Sen. Laird reflects on session as it wraps up, new census proposal to exclude undocumented immigrants
The Monterey Bay region’s state senator authored 31 bills that passed during the 2025-26 legislative session. And, how a proposal to exclude...
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KAZU - Listen Local Podcast
KAZU produced local news features.
Episodes
20 of 128 episodes
Monterey Bay This Week: inside Big Sur's fire evacuation zones
In this week's news roundup, KAZU reporter Katie Brown talked to folks in Big Sur pitching in to keep the fires contained and crews comforta...
Big Sur resort supports fire crews, LA jail faces federal investigation
The Plaskett Fire is nearly 80% contained. A nearby resort has offered free showers to fire crews since the blaze began. And, the US Justice...
Fire weather minus wind, bills to help with wildfire recovery
The Timber and Plaskett fires in Big Sur together have now burned more than 55,000 acres. And, lawmakers have sent two bills to the governor...
Plaskett Fire containment reaches 61%, sharing emergency calls from ICE centers
Containment of the Plaskett Fire has reached 61% amid worsening air quality conditions in some places. And, a bill the governor’s desk would...
New tech comes to farms, Californians will vote on billionaire tax
New technology could change how produce is grown and harvested. Plus, Californians will vote on a one-time, 5% billionaire tax this November...
Airborne firefighting tactics, 'roadless rule' under threat
The Plaskett fire in Big Sur continues to grow, and the Trump administration plans to rescind a rule that protects roadless areas.
Nurses protest hospital unit closure, state moves to regulate data centers
Nurses at Watsonville Community Hospital are protesting the closure of the NICU unit, and state legislators pass bills aimed at regulating t...
Plaskett Fire grows, anti-monopoly bill heads to Newsom
The Plaskett Fire in Big Sur expands with aggressive growth. Lawmakers have passed a bill that would make it easier for the state to go afte...
Monterey Bay This Week: fire updates, therapy dogs, historic coastal swim, rebuilding after the CZU fire and more
In this week's local news roundup: another fire breaks out in Big Sur, therapy dogs help firefighters, an endurance athlete reaches the mid-...
Big Sur fires grow, transparency in utility bills
Firefighters are facing difficult conditions as they battle the Plaskett Fire. And, a Central Coast energy company is pushes for more transp...
Fires in Big Sur prompt new evacuation orders and highway closure, athlete attempts historic coastal swim
The Plaskett Fire started Wednesday, east of Los Burros Road and south of the growing Timber Fire. A record-breaking endurance athlete is sw...
Timber Fire closes most of Ventana Wilderness, bill would protect immigrant service providers
The Timber Fire has burned 17,817 acres and is moving deeper into the Ventana Wilderness. And, Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill expan...
Timber Fire grows into wilderness area, therapy dogs support firefighters
The Timber Fire has now crossed the Big Sur River, and firefighters are preparing for continued growth in the Ventana Wilderness. Plus, fire...
Timber Fire update, CZU Fire rebuild, Santa Cruz rental assistance
The Big Sur Timber Fire has grown to more than 12,000 acres. Santa Cruz County Long Term Recovery Group completes its first full rebuild. An...
Monterey Bay This Week: Timber Fire updates, Santa Cruz at the White House, and a new leader at CSUMB
In this week's local news roundup: evacuation orders downgraded to warning in parts of a Timber Fire zone, a meeting between President Donal...
Big Sur community rallies and also needs support, lawmakers seek alternatives to cap and invest money
Firefighters are making progress on the Timber Fire, but Big Sur will need ongoing support. And, lawmakers want to protect climate programs...
Big Sur terrain challenges firefighters, possible bill would limit utilities' liability after fires
Firefighters say a challenge on the Timber Fire is getting equipment into the rugged terrain. And, Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to limit utilitie...
CSUMB welcomes interim president, new polling on state billionaires' tax and voter ID
A new leader at Cal State Monterey Bay. And, more Californians are likely to support the billionaires’ tax and oppose requiring voter ID.
Timber Fire base camp now in Marina, Trump honors local ocean guard
Cal Fire is now operating its response to the Big Sur Timber Fire from Cal State Monterey Bay. And, President Donald Trump has recognized a...