With a potentially historic El Niño brewing, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Monday ahead of winter storms and high tides that could wreak havoc across the state. Reporter: Ezra David Romero, KQED Governor Newsom is signing a package of bills placing new regulations on data center development. Reporter: Guy Marzorati, KQED It’s less than a month away from when ballots will hit Merced County residents’ mailboxes, and officials are urging voters to drop off their ballot in–person. The county is providing more ballot drop boxes to avoid using mail delivery. Reporter: Rachel Livinal, KVPR The Trump administration’s current mass deportation push has echoes of a long-ago immigration campaign, when roughly a million people were sent to Mexico. That’s according to a historian who spoke at UC Berkeley recently. Reporter: Tyche Hendricks, KQED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re in the most dangerous months for wildfires across the state. And in Chico, the city is taking steps to clear out vegetation in Bidwell Park. But like a lot of cities, staff is being stretched thin and funding is limited. Reporter: Claudia Brancart, North State Public Radio Shasta College, based in Redding, is seeking approval on the November ballot for a $129 million bond. The money would be used to expand and remodel the college’s facilities. Reporter: Jane Vaughan, Jefferson Public Radio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The warden of the state women’s prison in Chowchilla has been demoted and reassigned from her position this week. Reporter: Madi Bolanos The HBO drama, The Pitt, won six Emmy's this week... but it's also getting another kind of recognition. Health care workers say it gives viewers a glimpse inside the ER. KPBS health reporter Heidi de Marco takes us inside suburban San Diego's Sharp Grossmont hospital to find out what local doctors and nurses think it gets right…and how it may be shaping patient expectations. Reporter: Heidi de Marco Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Governor Gavin Newsom yesterday signed legislation to exempt certain collector cars from smog checks. Reporter: Billy Cruz, KQED Written public comment closes at the end of this week for governor Newsom’s plan to ensure water for cities and farms and a healthy habitat for wildlife in the Delta. Reporter: Danielle Venton, KQED Two bills sitting on Governor Gavin Newsom's desk aim to protect incarcerated people from sexual abuse and strengthen legal protections for survivors. This comes after a report from the Department of Justice found an “unbroken pattern” of sexual assault at state women’s prisons. Reporter: Madi Bolanos, KQED Residents in a Fresno County foothill community are raising concerns with county leaders about the water coming from their taps. Reporter: Samantha Rangel, KVPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Federal scientists now say it’s very likely that a strong El Niño will continue through the end of the year. The natural phenomenon is pushing a massive stretch of warm water toward California, and climate scientists worry that this process could trigger monumental flooding later this year. Reporter: Ezra David Romero, KQED California just became the first state in the nation to pass rules that require insurance companies to address smoke damage after major fires. Reporter: David Wagner, LAist Backers of a November ballot measure that would levy a tax on billionaires are facing an uphill battle, according to a new poll released today. Reporter: Marisa Lagos, KQED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices