Tracking Bay Pollution (2008-09-19)
Imagine a sunny Saturday afternoon and you're washing your car in your driveway. The water comes out of the hose, over your sudsy car, then down to the gutter that leads to a storm drain. At the other end of that drain, you'll find volunteers from Urban Watch
E. coli Research Shared (2008-09-12)
Two years after a deadly E.coli outbreak in spinach, growers continue to look for ways to ensure the safety of food. New research on how E.coli is transmitted to leafy greens was released during a conference in Monterey. KAZU's Krista Almanzan reports.
Local McCain Friend Reflects on RNC (2008-09-04)
On the final day of the Republican National Convention, Bill Schramm checks in one more time.
McCain Friend Leads Local Presidential Campaign (2008-09-02)
Bill Schramm has always been a voter, but has never been politically active; his friendship with John McCain changed that. Now he's in Minneapolis at the Republican National Convention.
Local Delegate Sees Unifying Party (2008-08-28)
Local delegate Shawn Bagley phones in on the final day of the Democratic National Convention to talk about Barrack Obama's experience, big speech and letting go of Hillary Clinton's candidacy.
Local Clinton Delegate Ready to Back Obama (2008-08-26)
Local Hillary Clinton delegate Shawn Bagley says he was wrong about Barrack Obama. He spoke to KAZU's Krista Almanzan on the second day of the Democratic National Convention.
War Zone Language Learning (2008-08-15)
In a war zone, knowing the native language can save lives; that's a belief that motivates a group of developers at the Defense Language Institute. KAZU's Krista Almanzan explains how they're helping U.S. Forces in Iraq.
Evacuees Return to Big Sur (2008-07-09)
Many Basin Complex Fire evacuees were allowed to return to Big Sur Tuesday, some had been evacuated since the day the fire started.
Big Sur Evacuated (2008-07-03)
Residents head north as the Basin Complex Fire moves closer to Highway 1 and forces them out of Big Sur.
Self Reliant Big Sur Residents Start Hotline (2008-06-30)
Residents in Big Sur start a hotline to help each other stay informed during the Basin Complex Fire.
Basin Complex Fire Could Burn for a Month (2008-06-26)
The Gallery and Basin Fires continue to burn near Big Sur. Firefighters are calling them the Basin Complex Fire because they expect the two to merge. As KAZU's Krista Almanzan reports, the fire could possibly burn for a month.
Governor Urges No Fireworks This Year (2008-06-26)
On Wednesday Governor Schwarzenegger stopped by the Base Camp of the Basin Complex Fire, where he asked all Californians to help prevent future wildfires in this dry year. As KAZU's Krista Almanzan reports, he has his eye on the Fourth of July.
Economic Downturn Leads to Upturn of Animals at Shelters (2008-06-20)
The economic downturn is leading to an upturn in the number of animals dropped off at local shelters. KAZU's Krista Almanzan reports.
Early Fires Cause for Concern (2008-06-13)
The Martin Fire in Bonny Doon is the second major wildfire in the Santa Cruz Mountains in less than a month. That alarms firefighters and residents alike.
Rising Gas Prices Won't Slow Many Tourists (2008-05-30)
With summer travel season upon us, there's concern about the slumping economy and rising gas prices. But as KAZU's Krista Almanzan reports a combination of travelers from near and far could help the Monterey Bay Area's tourism industry pull through.
Summit Fire 100% Contained (2008-05-23)
Governor Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in Santa Cruz and Santa Clara Counties.
Seeking Sustainable Seafood (2008-05-16)
Your conscience is finding its way on to restaurant menus and your grocery list. A report out this month shows a growing interest in sustainable seafood.
Concert Celebrates Music Education (2008-04-26)
Despite the long term effects of state budgets cuts, music education is persevering in Monterey County. It will be celebrated Sunday, April 27th when the area's youngest musical talents come together for a performance.
Playful Treatment for Autism (2008-04-18)
Something that seems as simple as child's play is being used as a treatment for autism. It's called the P.L.A.Y. Project and families on the Central Coast can get the services for free.
Chef Carries On Campus Tradition (2008-04-01)
A short-lived culinary program at Hartnell College led to a community tradition that's now in its 25th year. The campus chef turned that failure into a recipe for success.
Food Bank Expansion Will Meet Growing Need (2008-03-12)
On March 13th the Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties kicks off the final stage of its fundraising campaign for an expansion project.
Show Immerses Students In The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (2008-03-07)
The Monterey Bay is home to kelp forests and endangered marine mammals. And this week, it is also home to a live internet program designed to bring the ocean into the hearts and minds of young students across the nation.
Building a New & Affordable Arts Community (2008-02-29)
Art in Monterey County can be as much about crunching numbers as it is about creativity and self expression. There are more artists in this community than there are affordable studio spaces. A new arts community could solve that problem.
Voters Approve All Local Measures (2008-02-06)
Super Tuesday voters approved all local measures and split on their choice for a Democratic Presidential nominee.
Super Tuesday Includes Local Measures (2008-02-04)
Super Tuesday is the first time in decades California has had the chance to make a big difference in a Presidential Election. But the Presidential candidates aren't the only ones on the ballot. Voters have a handful of state and local measures to consider. KAZU's Krista Almanzan reports on the only local ballot measure in Monterey County.
NPS Researchers Developing Laser Weapon (2008-01-30)
Science meets science fiction in a project underway at the Naval Post Graduate School. There researchers are developing a laser weapon that could change the future of warfare.
Mushroom Hunters Prepare for Fungus Fair (2008-01-11)
The rugged outdoors meets the gourmet's palate at the fungus fair. It has been a Santa Cruz tradition for 30 years.
Storms Leave Thousands in the Dark (2008-01-08)
PG&E Crews expect to have all power restored by Thursday.
Holiday Season on the Central Coast (2007-12-24)
The holidays inspire peace activists, musicians and an overall charitable spirit.
LBAM Issue Far From Over (2007-12-05)
Aerial spraying to eradicate the Light Brown Apple Moth is finished for the year, but the issue is far from over. Central coast farmers continue to lose money and the grassroots movement to stop the spraying is taking their case to the statehouse.
Reporter's notebook: A long night's wait at Salinas Valley Prison (2007-10-11)
Monterey County Herald reporter Julie Reynolds produced a series on the meaning of the sentence "Life with a possibility of parole". In her reporting she spent a morning with the mother of a lifer waiting to visit her son. This is her reporter's notebook.
Down for Life: one lifer gets a break (2007-10-10)
In part three of our series on lifers. One young man gets a second chance.
Down for Life: a lifer finds an unlikely ally (2007-10-09)
A man sentenced to life with the possibility of parole finds an ally in his prosecutor. Still, politics makes it harder and harder for prisoners to get parole.
Down for Life: teens serve life behind bars (2007-10-08)
In part one of a three part series, Monterey County Herald reporter Julia Reynolds looks at some of the youngest people serving life sentences in California's adult prisons.
E. coli found in leafy greens... again (2007-09-20)
One year after an E. coli outbreak in fresh spinach killed 3 people and sickened 200, the bacteria is found in bagged greens distributed by Dole. The company has recalled 5 thousand cases and no one has gotten sick yet.
Growers, Vintners optimistic about wine harvest (2007-09-20)
An audio postcard of the wine harvest and crush in Monterey County. There are high expectations about this year's Pinot Noir.
One year later leafy greens industry still struggles (2007-09-18)
California's agriculture industry is still lagging one year after the big E. coli outbreak in spinach. Even when a company does the right thing and recalls some produce that might be contaminated, the entire industry's image still takes a hit.
Land use plan is slow going in Monterey County (2007-09-17)
KAZU's Rachael McDonald gets an update on the latest version of a Monterey County General Plan from Salinas-Californian Reporter Dawn Withers. The plan is a compromise between the board of Supervisor's GPU 4 and LandWatch Monterey County's Initiative, but it's going to take a long time before it's final.
New safety measures in place for Spinach industry (2007-09-13)
One year after an E. coli outbreak in fresh spinach the industry has created a new voluntary inspection program. Is it working?
Spraying for moth starts up over Monterey area (2007-09-10)
Pheromones are released over Marina and Seaside to combat Light Brown Apple Moth.
Despite protests, State plans to spray for moth (2007-09-06)
Community members are dismayed that Monterey is be the first county where the state plans aerial spraying to combat apple moth.
State budget impasse worries nursing home staff (2007-08-17)
The state budget remains in stalemate. Nursing home workers are concerned and pressure builds on one Republican lawmaker.
Peace activist speaks on work in Middle East (2007-08-16)
A Jewish American woman returns to the United States from the West Bank to share her experiences.
Central Coast farmers are getting noticed by the federal government (2007-08-08)
Federal Farm Bill in Congress includes help for Central Coast farmers.
Local lawmaker makes news in budget standoff (2007-08-08)
15th District Republican State Senator Abel Maldonado sides with Democrats on budget vote.
NPR's Krulwich visits Monterey, talks radio (2007-08-08)
NPR correspondent Robert Krulwich describes his unique approach to reporting. He's in town for the next event in KAZU's Salon Series.
The solution to a Dam problem (2007-07-30)
The San Clemente Dam on the Carmel River is dangerous and useless. Engineers see fixing the problem as an opportunity to restore the river beyond the dam.
Leafy greens safety audits begin (2007-07-26)
California officials started auditing companies that package and ship leafy greens this week - almost a year after a major E. coli outbreak in spinach sickened 200 people and killed three.
Salinas libraries get more hours (2007-07-18)
Salinas has improved its financial picture with a sales tax and its libraries are reaping the benefits.
Can there be compromise on the Monterey County general Plan? (2007-07-18)
Tempers have cooled since the June special election on the Monterey County general plan and finally everybody's talking about compromise.
Global warming prevention goes local (2007-07-05)
Local governments are taking the initiative in implementing programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Imagining Salinas without gangs (2007-07-03)
Salinas has been plagued by violence between dueling gangs for some 30 years. Now, the city is knee-deep in a new anti-gang initiative. What's so different about this one?
An albatross at the Monterey Bay Aquarium (2007-06-27)
For the first time, an albatross is living at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Aquarium officials hope the giant sea bird will be a teaching tool for the public to raise awareness about plastic waste in the ocean.
U.S. Attorney: No federal criminal charges in E. coli outbreak in spinach (2007-06-22)
Early last October, FBI and FDA agents searched two Salinas-area companies, Natural Selection Foods and Growers Express, and several spinach fields in three local counties. With that chapter closed, we check in on where things stand on the outbreak and its aftermath.
KAZU's Health Dialogues: Allergies and Asthma (2007-06-21)
Here on the central coast, doctors are saying this is the worst allergy season on record. Is this part of the 75 percent jump allergies seen nationwide since the 1980s, or just a fluke? For this month's local report in KAZU's Health Dialogues series, a look at local air quality and its impact on allergies.
Pebble Beach development proposal rejected (2007-06-13)
California Coastal Commission refused to change coastal zoning to allow for a new golf course resort in Pebble Beach.
Monterey County voters: Sit down and Compromise (2007-06-06)
The word from Monterey County voters in Tuesday's special election was NO -- on Measures A, B, C and D.
Election law expert: GPU4 supporters face uphill battle (2007-06-05)
A respected election law professor at UCLA tells KAZU he believes the county-written General Plan update, GPU4, might need victores in both Measures B and C to win approval. Here's a look at some possible Election Night scenarios.
Deciphering the General Plan ballot (2007-06-01)
Wading through the four measures on Tuesday's special election ballot isn't exactly a walk on the beach; more like a hike up Pinnacles National Monument. So take out your ballots and follow along as KAZU continues our series the General Plan campaign with an explainer.
Comparing general plans (2007-05-31)
Voters face a choice between two competing visions for land use in Monterey County.
Why should we care about land use in Monterey County? (2007-05-25)
The stories of two people who have a deep stake in the outcome of the June 5th county general plan election.
Small farmer training connects to community (2007-05-04)
Farmworkers learn organic farming skills and pursue the dream of owning land and running their own small farms.
General Plan campaign tactics raise eyebrows (2007-05-03)
In California, a state that hasn't seen a close presidential race in years, we're not all that used to hardball campaign tactics. Well, if you live in Monterey County, it's time to adjust.
Layoffs at local newspapers (2007-05-01)
Local newspapers under same corporate ownership face layoffs. Are other changes coming?
Natividad Hospital on the road to recovery (2007-04-20)
Can county government work with a private consulting firm to help rescue Natividad Hospital from its latest financial crisis?
Are California leafy greens safe to eat this year? (2007-04-12)
After last fall's big E. coli outbreak in spinach that sickened 200 people and killed three, KAZU tries to answer that big question.
California Condor hatches in Big Sur (2007-04-10)
Efforts to restore an endangered bird to California's central coast hit a milestone.
Monterey Bay Aquarium features river otters (2007-04-02)
Charismatic creatures on display at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
FDA: Leafy greens no safer today than 6 months ago (2007-03-21)
As growers in the Salad Bowl of America start planting this year's spinach and lettuce crops, they face no mandatory good agricultural practices. Of course, that's not exactly what the Food and Drug Administration wants, so it held a public hearing Tuesday in Oakland to try and figure out what to do.
Three measures on land-use ballot (2007-03-14)
Land use politics might make for a confusing ballot come election day in June.
Natividad hospital on the mend? (2007-03-02)
Could an end be in sight for Monterey County's troubled hospital?
Tagging Monarch Butterflies (2007-03-01)
How do you put a tag on a Monarch Butterfly? Wildlife Biologists hope this program will help with habitat conservation efforts.
Dueling government edicts have growers' tempers on edge (2007-02-21)
Have you ever had one supervisor tell you to do something, and another one say you can't? Welcome to the life of a Salinas Valley farmer.
Monterey's downtown businesses recover from fire (2007-02-20)
Will tenants of a burned a burned building in downtown Monterey get access to their valuables before the city tears it down?
Calif. lawmaker: Regulate leafy greens industry (2007-02-02)
Is it the government's duty to make sure the food we eat is healthy? A California State Senator thinks so -- but local growers are none too pleased.
Will Farr give Bush's new Iraq plan a chance? "I doubt it" (2007-01-24)
The Monterey Bay Area's representative in Congress, Rep. Sam Farr (D-Carmel), reacts to President Bush's State of the Union Address.
Aquarium lets its second great white shark go (2007-01-16)
The Monterey Bay Aquarium bid farewell to its most popular guest Tuesday, after four and a half months on display.
Food safety guidelines for Calif. growers "a very good effort" (2007-01-11)
KAZU has obtained a draft of the food safety guidelines California growers are working on to minimize the risk of future E. coli outbreaks in leafy greens. What's in them and what's not?
Supervisors approve county-written General Plan, then send it to ballot (2007-01-04)
Seven years, seven million dollars and now, voters will have their say on the next Monterey County General Plan. But on Wednesday, the already long and tortuous path to a new general plan got even more confusing.
Supervisors could put dueling General Plans on ballot (2007-01-03)
So what do the two sides in the debate over the Monterey County General Plan have in common? Well, they were both completely shocked by county supervisors last month.