Lawmakers demanding answers about Caltrans denied damage claims
In response to a CBS News California Investigation, California lawmakers are demanding answers from Caltrans and considering legislation to fix Caltrans' damage claim process.
In response to a CBS News California Investigation, California lawmakers are demanding answers from Caltrans and considering legislation to fix Caltrans' damage claim process.
A CBS News California investigation finds Caltrans only approved 1 out of every 25 damage claims from potholes and debris in the first half of 2023.
Caltrans is denying more freeway damage claims, approving fewer than 10% over the last five and a half years. How many have they approved in your county and which highways are the worst?
CBS News California has identified a spike in the number of "sexually violent predators" who are being granted conditional release by the Department of State Hospitals amid an ongoing struggle to find housing for the men. The reporting prompted several proposed changes to state law, but, one by one, the bills are dying inside California's capitol.
They fought for fentanyl legislation, but it was killed before lawmakers even got to vote. Four grieving moms wanted to know why. They're uncovering the truth using a new AI tool designed to help everyday Californians hold lawmakers accountable. They discovered powerful lawmakers killed the popular fentanyl bill by *not* voting.
The California State Capitol Capitol doesn't generally work the way people think it does. We're following bills prompted by our reporting, to show you how things really work inside California's Capitol.
Watts will raise awareness of serious issues impacting Californians, hold local officials accountable, obtain answers for viewers and provide solutions.
California law says genetic testing companies have to get your permission before they store, use or sell your DNA, but the state itself doesn't have to get your permission and has been storing DNA samples from every baby born there since the '80s. Lawmakers want to change that, but face an uphill battle.
A bill introduced in the wake of our "Handcuffs in Hallways" investigation aims to reduce "unnecessary" calls for police at schools. But one California lawmaker could kill it without a vote.
Fentanyl test strips used to be illegal in California. Now, state law requires them on community and state college campuses. We put fentanyl test strips to the test, and what we found could save someone you know.
We tried to work with law enforcement for nearly a year to avoid this lawsuit, but one local agency is simply refusing to release video that the public has a right to see. Its legal argument could impact law-enforcement policies across the state if allowed to stand.
Also Thursday... Democratic mayors are joining the fight to reform Prop 47 despite California Governor Gavin Newsom's opposition.
Heading into this election year, transparency and government accountability are crucial. We're revealing how government officials are spending your tax dollars to keep public information a secret – and how it impacts you.
For months, the CHP claimed the video didn't exist. CBS Sacramento has now exclusively obtained nearly seven hours of police video from the day suspect Eric Abril allegedly shot an officer and two hostages at a Roseville park. In response to CBS13's ongoing investigation into April's deadly Mahany park shooting in Roseville, the California Highway Patrol on Monday released never-before-seen cell phone, helicopter, and drone footage from that day. The shootout began with a controversial decision by the California Highway Patrol to serve a planned, high-risk search warrant to an armed felon at a public park surrounded by spring break day camps without notifying local police. This video provides a new context for the deadly shooting that traumatized a quiet community. Out of respect for the victims and their families, CBS Sacramento is choosing not to publish any images of the victims from that day.
Are prison reform laws in California leading to more rehabilitation and fewer felons reoffending after release? The state still can't - or won't - provide the data to answer those basic questions. Over the past year, we've conducted dozens of interviews with former inmates, crime victims, prosecutors, public defenders, lawmakers, researchers, and advocates for both prisoners and crime victims. Many, if not all of them, would also like the data and answers we've been working to get from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). This continuing coverage was prompted by a 2022 mass shooting in the shadow of California's state capitol. Nearly two years later, we're still working to get answers and access to - what should be - public information and data about early prison release policies and recidivism. See more of our continuing coverage here: https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/tag/rehabilitation-recidivism-data
PART 1: A hostage killed. Kids traumatized. Yet, CHP remains silent. An officer and hostage were shot. Another hostage was killed. Seven months later, CHP still wouldn't answer basic questions about their decisions that day or the related agency policies that affect all Californians. In our initial story, we take a look back at the controversial decision by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to serve a high-risk search warrant to an armed felon at a public park surrounded by day camps. PART 2 : What is law enforcement hiding? For months, the CHP claimed it didn't have any dashcam video from the shooting. (Spoiler alert, it did.) Following our initial report, and appeals in which we explained that our sources had seen the video, the CHP finally released an excerpt of its dashcam video just hours before this story was set to air. But other agencies continued withholding bodycam video and public information. In our follow-up story, we examine how the law enforcement response to the Roseville CHP shootout could set a concerning precedent for future police shootings statewide. PART 3: The escape and lessons learned. As accountability journalists, we believe it's important to give credit where credit is due. Mistakes happen. Sometimes horrific ones. But it's often the response to those mistakes that matter most. In a third report, we examine the suspected killer's escape from custody at a local hospital and highlight how transparency from the local Sheriff was the key to regaining the public's trust. This reporting is ongoing in 2024. https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/tag/failed-policies-one-suspect-three-agencies-countless-questions/
He had a history of violence, running from police and escaping custody in a hospital, yet following the deadly Roseville park shootout, suspect Eric Abril escaped from a hospital again. In part three of our series, we investigate Abril's second escape and highlight what CHP can learn from local law enforcement about transparency and regaining the public's trust.
CHP finally released the dashcam video they initially claimed didn't exist from the Roseville park shootout, but other agencies continue withholding public information. We investigate the public's right to see records related to police shootings and the concerning law enforcement claims.
An officer and hostage were shot. Another hostage -- killed. It's been seven months and CHP still won't answer basic questions about policies that impact all Californians. In part one of our series, Julie Watts investigates the controversial decision to serve a high-risk search warrant to an armed felon at a public park surrounded by kids.
A serial rapist and child sex offender was released early, failed to register as a sex offender, and repeatedly violated parole. Why was he free when he was arrested for attempted kidnapping?
If your car is stolen, the odds are your car will be found but the person who stole it will almost never be arrested. But Sacramento PD has a higher arrest rate than most thanks to new technology and a dedicated team.
The Sacramento County District Attorney's office is suing the City of Sacramento alleging the city failed to enforce the law and allowed the homeless crisis to become a public nuisance.
California is spending hundreds of millions on housing and re-entry programs for former inmates – but isn't tracking if those programs are doing anything to change criminal behavior.
First, the assembly public safety chair agreed to include our questions in an audit request. Now, local district attorneys, viewers, and researchers are joining our efforts to get answers from the corrections department.
Are prison reform laws leading to more rehabilitation and fewer felons reoffending after release? CDCR can't (or won't) say. The agency's recidivism report is dated and incomplete. Now, CBS Sacramento is getting answers to a growing list of questions.
One person has died and several people were stabbed at Lake Berryessa on Saturday, authorities say.
An investigation is underway after an unresponsive woman was found after apparently being assaulted in downtown Sacramento early Saturday evening.
The pier constructed by the U.S. military was only operational for about a week before it was blown apart in rough seas last month. Repairs were completed Friday.
The owner of the nugget says it was discovered in the Yolo River in 1849 during the California Gold Rush.
A 19-year-old has died after a motorcycle accident near the community of Roberts Ferry early Saturday afternoon.
Smiley Martin’s attorney confirmed his client was the inmate who died at Sacramento County Jail early Saturday morning.
The Sacramento Pride Festival kicks off on Saturday along Capitol Mall. This year's event will bring live music, drag shows, bingo, painting and a lot more.
A big disturbance at downtown Sacramento's DOCO area Friday night led to a group of juveniles being cited and several adults getting arrested, police say.
A 3-year-old the CHP said was abducted in Nevada County on Friday was found uninjured in a steep river canyon, the sheriff's office said.
One person has died and several people were stabbed at Lake Berryessa on Saturday, authorities say.
Sacramento police believe Isabel Gallego is the victim of human trafficking and are now looking for someone in connection with her disappearance.
Sacramento leaders are celebrating the city's latest point-in-time count that shows a dramatic drop in the number of people living on the streets. However, some advocacy groups say the numbers are hard to believe.
The suspect in the deadly beating of a bail bonds employee in Downtown Sacramento was arraigned in court on Wednesday.
The Sacramento Police Department identified the man killed after an assault on I Street downtown as 56-year-old Kevin Brace, a long-time employee of Greg Padilla Bail Bonds.
Sacramento Mayor Pro Tem and District 3 Councilwoman Karina Talamantes is speaking out on the encroachment issue in south Natomas that CBS13 uncovered two weeks ago.
One person has died and several people were stabbed at Lake Berryessa on Saturday, authorities say.
Sonoma County and much of the North Bay were jolted by a moderate earthquake early Saturday afternoon.
A new statewide program to crack down on organized retail theft in California appears to be working.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a fierce response Wednesday in the wake of U.S. Senate Republicans blocking legislation protecting access to contraception nationwide.
As insurance companies drop more California homeowners over the state's fire risk, some are predicting the next crisis is a drop in home values.
Despite there not being a Triple Crown on the line, it marked a historic Belmont because the race was run at Saratoga for the first time in the venue's 161-year history.
More than 400 cricket leagues have opened in America, with over 200,000 players and counting, according to USA Cricket.
The U.S. women, who have won every gold medal in women's basketball since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, expect to field a star-packed team.
JJ Bleday hit the first pitch of the ninth inning to give the A's a 2-1 victory over the Blue Jays Friday night.
The San Francisco Giants beat the Texas Rangers 5-2 on Friday night.
The pier constructed by the U.S. military was only operational for about a week before it was blown apart in rough seas last month. Repairs were completed Friday.
The state visit began with a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe, including a wreath-laying at France's tomb of the unknown soldier, and a military parade along the Champs-Élysées leading to the Élysée Palace.
A new California law aimed at ending so-called "junk fees" on purchases could face changes after facing pushback from the state's bars and restaurants.
President Biden had a beautiful and historic backdrop for his speech in France to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
The judge presiding over David DePape's state trial in the hammer attack on Paul Pelosi during a 2022 home invasion on Thursday dismissed multiple charges including attempted murder, according to the court.
The strain is "very, very similar" to the JN.1 variant from earlier this year.
The FDA said "additional review" and court cases led it to roll back the ban.
Consumer Reports found concerning levels of lead in two popular brands of veggie puff snacks, while another brand fared better.
FDA advisers cited a variety of concerns with the trials submitted by Lykos Therapeutics as part of the application.
Halsey said she's "lucky to be alive" in an Instagram post featuring "The End," the first track off their next album.
Popular restaurant chain Rubio's Coastal Grill announced it was shuttering dozens of locations across the state, and now employees say they are having trouble cashing their final paychecks.
As insurance companies drop more California homeowners over the state's fire risk, some are predicting the next crisis is a drop in home values.
Phyllis Simmons died months after the solar panels were installed.
The town of Loomis geared up for a major grand opening with Thursday marking the official opening of a new Costco.
Summer driving season is starting and teenagers are much more likely to get into car accidents when they get behind the wheel. What are the safest vehicles for young drivers?
In response to a CBS News California Investigation, California lawmakers are demanding answers from Caltrans and considering legislation to fix Caltrans' damage claim process.
A CBS News California investigation finds Caltrans only approved 1 out of every 25 damage claims from potholes and debris in the first half of 2023.
Caltrans is denying more freeway damage claims, approving fewer than 10% over the last five and a half years. How many have they approved in your county and which highways are the worst?
CBS News California has identified a spike in the number of "sexually violent predators" who are being granted conditional release by the Department of State Hospitals amid an ongoing struggle to find housing for the men. The reporting prompted several proposed changes to state law, but, one by one, the bills are dying inside California's capitol.
They fought for fentanyl legislation, but it was killed before lawmakers even got to vote. Four grieving moms wanted to know why. They're uncovering the truth using a new AI tool designed to help everyday Californians hold lawmakers accountable. They discovered powerful lawmakers killed the popular fentanyl bill by *not* voting.
As insurance companies drop more California homeowners over the state's fire risk, some are predicting the next crisis is a drop in home values.
The majority of Americans can't afford an emergency expense of a thousand dollars. We looked for a fun way to start saving.
Phyllis Simmons died months after the solar panels were installed.
Summer driving season is starting and teenagers are much more likely to get into car accidents when they get behind the wheel. What are the safest vehicles for young drivers?
A national scam involving panhandling is now reaching streets in Northern California.
The Corral Fire has prompted homeowners in a Tracy neighborhood to call on city leaders and developers to expand the number of entry and exit points to their neighborhood in case of emergency.
Some of the fire engines that are assigned to the Corral Fire in San Joaquin County traveled more than 100 miles.
Crews late Monday afternoon responded to another vegetation fire burning just northwest of the Corral Fire, which scorched more than 14,000 acres near Tracy over the weekend.
One home has been deemed a total loss in the Corral Fire and one neighbor said he and another neighbor, tried to save it.
Containment of the Corral Fire in San Joaquin County reached 100% on Thursday evening as all evacuation warnings expired Monday evening.
A celebration at Sacramento Charter High on Thursday as college-bound seniors announced their campus of choice and 95% were accepted into four-year schools.
A bank employee in Lodi has some big bragging rights. He's never missed a day of work in his 47 years on the job and now he's getting ready to retire.
Meet Frannie the dog, Instagram's newest fitness influencer.
A Yuba City mom started a baseball team for kids with physical and intellectual disabilities after finding her 11-year-old son with Down Syndrome didn't have anywhere to play.
A Sacramento nonprofit is teaming up with a local credit union to give back so seniors can safely do basic tasks like bathing or exercising. Those lending a helping hand are also a group of seniors.
It was a unique training opportunity for firefighters in Sacramento on Thursday.
Find out what kind of weather we're expecting this weekend.
The truck offers several exclusive merchandise items and had fans lining up for hours.
The inmate who died in custody at the Sacramento County Main Jail early Saturday morning has been identified by his attorney as Smiley Martin, one of the suspects on trial for the 2022 Sacramento mass shooting.
A whole host of events are in store for the weekend.