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.
Cal Fire chief to retire in December after leading agency through record wildfire seasons
November 15, 2021
Porter steered Cal Fire through record-setting wildfire seasons driven by decades of poor forest management and climate change.
After opposing contracts with border wall companies, these California Dems are silent following CapRadio investigation
November 4, 2021
Nearly two dozen Democratic lawmakers voted to pass SB30 out of the state Senate. The legislation would have prohibited the state from hiring companies that worked on the border wall.
New California law requires use-of-force training for security guards, prompted by CapRadio investigation
October 28, 2021
The investigation found California’s regulations provide no clear definition or training requirements for appropriate use-of-force in the private security industry.
Northern California communities feel disaster whiplash after wildfires, threat of mudslides
October 27, 2021
The precipitation is desperately needed to combat California’s severe drought. But it comes with a trade-off in communities that endured wildfires.
As immigration advocates demand Newsom cancel contract with border wall company, lawmakers stay silent
October 22, 2021
The state awarded a no-bid contract to SLSCO — the company former president Donald Trump tapped to build his border wall in California — for COVID-19 response and health care staffing. The contract is currently worth up to $350 million.
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.