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SoCal Matters

New Maps Show 2.3M Acres at High Risk for Wildfires in California

Season 2025 Episode 300

California's wildfire risk is rising, with over 2.3 million acres in high-risk zones. Droughts and longer fire seasons have led to more fires, with 2025 already seeing double the average. Governor Newsom has ordered ember-resistant zones around buildings in high-risk areas. New regulations will apply to new homes immediately and to existing ones over the next three years.

Season
Cities Grow Frustrated Over Caltrans Homeless Response
2:00
Cities complain Caltrans delays encampment removals.
What the Halt on Warrantless Border Patrol Sweeps Means for CA
2:00
Border Patrol barred from sweeping parts of California.
Trump Administration Freezes $250 Million Electric Truck Grant
2:00
A $250M clean truck grant is frozen, stalling port electrification efforts.
New Bill Funds Phonics-Based Instruction, But Avoids Mandates
2:00
California bill funds phonics-based reading programs but avoids mandates.
Welcome to the First Fire-Resistant Neighborhood
2:00
A new Escondido neighborhood models fire-resistant housing in California.
‘Road to Repair’ Plan Reboots 16 Equity Bills
1:50
Black Caucus reintroduces 16 equity bills, steering clear of cash reparations.
Salmon Ban and Crab Fishing Restrictions Hit Coastal Fishers Hard
2:00
Salmon bans and crab fishing restrictions force fishing towns to find new income.
Where is LA's $40 Billion in Wildfire Aid?
2:00
Newsom pushes for $40B in federal aid to rebuild LA after wildfires.
New Bill Targeting Threats to Schools and Churches
2:00
New bill would make threats to schools or churches easier to prosecute.
Trump Targets California Climate Laws in New Executive Order
2:00
Trump moves against CA climate programs that clash with his energy plans.
New Bill Aims to Ban Cat Declawing
1:59
California lawmakers advance a bill to ban declawing cats.
CA Sets Aside $170 Million To Thin Vegetation To Help Prevent Wildfires
2:00
Newsom speeds up wildfire prevention projects with $170M in funding.
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California News
As RFK pushes MAHA, federal cuts shut down California health and nutrition programs
As RFK pushes MAHA, federal cuts shut down California health and nutrition programs
Whether federal cuts are legal is still undecided. But local health departments have closed clinics, stopped programs, cut immunization appointments, and laid off workers anyway.
californianews
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Sacramento Report: Countdown to California’s Redistricting Election
Sacramento Report: Countdown to California’s Redistricting Election
Democrats and Republicans gear up for battle over voting maps.
californianews
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‘Bipartisan, common sense, science-based’: California leads the way in banning ultra-processed school meals
‘Bipartisan, common sense, science-based’: California leads the way in banning ultra-processed school meals
Experts hope that a ‘California effect’ will push other states to ban UPFs, similar to its law against six synthetic food dyes
californianews
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Gavin Newsom Could Make SRO Demolition Easier. SF Affordable Housing Advocates Aren’t Protesting
Gavin Newsom Could Make SRO Demolition Easier. SF Affordable Housing Advocates Aren’t Protesting
by Adam Brinklow | September 11, 2025
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