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 will close its central COVID-19 lab, cancel $1.7 billion contract with PerkinElmer
April 20, 2022
The Valencia Branch Laboratory struggled with “significant deficiencies” since opening in late 2020.
Newsom hailed this 'critical' wildfire-prevention program. Two years on, it hasn't completed a single project
April 12, 2022
In late 2019, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a new program to dramatically speed up the state’s wildfire prevention work. But an investigation from CapRadio and The California Newsroom found the program hasn’t resulted in a single completed project.
Resources available for families of victims and the Sacramento community after downtown mass shooting
April 4, 2022
Resources are available for the families of those killed or injured, as well as people in the community affected by this weekend's mass shooting in downtown Sacramento.
Sacramento police search for multiple shooters after 6 killed, 12 injured downtown
April 3, 2022
Sacramento Police are searching for multiple shooters from an early Sunday morning shooting in downtown Sacramento that left six people dead.
In the face of natural disasters, amateur radio groups fill communications void in rural California
March 10, 2022
As California spends big on high-tech disaster solutions, rural communities are embracing the century-old technology of two-way radios as a failsafe.
Amid omicron surge, Newsom administration again taps border wall company for COVID-19 staffing
February 2, 2022
The company SLSCO pivoted to medical staffing during the pandemic, after building stretches of border wall between California and Mexico under the Trump administration.
COVID tests, exposures complicate California Legislature’s first week
January 6, 2022
Less than a week into the new year and the start of California’s legislative session, COVID-19 has sidelined a handful of lawmakers, including the Assembly speaker.
PG&E could be the first utility to access California’s wildfire liability fund after starting Dixie Fire
January 6, 2022
California established the $21 billion liability fund in 2019 to help utilities cover the cost of major wildfires started by their equipment.
Massive Dixie Fire started by PG&E equipment, Cal Fire investigators conclude
January 4, 2022
The Dixie Fire grew to be the second-largest fire in state history, burning over 960,000 acres and destroying over 1,300 structures. It's the latest in a string of devastating wildfires allegedly caused by the utility's equipment.
Bail significantly reduced for Caldor Fire suspects while new details emerge in case
December 13, 2021
While prosecutors had sought $1 million bail for each of the two suspects, a judge on Monday set the amounts to $50,000 and $25,000. The two men are prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition, and barred from leaving the state.