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Latest episodes from KAZU - Listen Local Podcast

Monterey County Sheriff's Office opens resource center, state law addresses maternity deserts

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2025 1:48


The Monterey County Sheriff's Office opens a new Re-Entry Resource Center in Salinas. And, a state law aims to expand birth centers after reporting from CalMatters found California lost close to 60 hospital maternity wards in the last decade.

Pajaro Valley Schools weigh 'controversial issues' policy, Newsom to send National Guard to food banks

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 1:46


Pajaro Valley Unified School District delayed a decision about updates to a policy for "controversial issues" in classrooms. Plus, Governor Gavin Newsom announced he will send California's National Guard to help at food banks.

What Santa Cruz voters should know about Measures B and C

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2025 4:37


Two competing housing measures are on the ballot this election. Both propose using property tax revenue for affordable housing, but their specifics—and their motivations—differ significantly.

International Spinach Conference comes to CSUMB, Newsom warns of pending food assistance delays

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2025 1:46


The 11th annual International Spinach Conference makes its return to the United States on the Cal State Monterey Bay campus. And, Governor Gavin Newsom warns funding for food assistance programs could soon run out due to the federal government shutdown.

Competing housing measures on the ballot in Santa Cruz, cheaper insulin coming in January

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2025 1:48


In Santa Cruz, city voters have two competing housing affordability measures on their ballots—Measure B and Measure C. And, California will start selling its own insulin in January.

Santa Cruz Union to vote on strike authorization, legal help for unaccompanied immigrant youth

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2025 1:46


Santa Cruz Union members will vote on a strike authorization. And, a new California law guarantees legal counsel for unaccompanied immigrant youth.

Dolores Huerta tells thousands at Watsonville "No Kings" rally: "SĂ­ se puede"

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2025 1:46


Thousands took to the streets throughout the Monterey Bay Area this weekend to protest authoritarianism as part of nationwide “No Kings” rallies. In Watsonville, attendees got to hear from a special guest.

What is Prop 50? And, Monday is the last day to register to vote

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2025 1:44


On Nov. 4, California voters will decide the fate of Proposition 50, the state's redistricting measure. Hear what it would do. And, a reminder to register in time to cast your ballot.

City of Marina turns 50, New Leaf Energy presents battery facility plans to Watsonville

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2025 1:51


The City of Marina hosts a series of festivities to celebrate its 50th anniversary. And, renewable energy developer New Leaf Energy presents to the Watsonville City Council about the battery energy storage facility it wants to build near College Lake.

Veterans Transition Center adapts to government shutdown, Obama enters redistricting fight

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2025 1:47


The Veterans Transition Center in Marina taps into donor reserves to make up for losses from the federal government shutdown. And, former President Barack Obama enters the redistricting fight urging California voters to approve Proposition 50.

Saturday Central Coast "No Kings" rallies, KAZU wants to hear from people insured by Covered California

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2025 1:46


Thousands of people are expected to gather across the Monterey Bay Area Saturday as part of nationwide “No Kings” protests. And, with monthly premiums for Affordable Care Act plans set to increase soon, KAZU wants to hear from local residents who get health insurance through Covered California.

Carmel to get street addresses, study links Monterey County pregnancies to pesticide exposure

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2025 1:46


A recent study shows more than half of pregnant women in Monterey County are exposed to harmful pesticides. And, Carmel-by-the-Sea is finally getting street addresses.

Protesters put pressure on Jimmy Panetta for accepting pro-Israel campaign money

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2025 1:48


Central Coast Democratic Rep. Jimmy Panetta faces backlash from pro-Palestine groups over his support of Israel during a Watsonville town hall.

Monterey County teen health info at risk, Cal Fire fighters won't get raise

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2025 1:48


Monterey County teenagers are at risk of losing access to health information programs after federal funding cuts. And, Cal Fire firefighters won't be getting a salary boost.

Monterey County teen health info at risk, Cal Fire fighters won't get raise

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2025 1:48


Monterey County teenagers are at risk of losing access to health information programs after federal funding cuts. And, Cal Fire firefighters won't be getting a salary boost.

Watsonville students share short films, local libraries celebrate banned books

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2025 1:45


Watsonville students created short films that will screen at UC Santa Cruz today. A Q&A discussion will follow the free event. And, local libraries are protesting censorship by celebrating Banned Books Week.

Monterey County urges people to apply for benefits, new law protects social security recipients from evictions

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2025 1:46


Monterey County is seeing fewer residents apply for Medi-Cal and Cal Fresh benefits ahead of changes in 2026. And, social security recipients that can't pay rent due to disruptions with their benefits are protected under a new law Governor Gavin Newsom signed.

Head Start safe through October, bill would have created first farmland access program in California

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2025 1:48


Head Start programs will continue running in Santa Cruz County through the end of the month despite the government shutdown. And, a state bill was set to create the first farmland access program in California. Then it was vetoed.

Hollister non-profit secures disaster preparedness grant, new DHS program for unaccompanied minors

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2025 1:46


A non-profit in San Benito County received a state grant to help residents with disaster preparedness. And, the Department of Homeland Security is rolling out a new program targeting unaccompanied children in the immigration system.

Monterey One Water expands purification project, California prepares for new water year

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2025 1:44


More households in Monterey will get hyper purified water through the Pure Water Monterey expansion project. And, state officials discuss the winter forecast at the start of California's new water year.

Santa Cruz libraries hosts poetry workshops, White House asks universities to sign conservative-aligned agreement

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 1:45


The Santa Cruz Public Libraries Youth Poet Laureate Program hosts free poetry sessions and workshops for teens. And, the White House puts pressure on the University of Southern California and eight other universities to sign a compact agreement in line with conservative ideals.

For surfers, Santa Cruz waves are priceless. A new report gives them a dollar value

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 5:05


The world-renowned surf playground is home to miles of steady waves whose riders and landscape keep changing.

Federal funding for preschool programs threatened, Santa Cruz wants public input on wharf plans

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 1:44


A change in federal funding threatens local Head Start programs, which provide free preschool for low-income families. Plus, the City of Santa Cruz is seeking public input on the Wharf Master Plan.

Ukraine war documentary screens at Carmel festival

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2025 4:30


A film documenting the early days of the 2022 Russian invasion in Ukraine is showing this Friday at the Carmel International Film Festival. Ahead of the screening, KAZU's Ngozi Cole spoke to the director.

Local federal workers face shutdown, report examines impact of federal cuts for Santa Cruz County

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2025 1:44


Federal workers in the region are now facing the government shutdown. And, Santa Cruz County stands to lose millions of dollars from federal cuts.

$40 million contract for initial Pajaro River levee construction, federal anti-semitism investigation hits CSU

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2025 1:45


The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded its first construction contract for the $599 million Pajaro River levee and floodwall project. And, the Trump administration has launched its latest anti-semitism investigation—this time, across the entire Cal State University system.

Highway 1 closure has cost Big Sur economy millions, Amah Mutsun Land Trust will acquire 50-acre property

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2025 1:45


The closure of Highway 1 in Big Sur has cost Central Coast communities hundreds of millions of dollars in lost tourism spending. And, the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band will regain full access rights to land in their ancestral territory for the first time since their forced removal over 225 years ago.

San Benito County workers fear layoffs, underwater cables could help predict earthquakes

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2025 1:44


San Benito County employees represented by Service Employees International Union Local 521 are protesting proposed budget cuts. Plus, new research shows that internet cables could lead to earlier tsunami warnings.

Salinas voters will decide on renter protection laws, local doctor urges people to prepare for flu season

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2025 1:44


The Salinas City Council decided to leave renter protection laws up to voters. And, a local infectious disease doctor with Montage Health urges people to get vaccinated ahead of respiratory virus season.

KION cuts local staff and opts for regional station, water conservation program expands in the Salinas Valley

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2025 1:44


KION television newsroom staff was laid off without warning before the station announced that the San Francisco-based CBS station, KPIX, will take over the daily news slot. And, a program helping rural homes save water and money is expanding in the Salinas Valley.

Sea Otter Awareness Week, advocates urge Newsom to sign AI chatbot safety bill

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2025 1:43


The Marine Mammal Center is highlighting conservation efforts during Sea Otter Awareness Week. And, advocates are urging California Governor Gavin Newsom to sign a bill to protect children from AI chatbots.

'American Agitators' screening in Watsonville Friday, USDA will stop publishing food insecurity data

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2025 1:45


Indivisible Pájaro Valley and the Watsonville Film Festival are screening the documentary American Agitators this Friday. Plus, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will stop publishing data on food insecurity—a problem that affects tens of thousands of people on the Central Coast.

Nearly 1,300 volunteers collect trash around the Central Coast for annual cleanup day

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2025 1:45


Almost 1,300 volunteers collected trash from beaches, rivers and parks on the Central Coast over the weekend in 58 local cleanups organized by the nonprofit Save Our Shores.

Veterans protest for peace, Santa Cruz and Monterey celebrate Sun Day

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2025 1:43


Local veterans protest for peace at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey. And, Santa Cruz and Monterey will join communities around the world in celebrating Sun Day to support solar energy efforts.

New study evaluates Santa Cruz surf breaks, indigenous elder speaks with climate communicators

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2025 1:45


The first report breaking down the value and vulnerability of surf breaks in Santa Cruz is out. And an indigenous Samoan chief who lives in Santa Cruz attends the inaugural Communicating Climate Solutions Symposium organized by the UC Santa Cruz Science Communication Program.

Researchers are trying to trace the path of heavy metal deposits from the Moss Landing battery fire

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2025 1:43


Monterey County has updates on cleanup efforts following the January battery plant fire. But residents and some supervisors remain frustrated by the lack of information about possible human and environmental health impacts. Ongoing research from Moss Landing Marine Labs may help answer their questions.

This couple has been singing karaoke at the same Santa Cruz bar every night for the last 25 years

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2025 4:23


Known for their signature performance of “My Humps” by The Black Eyed Peas, Bob and Patti Vasconcellos have become a staple at Coasters Bar & Grill.

Old Fisherman's Wharf turns 180, CalFire funds cancer research

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2025 1:44


Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf is celebrating 180 years this fall. And, CalFire partners with University of California researchers to look at what's causing cancer in firefighters.

State senate supports stricter battery storage standards, giant sequoias spared in Garnet Fire

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2025 1:45


Central Coast State Sen. John Laird's bill requiring more robust emergency action plans and fire hazard inspections for battery energy storage systems is headed to Governor Gavin Newsom's desk. And, water pumps and sprinklers have kept giant sequoias within the Sierra National Forest safe from the ongoing Garnet Fire.

Former KAZU journalist produces podcast to help overcome grief and anger

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2025 4:56


Erika Mahoney was news director at KAZU four years ago on what became the worst day of her life. She talks with former colleague Doug McKnight about the mass shooting that took her dad's life.

Free updated COVID-19 vaccines available for Kaiser members, Santa Cruz hosts tsunami awareness run

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2025 1:44


Kaiser Permanente members can walk in and get the updated COVID-19 vaccine at no cost starting this week. And, the City of Santa Cruz hosted a fun run over the weekend to raise tsunami awareness.

Local hospitals seek partnerships, state bill requiring law enforcement to show identification advances

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2025 1:43


Some local hospitals are seeking healthcare partners to stay afloat. And, a new state bill requiring law enforcement to show identification advances.

Watsonville expands license plate readers, state bill exempting transit projects from some environmental laws advances

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2025 1:45


Watsonville votes to expand a contract with Flock Safety for automated license plate readers. And, a state bill moves to Governor Gavin Newsom's desk that would make CEQA exemptions for certain transit projects permanent.

Su mayor deseo es alimentar a sus comunidades, pero la administración Trump lo complica al poner obstáculos.

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2025 5:58


En el Valle de Salinas, los agricultores locales se han visto afectados por la reciente pérdida de los programas federales que les abrían el acceso a mercados para comercializar sus productos.

Salinas rental ordinances remain in limbo, trade group applauds latest MAHA report

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2025 1:45


The Salinas City Council voted to wait until September 23 to solidify next steps related to four rental ordinances. And, the trade group Western Growers supports the release of the second "Make America Healthy Again" report.

In new national security podcast, NPR reporters offer glimpses behind the scenes

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2025 4:58


NPR's Mary Louise Kelly is hosting a new national security podcast, Sources and Methods. She talked about it with KAZU.

Valley Fever spikes on Central Coast, state bill allowing rideshare unions advances

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2025 1:44


Valley Fever cases are rising on the Central Coast, with Monterey County's increase larger than others'. And, a bill to allow rideshare drivers to unionize advances.

ICE allowed to resume aggressive sweeps in LA, Central Coast farm gets $2 million for food distribution network

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025 1:45


The U.S. Supreme Court has made it easier for immigration agents to stop people based on their race. And, a Central Coast food distribution network aims to shorten the farm to fork supply chain and help area small farms.

Artists and organizers open their homes for the 18th annual Seaside Art Tour

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2025 1:45


In today's newscast, the home of a local sea glass artist was one of eight venues that featured the work of 32 artists during the 18th annual Seaside Art Tour.

Santa Cruz residents read names of children killed in Gaza, 60 years since the Delano grape strike

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2025 1:44


A day of mourning in Santa Cruz for the thousands of children who have been killed in Gaza over the last two years. And, Monday marks 60 years since the Delano grape strike began in the Central Valley.

Central Coast water board seeks alternatives for residents with contaminated wells

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2025 4:56


More than 14,000 people on the Central Coast face contaminated drinking water from nitrates in agricultural fertilizers. The regional water quality control board is searching for alternative water solutions.

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