The Latest from KQED

Orlando Smith, an incarcerated artist, is showcasing his graphic art at SFMOMA in a historic solo exhibition, the first of its kind for a currently incarcerated artist. His work, which reflects life inside San Quentin during the COVID-19 pandemic, aims to provide insight into the experiences of prisoners and has garnered significant attention from the art community.

There is a significant movement to remove two dams on California's Eel River, which have been detrimental to local fish populations and native communities. The plan, known as the Two Basin Solution, aims to restore the river's ecosystem while balancing the needs of farmers and local residents. This development is seen as a major victory for environmentalists and native tribes.

Bay Area groups are initiating a national week of action against automated license plate readers, citing concerns over privacy and civil liberties. Organizers argue that these systems disproportionately target immigrant communities and have led to wrongful arrests due to misread license plates. Protests are scheduled in multiple cities including Berkeley and Santa Cruz.

Shasta County Supervisors have voted to censure their elections official, Clint Curtis, following allegations of violent threats towards staff. The censure serves as a public reprimand, and Curtis, who has been voted out of office, will leave at the end of the year.

Researchers at Scripps Institute of Oceanography are leading a project to create a detailed record of California's tidal ecosystems, documenting over 1,600 species found in tide pools. This initiative aims to establish a baseline for monitoring climate change impacts on these vulnerable habitats.

The city of Richmond is celebrating the 100th anniversary of The Richmond Plunge, an indoor swimming pool that has been a community fixture. The pool, which has undergone significant repairs and renovations, now hosts various aquatic activities and is a beloved local landmark.

A civil trial is scheduled for later this year regarding the death of Stephen Gaines, known as Zumbi, the MC of the East Bay hip-hop group Zion 1. His family has filed a wrongful death suit after he died following a struggle with security guards during a mental health crisis at a medical center in Berkeley.

Coachella's City Council is advancing a permanent ban on large-scale data centers due to concerns over water, electricity, and noise impacts. While some residents want the issue to go to a vote, the council prefers an ordinance for flexibility in the future.

The California Coastal Commission has unanimously rejected a fracking proposal by a Southern California oil company due to concerns over aging infrastructure and the risk of oil spills. This decision marks a significant stance against offshore fracking, although the federal government still has the final say.

The U.S. Department of Justice has found that California is failing to protect incarcerated women from sexual abuse and harassment by prison staff, following a two-year investigation. Federal officials are calling for improved reporting mechanisms and increased camera coverage, warning that California could face a lawsuit if changes are not made within 49 days.

San Francisco bike advocates are holding a vigil for Yebben Kim, a 32-year-old woman killed while riding an electric scooter on Market Street. Advocates are highlighting the dangers of the street, which they claim has become more hazardous since the introduction of ride-hail vehicles, while Mayor Daniel Lurie expresses his condolences and commitment to improving street safety.

Kennedy High School in Richmond will reopen after state toxic substance experts deemed the campus safe following soil contamination concerns. The school had been closed due to the discovery of a carcinogenic substance, but officials confirmed that vapors did not enter the buildings, allowing students to return as scheduled.

A newly formed collective of street vendors in Oakland is calling for more resources and assistance with permits after experiencing intimidation from city workers. Vendors report that their goods have been damaged or discarded during city sweeps, prompting calls for a more supportive approach from local authorities.

Vince Guaraldi's 'Charlie Brown Christmas' has surpassed Miles Davis's 'Kind of Blue' to become the best-selling jazz album of all time, certified six times platinum by the RIAA. The album's enduring popularity is attributed to its iconic blend of music and animation, as noted by Gene Schultz, widow of Peanuts creator Charles Schultz.

The Onion has acquired InfoWars, the controversial platform previously run by Alex Jones, known for spreading conspiracy theories. The CEO of The Onion, Ben Collins, discusses the transition and the intention to provide a satirical take on the disinformation that characterized InfoWars, while also seeking justice for the families affected by Jones's actions.

California is one of only three states that allow children to marry without a minimum age requirement, prompting advocates and lawmakers to push for a complete ban on underage marriages. A bill has been introduced that has passed the State Assembly and is awaiting a vote in the State Senate, but it faces opposition from the ACLU, which argues it undermines minors' rights to make decisions.

The U.S. Department of Justice has found that California is failing to protect incarcerated women from sexual abuse and harassment by prison staff, following a two-year investigation. Federal officials are calling for expanded camera coverage and stronger consequences for misconduct, while state officials maintain a zero-tolerance policy for such behavior.

The Timber Fire in Big Sur has burned thousands of acres and led to evacuations, significantly impacting local businesses during a peak tourist season. The fire's economic consequences are expected to be severe, reminiscent of past wildfires that disrupted the area's tourism economy.

Federal scientists warn that a strong El Nino could lead to unprecedented flooding in the Bay Area this winter. Climate experts are preparing for significant sea level rise and increased storm activity, prompting local officials to take preventive measures.

The Oakland Street Vendor Collective has called on the city to provide more resources and assistance with permits after experiencing intimidation from city workers. Vendors reported that their goods were damaged or discarded during city sweeps, and one vendor highlighted the bureaucratic challenges that hinder their operations.