COVID-19 and Farmworkers | August 14

On the August 14 edition of the Reporter Roundup, KPCC reporters have the latest on COVID-19 and farmworkers, Olvera Street rent relief and wildfire prevention. 

Some of California’s most destructive fires in the past few years were caused by sparks from power lines. Sharon McNary reports some big utilities are reducing the risk of fire by turning off power in certain areas but it’s an unpopular tactic. 

The Los Angeles City Council took a step earlier this week towards providing rent relief for businesses along downtown’s historic Olvera Street. KPCC’s Robert Garrova has the details. 

Farmworkers continue to be vulnerable during this pandemic because there isn’t enough education on COVID-19 out on the fields, according to at least one farmworker advocate who spoke to KPCC’s Mariana Dale. Many workers also lack access to healthcare and are undocumented and uninsured, as Dale reports. 

Featured reporters:
Sharon McNary @KPCCsharon
Robert Garrova @robertgarrova
Marina Peña @bymarinagiselle
Emily Guerin @guerinemily
Megan Garvey @garveymcvg

This program has been produced through a collaboration with LAist and KPCC.

PBS SoCal and KCET are partnering with KPCC and LAist to bring you a daily reporter roundup discussing the latest regional news.