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.
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.
Father, son arrested for allegedly starting Caldor Fire have been under investigation since August, attorney says
December 8, 2021
David Scott Smith, 66, and Travis Shane Smith, 32, are accused of reckless arson related to the Caldor Fire, which burned for 67 days In El Dorado and Amador counties and destroyed more than 1,000 structures.
After long delay, California lawmakers hold wildfire oversight hearing
December 7, 2021
State lawmakers held an oversight hearing Tuesday to discuss wildfires and how the state plans to spend this year’s record-setting investment to prevent them.
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.