One year ago today, two fires erupted in Los Angeles County. The Palisades and Eaton fires would eventually become two of the most destructive and deadly fires in state history. Thousands of homes were destroyed and 31 people were killed. The rebuilding process has been slow in both Altadena and Pacific Palisades, the communities most greatly impacted by the fires. We wanted to get the perspective from longtime residents who are part of that process. Residents in the north state are likely to see a flurry of elections for Congress this year, after the passing of longtime Republican Congressman Doug LaMalfa. Reporter: Guy Marzorati, KQED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The debate over automated license plate readers in California has increasingly shifted from local crime fighting to concerns about data privacy…. when it comes to federal crackdowns on immigration and people seeking abortions or gender-related healthcare. ALPRs are now in use in hundreds of law enforcement agencies across the state, not to mention thousands of homeowner associations and business districts. So what does this all mean for civil liberties in 2026? Guest: Rachael Myrow, KQED Venezuelans in California are going through a whole range of feelings after the Trump administration’s military attack to remove President Nicolas Maduro. There’s celebration, outrage and a lot of questions. Reporter: Tyche Hendricks, KQED Hundreds of new state laws take effect in the new year. And one in particular brings sweet validation to all of us public radio lovers. That’s because it’s going to make our tote bags even more essential. Reporter: Mary Franklin Harvin, CalMatters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2025 was a blockbuster year for housing in California. State lawmakers took aim at the state's landmark environmental law, which they argued was one of the main culprits blocking development for years. In 2025, they approved major reforms. They also passed another law which promises to dramatically change how housing is built near train stations and along busy bus routes. Guest: Adhiti Bandlamudi, KQED More vacant home lots are going up for sale in L.A. County burn zones. And many are being scooped up by investors. Reporter: David Wagner, LAist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All 4-year olds in California can now go to school for free in a grade called transitional kindergarten, or TK. And to lead those classrooms, the state needs teachers with special training. A lot of teachers. So what does it take to do the job? Reporter: Julia Barajas, LAist A new project in San Diego is gathering stories of government persecution against the LGBTQ+ community. Photos of the Lavender Names Project will be shown after select performances at the San Diego Opera this year. Reporter: Katie Hyson, KPBS Researchers at the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes have spent years working on an improved way to manage reservoirs called Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations, or FIRO. Reporter: Manola Secaira, CapRadio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The fall bird migration in California typically peaks from September through November. And this past year, scientists discovered a new wave of avian influenza - or bird flu. Two farms in Sonoma County fought new outbreaks. State officials have been taking steps to mitigate the spread of infection, since major outbreaks were seen in dairy herds in August of 2024. That includes at county fairs. Reporter: April Dembosky, KQED A new children's book from a Los Angeles author is inspired by her own childhood translating for her parents. Reporter: Mariana Dale, LAist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices