Mar 17 In California’s San Joaquin Valley, ACLU says sheriffs test sanctuary policies that protect immigrants By Cresencio Rodriguez-Delgado The American Civil Liberties Union detailed in a new report the ways sheriff’s departments in eight counties of California’s San Joaquin Valley – home to nearly a million immigrants – have “circumvented” the state’s sanctuary laws meant to protect California… Continue reading
Feb 15 In Fresno County, Native groups take on meaning of ‘Squaw’ and ‘Warrior’ By Cresencio Rodriguez-Delgado The two efforts have brought to light the question of who gets a say on issues that affect Native Americans, as some tribal groups face the battle of greater recognition despite their presence in the region for thousands of years. Continue reading
Oct 14 Watch 4:00 How fires, dry conditions are drastically increasing air pollution across California Smoke and dust are blanketing central California. Air pollution is a chronic problem in the San Joaquin Valley but it is now reaching levels unlike any previously seen. With no measurable rainfall in weeks, and little chance of rain in… Continue watching
Oct 13 ‘You can’t just hold your breath.’ Toxic smoke, fueled by wildfires, chokes California By Cresencio Rodriguez-Delgado A new analysis of air quality in the United States clears up just how far smoke from wildfires burning in the western part of the nation can travel, as the fires continue to pose significant health risks to nearby communities. Continue reading
Sep 03 As California restricts water use for farmers, low supply levels add to drought’s harsh reality By Cresencio Rodriguez-Delgado California’s re-emerging drought is placing unprecedented strain on the state's intricate water system, threatening mass agricultural production and basic drinking water in a way experts say is more severe than in years past. Continue reading
Sep 03 How California’s drought is stressing a water system that delivers water to millions of residents By Cresencio Rodriguez-Delgado California’s worsening drought is putting a strain on the web of rivers and canals that course through the nation’s most populous state and provide drinking water for millions of residents. Continue reading
Aug 02 California may spend billions on permanent relief shelters as sweltering heat blankets the state By Cresencio Rodriguez-Delgado As millions of Americans across the Pacific Northwest and the Southeast are under heat advisories, extreme weather and its sometimes fatal implications are raising questions about whether infrastructure could help provide some relief. … Continue reading
Jul 27 Wildfires are increasing health risks of already-polluted regions of the U.S., experts warn By Cresencio Rodriguez-Delgado This poses a particular threat for areas like Fresno, California, which is disproportionately affected by pollution year-round. Continue reading
Jul 20 In California’s agricultural heartland, thousands of wells could soon run dry By Cresencio Rodriguez-Delgado One day last month, water in the community of Teviston, about 66 miles south of Fresno, suddenly stopped flowing. The town’s services office fielded calls from residents who said their taps ran dry, and when city… Continue reading