Delta Predators
As the state dries out from a long, rainy winter, the battle over water rights in the Sacramento Delta continues. Water contractors are hoping an upcoming court ruling will find that water pumps are not the only threat to the imperiled Delta Smelt. Some of the blame is getting pinned on a bigger fish that happens to have an appetite for endangered species. Alison Hawkes reports.
Audio Report on Jul 26, 2010 by KQED QUEST staff from QUEST Northern California
Using DNA to Stop Dogfighting
Researchers at UC Davis are collecting DNA from dogs seized in police raids on dogfighting operations. The goal is to create a database to help identify and prosecute the extensive underground breeding programs that sell puppies for as much as $50,000 to dogfighting rings. But the database is controversial among some animal rights activists, who believe it would allow shelters to euthanize dogs whose DNA match fighting lineages.
Audio Report on Jul 19, 2010 by KQED QUEST staff from QUEST Northern California
Protecting Marine Reserves
In April, California continued its ambitious efforts to restore declining ocean fisheries by creating 21 new marine protected areas between Half Moon Bay and Mendocino County. In all, fishing would be banned or reduced in 20 percent of state waters there. But with the state budget crisis, how will California enforce these rules?
Audio Report on Jul 12, 2010 by Lauren Sommer from QUEST Northern California
Bay Area Ant Invasion
If you've ever had small, black ants in your kitchen, chances are they're Argentine Ants. These invasive insects have spread across California, forming what some scientists say is one of the largest colonies on Earth. They're also harming native ants. Now, scientists are developing ways to stop the invasion, by learning the language ants use to communicate. Lauren Sommer reports.
Audio Report on Jul 05, 2010 by Lauren Sommer from QUEST Northern California
Finding a Home for Big Solar – Part Two
A plan that requires California's utilities to generate one third of their electricity from solar, wind and other types of clean energy by 2020 has been held up by a glacially slow permitting process. The Panoche Valley, south of Hollister, is finding itself in the center of one of those debates.
Audio Report on Jun 28, 2010 by Andrea Kissack from QUEST Northern California
Finding a Home for Big Solar – Part One
California has set ambitious goals for a transition to clean, renewable energy: 33 percent by 2020. Some are skeptical that the goal is within reach.QUEST and Climate Watch continue to examine the promise and pitfalls of this historic transformation. Craig Miller reports on one Silicon Valley company's controversial proposal for Panoche Valley.
Audio Report on Jun 21, 2010 by Craig Miller from QUEST Northern California
Strawberries and Worker Safety – Part Two
The Schwarzenegger Administration plans to approve a new chemical called methyl iodide, which is used by strawberry farmers. Although methyl iodide can cause cancer and miscarriages, regulators say that protective measures like respirators and buffer zones will keep farm workers safe. Scientists consulting for the state say these measures often fail, and methyl iodide is too toxic to take chances. Amy Standen reports.
Audio Report on Jun 14, 2010 by KQED QUEST staff from QUEST Northern California
Strawberries and Worker Safety
Methyl bromide – a powerful fumigant used by strawberry growers to sterilize the soil before plants go in – was found to harm the Earth's ozone layer. Strawberry farmers have been clamoring for a replacement, and they may get their wish if the state approves a chemical called methyl iodide. But some state scientists say it could cause cancer and miscarriages in farm workers and nearby communities.
Audio Report on Jun 07, 2010 by KQED QUEST staff from QUEST Northern California
Soundscapes of National Parks
Many Californians will be spending summer traveling to their favorite getaway spost. Some of the most popular tourist destinations are national parks. But we can love them just a little too much. Too many hikers crowd trails, exhaust from automobiles clouds park air, and as Craig Miller reports, we can also have a big impact on one of the most treasured aspects of a park, its sound.
Audio Report on May 31, 2010 by KQED QUEST staff from QUEST Northern California
Race for Renewables
With its wind and solar resources, California is known as a hotbed of renewable energy. Driving that development is an ambitious goal: by 2020, state law requires utilities to generate one third of their electricity from renewable sources. But the road to clean energy is full of obstacles. Lauren Sommer reports on how we got here and the chances of meeting our big green power goals.
Audio Report on May 21, 2010 by Lauren Sommer from QUEST Northern California
Baby Brain Development
Thousands of babies are born each year in the U.S. with brain defects that can cause lifelong disability or even death. UC-San Francisco neurologists and pediatricians are developing better diagnostic tools and treatments to help brain-damaged babies not only survive, but grow up to live more normal lives.
Audio Report on May 17, 2010 by KQED QUEST staff from QUEST Northern California
Greening The Grow
Voters in California will consider a measure on the November ballot to legalize and tax marijuana. Amid the debate over pros and cons, another issue has been gaining visibility — the environmental damage pot cultivation can incur. Illegal pesticide use and creek water diversion at large-scale outdoor operations are well-documented. But environmental concerns are also growing over indoor marijuana cultivation, as Lisa Morehouse reports.
Audio Report on May 10, 2010 by KQED QUEST staff from QUEST Northern California
Sea Water Showdown
A plan being considered by California's State Water Resources Control Board would end the practice of allowing power plants along the coast to suck in ocean water to cool their machinery. Environmentalists say it kills millions of fish larvae, small animals and other ocean life, but the power industry says tighter rules would raise California's electricity prices, already among the nation's highest.
Audio Report on May 03, 2010 by KQED QUEST staff from QUEST Northern California
Notes From An Environmentalist
The oldest grassroots environmental organization in the U.S. is the Sierra Club and it's undergoing a change in leadership. After 18 years running the organization, Carl Pope has just stepped down as executive director, but he remains involved as ever in his new position as chairman. Andrea Kissack spoke with him about the biggest challenges facing the environmental movement today.
Audio Report on Apr 26, 2010 by KQED QUEST staff from QUEST Northern California
Smog Checks Made Easy
This month Governor Schwarzenegger faces a stack of proposed legislation awaiting his signature. One of those bills has to do with the car you may be sitting in this very moment. It's a proposed change to California's annual smog check program which, as Amy Standen reports in this holiday rebroadcast, is due for a tune up.
Audio Report on Apr 12, 2010 by KQED QUEST staff from QUEST Northern California
Ghost Fleet On The Move
For decades, more than 70 Navy and merchant ships known as the "ghost fleet" have been anchored in Suisun Bay, waiting for disposal. While many served in World War II, today they're the subject of a lawsuit filed by environmental groups who are concerned about the pollution these aging vessels are leaching into the bay. Now, some of the ships are finally on the move.
Audio Report on Apr 05, 2010 by KQED QUEST staff from QUEST Northern California
Lessons From Chile
The 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Chile last month may offer some clues for how California would withstand such a massive quake. Andrea Kissack spoke with one Bay Area engineer who just returned from Chile where he was looking at how U.S. building codes held up in the quake.
Audio Report on Mar 29, 2010 by KQED QUEST staff from QUEST Northern California
Alcatraz Goes Green
Alcatraz, the iconic former prison in San Francisco Bay, goes green. Extra stimulus funds have made it possible to replace two aging diesel generators with solar panels that will power up to 60 percent of the island. Amy Standen reports on how the National Park Service plans to hide more than 1300 dark blue solar panels from public view.
Audio Report on Mar 22, 2010 by KQED QUEST staff from QUEST Northern California
Battle Over Public Power
This week, voters on both sides of a contentious measure set for California's June ballot will take the stage in a public hearing in San Francisco. Proposition 16 has to do with how electricity will be delivered to our homes, and by whom. The issue is shaping up to be an epic showdown between local non-profit groups and the utility giant PG&E. Amy Standen has more.
Audio Report on Mar 15, 2010 by KQED QUEST staff from QUEST Northern California
Wither The Lawn
After three years of drought, California is finally getting some wet relief. Yet a series of strong storms doesn't end the state's need to conserve water. A new California law will impose restrictions on landscaping for decades to come. Katharine Mieszkowski reports on the future of the suburban lawn.
Audio Report on Mar 08, 2010 by KQED QUEST staff from QUEST Northern California
