KAZU - Listen Local Podcast

The San Benito County Arts Council is accepting thought-provoking applications for their "EAT" exhibit that opens in October. And, California's senators fight for emissions limits on heavy-duty trucks following a federal attempt to reject California's state standards.

Barnside murals, giant cut-outs, and a series of panels on the Cannery Row Rec Trail are the work of a local artist who's happy to stay mostly anonymous.

The Marine Mammal Center has opened a new location in Castroville. And, a new Seaside ordinance tightens restrictions on panhandling and vehicle living.

Santa Cruz County's Commission for the Environment hosted its third and final meeting about battery energy storage systems, and PG&E announces a June 2026 restart date for the Elkhorn battery facility in Moss Landing.

The Campaign for Organic and Regenerative Agriculture will co-host an event on Sunday to educate and unite people against the use of toxic pesticides in the Pajaro Valley. And, farmworker rights activist Dolores Huerta supports a redistricting measure that could result in more Democrats in Congress.

Monterey County deputy superintendent of schools confirmed that federal funds that had previously been impounded have been released to schools for programs that support migrant and low income families.And, Governor Gavin Newsom will likely soon advance a proposal that eases permitting requirements for drilling new oil wells in California.

More than 3,000 incoming and returning Cal State Monterey Bay Otters move into campus housing as the fall semester begins. And, Monterey County hosts the West End Celebration in Sand City and the 25th Annual Turkish Arts & Culture Festival in downtown Monterey.

A Monterey County wine trade group is shutting down. And, California Republicans are speaking out against a redistricting proposal.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park employees give an update about the future of California's oldest state park, five years after the CZU Lightning Complex fire.

A new community park opened yesterday in Salinas. Plus, California lawmakers are working on a bill to tackle a quiet invasive species.

Cotoni-Coast Dairies opens to the public for the first time since its designation as a national monument. And, a summit in Seaside on workforce housing solutions.

Small farmers in the Salinas Valley are reeling from the loss of federal programs that created market channels for them to sell their products.

Many small-scale farmers in the Salinas Valley are having a hard time selling their produce. And, an effort to help people get federal electric vehicle rebates before they expire.

The California Coastal Commission approves an event permit for an annual fireworks fundraiser in Capitola despite opposition. And, a wolf advocate from the Center for Biological Diversity says the number of wolf pups reported in California this year is concerning.

Soledad Unified School district has received a nearly 3 million dollar state grant. And Monterey county wants to hear from residents about sustainable transportation options.

Local officials and residents are celebrating the opening of a 72-unit affordable housing project in Watsonville. And, California Democrats have less than two weeks to get a redistricting measure on the November ballot.

Residents and business owners in historic Capitola Village have sued PG&E over an explosion that destroyed an apartment building, and, they say, exposed ongoing risks.

Business owners and residents will go to court this week over an explosion that happened in Capitola Village in December. Plus, the Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency celebrates the completion of the College Lake Integrated Resources Management Project, which will supply water to coastal farms from La Selva Beach to Moss Landing.

Homelessness numbers in Santa Cruz County are the lowest they've been in over a decade, and the cause of a fire that started yesterday in San Benito County is currently under investigation.

New air sensors around Pajaro Valley and Castroville will help alert schools and community members to harmful air quality. And, Santa Cruz city high schools have a new cell phone policy. Also, Gioia Cheese Co. burrata gets recalled.

Local health providers are bracing for Medicaid cuts under the new federal spending law. They say the cuts will impact their ability to care for low-income patients, potentially leading to financial strain.

The Veterans Transition Center is one of many outside organizations that sponsor rehabilitative programs at Soledad's Correctional Training Facility, which offers the most programming of any California.

A new preschool opens its doors in East Salinas. And, a federal judge in San Francisco has ordered the Justice Department to defend its suspension of hundreds of scientific research grants at UCLA.

A deadly disease affecting sea lions along California's Central Coast has sparked concern from wildlife experts. And, California Attorney General Rob Bonta says his office has restored $168 billion in federal funds to the state by suing the Trump administration.

The California Police Records Access Project is now available to the public. Plus, the developer of a 389-unit housing development in Santa Cruz may back out.

Monterey City Council is slated to take a final vote on a local ordinance that would put stricter limits on sidewalk vendors near Old Fisherman's Wharf. And, a bill would require California hospitals to inform low-income patients of financial assistance programs.

Congressional legislation introduced this week aims to provide relief to people with federally backed housing loans following climate disaster. And state legislation banning the sale of new Glock handguns could reach Gov. Newsom's desk by late August.

After months of delays, the first units for an interim housing project were delivered this week in Watsonville. Plus, former Vice President Kamala Harris says no to a gubernatorial run.

Researchers at UC Santa Cruz found that sunflower sea stars could help kelp forests recover by scaring away sea urchins. And, United States Rep. Jimmy Panetta called for congressional oversight in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities.

The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the fatal plane crash in Pacific Grove. And, California is having a much cooler summer than expected this year.

Planned Parenthood shut its Santa Cruz location last week and Monterey had its first-ever abalone festival over the weekend.

A collaboration between UC Davis and UC Santa Cruz will bring more medical students to the Central Coast. And, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren pushes a bill offering some undocumented immigrants a pathway to citizenship.

Vistra Corp and the US Environmental Protection Agency reached a formal agreement related to the cleanup of the site of the January battery fire in Moss Landing. Plus, a report names Santa Cruz as the nation's least affordable rental market for the third year in a row.

The Marine Mammal Center opposes a reauthorization bill to weaken the 1972 Marine Mammal Protection Act. And, the City of Marina urges the California Public Utilities Commission to reject a proposed desalination plant.

Santa Cruz County's employment outlook isn't doing so well. And, as the new school year approaches, Monterey County schools are facing a nearly $25 million federal funding freeze to key programs that help students and their families.

An underwhelming takeaway from a recent Moss Landing Vistra battery fire report. Plus, universal pre-K kicks off during the 2025-26 school year for Monterey Bay area families.

In today's newscast, funding to address homelessness is in a precarious spot. Still, some grant money is available, and Monterey and San Benito counties are looking for community input on funding priorities.

Protesters in Salinas joined nationwide rallies on Thursday, and California is helping communities withstand extreme heat.

A crash report reveals a need for safer roads in Santa Cruz County. And, how the Senate vote to rescind federal funds for public broadcasting could affect KAZU.

Monterey City Council unanimously approved a local ordinance to cut the number of sidewalk vendors near Old Fisherman's Wharf by about half due to public safety concerns. And, the City of Santa Cruz praised Sen. John Laird for helping secure an additional $4.5 million in funding to support the downtown library project.

Local health providers are bracing for Medicaid cuts under the new federal spending law. And, Pajaro Valley Unified School District teachers have filed a lawsuit claiming that pesticides are harming children.

Two counties in the region say the summer tourism season is going well. And, the Asian Law Caucus takes up birthright citizenship on behalf of newborns who are at risk of losing their citizenship.

Monterey County is waiting for state feedback on its overdue housing plan. And, the state has an update on the gray wolf population after a decade of conservation.

In today's newscast, a look at the downstream effects of changes to federal grant requirements since President Trump took office.

Structure demolition at the site of the Moss Landing battery fire could begin this month, and owner Vistra Energy will be responsible for compiling a health risk assessment. Plus, paternity leave rates are increasing in California.

In today's newscast, a local Monterey County volunteer shares how the Trump Administration's attempt to dismantle AmeriCorps affected her job. And, as deer fawning season on the Central Coast comes to a close, the signs warning drivers to slow down will disappear.

Civics and service learning are getting a boost in the region. Plus, local leaders are speaking out against health cuts in the recent federal tax and spending bill.

In today's newscast, the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) office at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey is now closed—some work will continue as part of a restructuring. Plus, Monterey Bay area residents can apply for local subsidies on new and used electric cars.

In today's newscast, California is making it easier to build homes, but harder to address homelessness. Plus, Santa Cruz City Schools will continue offering free meals in the upcoming school year, as well as hands-on food systems education.

10 state-funded rehabilitation programs run by the Veterans Transition Center at Soledad's Correctional Training Facility have ended. Plus, the City of Santa Cruz celebrates parks and recreation month in July.

More than a week after Israel and Iran reached a fragile ceasefire, a local Iranian writer is offering her insight. Ava Homa lives in Pacific Grove, has written extensively about human rights in Iran and teaches at Cal State Monterey Bay.