With highly infectious subvariants of Omicron, like BA.5, increasing the spread of COVID-19, mask mandates continue to be re-introduced in the state. Starting Monday, the San Diego Unified School District will require indoor masking for thousands of students and staff involved with summer school activities.

A ballot initiative that would’ve taxed the wealthy to fund public health programs won’t make it to the ballot this year. But that doesn’t mean the idea is dead.

Reporter: Caleigh Wells, KCRW

A group of foster youth gave a presentaton to the state public health director last week about why it's important to include young people in COVID-19 vaccination efforts. 

Reporter: Holly J. McDede, KQED

New sales numbers are out showing Americans are buying EVs at record levels, and they'd actually be buying a lot more if it weren’t for supply chain problems affecting the availability of vehicles. California, perhaps not surprisingly, is leading the electric vehicle buying spree. 

Guest: Loren McDonald, Electric Vehicle Industry Analyst

In an effort to boost sagging recycling rates, the state has looked to local pilot programs to make it easier for consumers to get that nickel or dime deposit back on bottles and cans they return. But rather than helping people keep items out of landfills, an investigation by the LA nonprofit Consumer Watchdog found the pilot programs aren't taking off.

Reporter: Tara Atrian, KCRW

As more states pass restrictions on abortions, California wants to be a sanctuary state for people seeking to end their pregnancies, But thousands arriving annually from out of state for reproductive services could put a strain on California abortion providers. Some have brought up the possibility of opening clinics on land owned by Native American tribes, but that’s not an easy solution.

Guest: Lauren van Schilfgaarde, Legal Clinic Director at the UCLA School of Law

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