {
"name": "Event",
"alias": "events",
"type": "terms",
"id": "event",
"slug": "event",
"link": "/event",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"filmschoolshorts": {
"name": "Film School Shorts",
"type": "terms",
"id": "filmschoolshorts",
"slug": "filmschoolshorts",
"link": "/filmschoolshorts",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"food": {
"name": "KQED food",
"grouping": [
"food",
"bayareabites",
"checkplease"
],
"type": "terms",
"id": "food",
"slug": "food",
"link": "/food",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"forum": {
"name": "Forum",
"relatedContentQuery": "posts/forum?",
"parent": "news",
"type": "terms",
"id": "forum",
"slug": "forum",
"link": "/forum",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"futureofyou": {
"name": "Future of You",
"grouping": [
"science",
"futureofyou"
],
"parent": "science",
"type": "terms",
"id": "futureofyou",
"slug": "futureofyou",
"link": "/futureofyou",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"jpepinheart": {
"name": "KQED food",
"relatedContentQuery": "posts/food,bayareabites,checkplease",
"parent": "food",
"type": "terms",
"id": "jpepinheart",
"slug": "jpepinheart",
"link": "/food",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"liveblog": {
"name": "Live Blog",
"type": "terms",
"id": "liveblog",
"slug": "liveblog",
"link": "/liveblog",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"livetv": {
"name": "Live TV",
"parent": "tv",
"type": "terms",
"id": "livetv",
"slug": "livetv",
"link": "/livetv",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"lowdown": {
"name": "The Lowdown",
"relatedContentQuery": "posts/lowdown?",
"parent": "news",
"type": "terms",
"id": "lowdown",
"slug": "lowdown",
"link": "/lowdown",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"mindshift": {
"name": "Mindshift",
"parent": "news",
"description": "MindShift explores the future of education by highlighting the innovative – and sometimes counterintuitive – ways educators and parents are helping all children succeed.",
"type": "terms",
"id": "mindshift",
"slug": "mindshift",
"link": "/mindshift",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"news": {
"name": "News",
"grouping": [
"news",
"forum"
],
"type": "terms",
"id": "news",
"slug": "news",
"link": "/news",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"newsletters": {
"name": "newsletters",
"type": "terms",
"id": "newsletters",
"slug": "newsletters",
"link": "/newsletters",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"perspectives": {
"name": "Perspectives",
"parent": "radio",
"type": "terms",
"id": "perspectives",
"slug": "perspectives",
"link": "/perspectives",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"podcasts": {
"name": "Podcasts",
"type": "terms",
"id": "podcasts",
"slug": "podcasts",
"link": "/podcasts",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"pop": {
"name": "Pop",
"parent": "arts",
"type": "terms",
"id": "pop",
"slug": "pop",
"link": "/pop",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"pressroom": {
"name": "Pressroom",
"type": "terms",
"id": "pressroom",
"slug": "pressroom",
"link": "/pressroom",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"quest": {
"name": "Quest",
"parent": "science",
"type": "terms",
"id": "quest",
"slug": "quest",
"link": "/quest",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"radio": {
"name": "Radio",
"grouping": [
"forum",
"perspectives"
],
"description": "Listen to KQED Public Radio – home of Forum and The California Report – on 88.5 FM in San Francisco, 89.3 FM in Sacramento, 88.3 FM in Santa Rosa and 88.1 FM in Martinez.",
"type": "terms",
"id": "radio",
"slug": "radio",
"link": "/radio",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"root": {
"name": "KQED",
"image": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"imageWidth": 1200,
"imageHeight": 630,
"headData": {
"title": "KQED | News, Radio, Podcasts, TV | Public Media for Northern California",
"description": "KQED provides public radio, television, and independent reporting on issues that matter to the Bay Area. We’re the NPR and PBS member station for Northern California."
},
"type": "terms",
"id": "root",
"slug": "root",
"link": "/root",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"science": {
"name": "Science",
"grouping": [
"science",
"futureofyou"
],
"description": "KQED Science brings you award-winning science and environment coverage from the Bay Area and beyond.",
"type": "terms",
"id": "science",
"slug": "science",
"link": "/science",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"stateofhealth": {
"name": "State of Health",
"parent": "science",
"type": "terms",
"id": "stateofhealth",
"slug": "stateofhealth",
"link": "/stateofhealth",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"support": {
"name": "Support",
"type": "terms",
"id": "support",
"slug": "support",
"link": "/support",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"thedolist": {
"name": "The Do List",
"parent": "arts",
"type": "terms",
"id": "thedolist",
"slug": "thedolist",
"link": "/thedolist",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"trulyca": {
"name": "Truly CA",
"grouping": [
"arts",
"pop",
"trulyca"
],
"parent": "arts",
"type": "terms",
"id": "trulyca",
"slug": "trulyca",
"link": "/trulyca",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"tv": {
"name": "TV",
"type": "terms",
"id": "tv",
"slug": "tv",
"link": "/tv",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"voterguide": {
"name": "Voter Guide",
"parent": "elections",
"alias": "elections",
"type": "terms",
"id": "voterguide",
"slug": "voterguide",
"link": "/voterguide",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"guiaelectoral": {
"name": "Guia Electoral",
"parent": "elections",
"alias": "elections",
"type": "terms",
"id": "guiaelectoral",
"slug": "guiaelectoral",
"link": "/guiaelectoral",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"news_category_california": {
"isLoading": true
},
"news_31795": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_31795",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "31795",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "California",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "California Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 31812,
"slug": "california",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/category/california"
},
"source_news_12018557": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "source_news_12018557",
"meta": {
"override": true
},
"name": "Calmatters",
"link": "https://calmatters.org/",
"isLoading": false
},
"news_18540": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_18540",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "18540",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Education",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Education Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 2595,
"slug": "education",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/category/education"
},
"news_28250": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_28250",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "28250",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Local",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Local Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 28267,
"slug": "local",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/category/local"
},
"news_8": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_8",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "8",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "News",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "News Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 8,
"slug": "news",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/category/news"
},
"news_20013": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_20013",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "20013",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "education",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "education Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 20030,
"slug": "education",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/education"
},
"news_31715": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_31715",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "31715",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "FAFSA",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "FAFSA Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 31732,
"slug": "fafsa",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/fafsa"
},
"news_33738": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_33738",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "33738",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "California",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "California Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 33755,
"slug": "california",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/interest/california"
},
"news_33746": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_33746",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "33746",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Education",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Education Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 33763,
"slug": "education",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/interest/education"
},
"news_33733": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_33733",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "33733",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "News",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "News Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 33750,
"slug": "news",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/interest/news"
},
"news_24312": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_24312",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "24312",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Bay Area Food",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Bay Area Food Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 24329,
"slug": "bay-area-food",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/bay-area-food"
},
"news_27626": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_27626",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "27626",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "featured-news",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "featured-news Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 27643,
"slug": "featured-news",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/featured-news"
},
"news_17856": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_17856",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "17856",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Japanese Americans",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Japanese Americans Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 17890,
"slug": "japanese-americans",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/japanese-americans"
},
"news_18541": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_18541",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "18541",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "San Jose",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "San Jose Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 91,
"slug": "san-jose",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/san-jose"
},
"news_6266": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_6266",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "6266",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Housing",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Housing Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 6290,
"slug": "housing",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/category/housing"
},
"news_18538": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_18538",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "18538",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "California",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "California Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 31,
"slug": "california",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/california"
},
"news_1775": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_1775",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "1775",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "housing",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "housing Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1790,
"slug": "housing",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/housing"
},
"news_34054": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_34054",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "34054",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "oakland",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "oakland Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 34071,
"slug": "oakland",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/oakland"
},
"news_33739": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_33739",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "33739",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Housing",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Housing Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 33756,
"slug": "housing",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/interest/housing"
},
"news_457": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_457",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "457",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Health",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Health Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 16998,
"slug": "health",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/category/health"
},
"news_1053": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_1053",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "1053",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "Blue Cross",
"slug": "blue-cross",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "Blue Cross | KQED News",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null,
"metaRobotsNoIndex": "noindex"
},
"ttid": 1064,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/blue-cross"
},
"news_18543": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_18543",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "18543",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Health",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Health Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 466,
"slug": "health",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/health"
},
"news_1054": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_1054",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "1054",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "health insurance",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "health insurance Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1065,
"slug": "health-insurance",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/health-insurance"
},
"news_33747": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_33747",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "33747",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Health",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Health Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 33764,
"slug": "health",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/interest/health"
},
"news_34165": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_34165",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "34165",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "Climate",
"slug": "climate",
"taxonomy": "category",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "Climate Archives | KQED News",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 34182,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/category/climate"
},
"news_356": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_356",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "356",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Science",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Science Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 364,
"slug": "science",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/category/science"
},
"news_19204": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_19204",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "19204",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "climate",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "climate Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 19221,
"slug": "climate",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/climate"
},
"news_28199": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_28199",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "28199",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "featured-science",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "featured-science Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 28216,
"slug": "featured-science",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/featured-science"
},
"news_3431": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_3431",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "3431",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "Flooding",
"slug": "flooding",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "Flooding | KQED News",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 3449,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/flooding"
},
"news_1073": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_1073",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "1073",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "tornadoes",
"slug": "tornadoes",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "tornadoes | KQED News",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null,
"metaRobotsNoIndex": "noindex"
},
"ttid": 1084,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/tornadoes"
},
"news_1013": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_1013",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "1013",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "tsunami",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "tsunami Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1023,
"slug": "tsunami",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/tsunami"
},
"news_2792": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_2792",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "2792",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "UCLA",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "UCLA Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 2810,
"slug": "ucla",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/ucla"
},
"news_3": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_3",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "3",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "weather",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "weather Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 3,
"slug": "weather",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/weather"
},
"news_33750": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_33750",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "33750",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Climate",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Climate Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 33767,
"slug": "climate",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/interest/climate"
},
"news_34167": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_34167",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "34167",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "Criminal Justice",
"slug": "criminal-justice",
"taxonomy": "category",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "Criminal Justice Archives | KQED News",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 34184,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/category/criminal-justice"
},
"news_1386": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_1386",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "1386",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Bay Area",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Bay Area Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1398,
"slug": "bay-area",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/bay-area"
},
"news_17626": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_17626",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "17626",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "crime",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "crime Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 17660,
"slug": "crime",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/crime"
},
"news_17725": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_17725",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "17725",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "criminal justice",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "criminal justice Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 17759,
"slug": "criminal-justice",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/criminal-justice"
},
"news_38": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_38",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "38",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "San Francisco",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "San Francisco Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 58,
"slug": "san-francisco",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/san-francisco"
},
"news_1631": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_1631",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "1631",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "Technology",
"slug": "technology",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "Technology | KQED News",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1643,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/technology"
},
"news_33745": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_33745",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "33745",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Criminal Justice",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Criminal Justice Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 33762,
"slug": "criminal-justice",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/interest/criminal-justice"
},
"news_33729": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_33729",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "33729",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "San Francisco",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "San Francisco Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 33746,
"slug": "san-francisco",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/interest/san-francisco"
},
"news_19906": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_19906",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "19906",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Environment",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Environment Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 19923,
"slug": "environment",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/category/environment"
},
"news_31711": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_31711",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "31711",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "#water",
"slug": "water",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "#water | KQED News",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 31728,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/water"
},
"news_5428": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_5428",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "5428",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Department of Water Resources",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Department of Water Resources Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 5451,
"slug": "department-of-water-resources",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/department-of-water-resources"
},
"news_32571": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_32571",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "32571",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "fish",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "fish Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 32588,
"slug": "fish",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/fish"
},
"news_3531": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_3531",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "3531",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "salmon",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "salmon Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 3549,
"slug": "salmon",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/salmon"
},
"news_33737": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_33737",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "33737",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Science",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Science Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 33754,
"slug": "science",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/interest/science"
},
"news_20061": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_20061",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "20061",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Atmospheric River",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Atmospheric River Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 20078,
"slug": "atmospheric-river",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/atmospheric-river"
},
"news_255": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_255",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "255",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "climate change",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "climate change Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 263,
"slug": "climate-change",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/climate-change"
},
"news_823": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_823",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "823",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Golden Gate Park",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Golden Gate Park Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 833,
"slug": "golden-gate-park",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/golden-gate-park"
},
"news_5270": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_5270",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "5270",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Mission District",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Mission District Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 5292,
"slug": "mission-district",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/mission-district"
},
"news_30125": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_30125",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "30125",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "rain storm",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "rain storm Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 30142,
"slug": "rain-storm",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/rain-storm"
},
"news_2595": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_2595",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "2595",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "trees",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "trees Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 2611,
"slug": "trees",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/trees"
},
"news_13": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_13",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "13",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "Politics",
"slug": "politics",
"taxonomy": "category",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "Politics | KQED News",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 13,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/category/politics"
},
"news_20251": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_20251",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "20251",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "California Democrats",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "California Democrats Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 20268,
"slug": "california-democrats",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/california-democrats"
},
"news_34377": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_34377",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "34377",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "featured-politics",
"slug": "featured-politics",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "featured-politics Archives | KQED News",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 34394,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/featured-politics"
},
"news_16": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_16",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "16",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Gavin Newsom",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Gavin Newsom Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 16,
"slug": "gavin-newsom",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/gavin-newsom"
},
"news_17968": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_17968",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "17968",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "Politics",
"slug": "politics",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "Politics | KQED News",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 18002,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/politics"
},
"news_237": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_237",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "237",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "veterans",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "veterans Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 245,
"slug": "veterans",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/veterans"
},
"news_33734": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_33734",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "33734",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Local Politics",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Local Politics Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 33751,
"slug": "local-politics",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/interest/local-politics"
},
"news_129": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_129",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "129",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Berkeley",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Berkeley Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 133,
"slug": "berkeley",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/berkeley"
},
"news_33742": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_33742",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "33742",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Berkeley",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Berkeley Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 33759,
"slug": "berkeley",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/interest/berkeley"
},
"news_18352": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_18352",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "18352",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "East Bay",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "East Bay Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 18386,
"slug": "east-bay",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/east-bay"
},
"news_1083": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_1083",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "1083",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "storm",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "storm Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1094,
"slug": "storm",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/storm"
},
"news_33521": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_33521",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "33521",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "On Our Watch",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "program",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "On Our Watch Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 33538,
"slug": "on-our-watch",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/program/on-our-watch"
},
"news_6188": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_6188",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "6188",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Law and Justice",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Law and Justice Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 6212,
"slug": "law-and-justice",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/category/law-and-justice"
},
"news_29466": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_29466",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "29466",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "onourwatch",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "onourwatch Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 29483,
"slug": "onourwatch",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/onourwatch"
},
"news_95": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_95",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "95",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Sacramento",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Sacramento Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 411,
"slug": "sacramento",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/sacramento"
}
},
"userPermissionsReducer": {
"wpLoggedIn": false
},
"eventsReducer": {},
"fssReducer": {},
"tvDailyScheduleReducer": {},
"tvWeeklyScheduleReducer": {},
"tvPrimetimeScheduleReducer": {},
"tvMonthlyScheduleReducer": {},
"userAccountReducer": {
"user": {
"email": null,
"emailStatus": "EMAIL_UNVALIDATED",
"loggedStatus": "LOGGED_OUT",
"loggingChecked": false,
"articles": [],
"firstName": null,
"lastName": null,
"phoneNumber": null,
"fetchingMembership": false,
"membershipError": false,
"memberships": [
{
"id": null,
"startDate": null,
"firstName": null,
"lastName": null,
"familyNumber": null,
"memberNumber": null,
"memberSince": null,
"expirationDate": null,
"pfsEligible": false,
"isSustaining": false,
"membershipLevel": "Prospect",
"membershipStatus": "Non Member",
"lastGiftDate": null,
"renewalDate": null,
"lastDonationAmount": null
}
]
},
"authModal": {
"isOpen": false,
"view": "LANDING_VIEW"
},
"error": null
},
"youthMediaReducer": {},
"checkPleaseReducer": {
"filterData": {
"region": {
"key": "Restaurant Region",
"filters": [
"Any Region"
]
},
"cuisine": {
"key": "Restaurant Cuisine",
"filters": [
"Any Cuisine"
]
}
},
"restaurantDataById": {},
"restaurantIdsSorted": [],
"error": null
},
"userAgentReducer": {
"userAgent": "Mozilla/5.0 AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko; compatible; ClaudeBot/1.0; +claudebot@anthropic.com)",
"isBot": true
}
}
