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.
‘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.
Governor, Lawmakers Add $500 Million to Wildfire Prevention Budget, Following CapRadio, NPR California Newsroom Investigation
July 8, 2021
The last-minute change would more than double what’s in the current budget deal.
Gov. Gavin Newsom Retreats On $1 Billion Wildfire Prevention Plan Ahead Of Meeting With President Biden
June 29, 2021
Newsom’s meeting on wildfires with Biden comes against the backdrop of new investigations showing the governor scaled back the state’s wildfire prevention goals and nixed more than half a billion dollars in fuel reduction spending.
California To Extend Eviction Moratorium To Sept. 30, Cover 100% Of Unpaid Rent For Eligible Tenants
June 25, 2021
The deal between Gov. Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers comes less than a week before the state's eviction protections were set to expire.
Newsom Misled The Public About Wildfire Prevention Efforts Ahead Of Worst Fire Season On Record
June 23, 2021
Gov. Gavin Newsom dramatically overstated the amount of fire prevention work performed on “priority projects” he touted and cut Cal Fire’s mitigation budget by $150 million last year, an investigation by CapRadio and NPR’s California Newsroom found.
California Launches Digital Vaccination Card
June 18, 2021
The system would allow immunized residents to have a virtual backup of their physical card. The technology that would allow businesses to scan and verify the digital cards is still being developed.
‘Reopening’ In Sacramento: Excitement And Optimism, But Not Everyone Is Ready To Ditch Their Masks
June 15, 2021
From Sacramento and San Joaquin to Placer and Yolo counties, workers, customers and business owners celebrated the state’s easing of COVID guidelines — but not everyone was ready to take off their masks.
California Drought Could Mean Peak Fire Season Months Earlier Than Usual
June 1, 2021
California wildfires have burned nearly five times as many acres on state land this year compared to the same time period last year.
California Will Give Away More Than $116 Million In Cash, Gift Cards To Get More People Vaccinated
May 27, 2021
The state will give out $100 million in the form of $50 gift cards to the next 2 million newly-vaccinated Californians, and hold drawings for another $16.5 million. Here's how it will work and who is eligible.