Scott Rodd
State Government Reporter
Scott Rodd previously covered government and legal affairs for the Sacramento Business Journal. Prior to the Business Journal, Scott worked as a freelance reporter in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., contributing to the Washington Post, New York Times, Stateline, the New York Observer and Next City. Scott grew up in West Hartford, Connecticut, and studied English literature at Susquehanna University.
California hired a border wall company for COVID-19 response, including vaccinating migrants
October 19, 2021
California used hundreds of medical staff from SLSCO to test and vaccinate undocumented Californians. That included work at community health centers around the state and along the border for newly arrived migrants.
Our investigation, 'Dangerous Air' prompts lawmaker calls for worker protections, fire prevention investments
October 4, 2021
Lawmakers want increased protections for workers and school children, in addition to better data collection to understand the health impacts of wildfire smoke.
Here Are The Major Bills Passed By California Lawmakers In 2021
September 10, 2021
California lawmakers wrapped up their work Friday night. Here’s a sample of what they passed — and what they didn’t.
Budget Package Guarantees $1B In Fire Prevention Funding This Year, At Least $200M Annually Moving Forward
September 10, 2021
Wildfire prevention has taken a front-seat this budget season, after California saw a record 4.3 million acres burned last year. The state is on track to match that total this year.
Fire Crews See A Window To Gain Control Of Caldor Fire As Winds Decrease, Humidity Edges Higher
September 2, 2021
Some evacuation orders have been downgraded or lifted in western El Dorado County.
As Lawmakers Indefinitely Postpone Wildfire Oversight Hearing, Internal Emails Reveal Cal Fire Chief Ordered Key Document Pulled from the Internet
August 24, 2021
A state legislative committee was set to hold an oversight hearing following an expose from CapRadio and NPR’s California Newsroom that found Gov. Gavin Newsom misrepresented wildfire prevention efforts. Now it is postponed indefinitely.
This Small Town Survived California’s Dixie Fire. But Recovery Within The Historic Burn Scar Could Last Years.
August 13, 2021
The small town of Chester survived a fast-approaching firefront. But residents and visitors may be leery to return to the mountain town with so many fires devastating the Golden State.
Gov. Newsom’s Wildfire 'Priority Project' Didn’t Contain The Lava Fire, Leaving Evacuees Stuck in Traffic
August 4, 2021
The state said the Lake Shastina fuel break was “critical for the safe evacuation” of 2,500 residents, but an investigation by CapRadio and NPR’s California Newsroom found the Lava Fire quickly overwhelmed it.
‘Some Serious Problems’ With California Recall Laws, Secretary Of State Says
July 20, 2021
In an interview with CapRadio, Secretary of State Shirley Weber said California’s recall laws have “some serious problems” and that the entire process deserves a second look after the Sept. 14 election to determine whether Newsom will stay in office.
Sugar Fire Doubles Back on Doyle, Leaving Residents With Evacuation Whiplash
July 15, 2021
Gusty winds and fire whirls propelled the Sugar Fire back toward parts of Doyle, the small Lassen County town that narrowly avoided the blaze last weekend.