Higher education reporter for the San Jose Mercury-News
Katy Murphy on KCRW
More from KCRW
Former wildland firefighter on rampant mental health problems, eco-devastation
WildfiresFormer wildland firefighter Kelly Ramsey’s new memoir is about the mental and physical cost of being on the frontlines of California’s largest blazes.
California accents are way more complex than you think
Los AngelesA project called Los Angeles Speaks is looking at how language evolves and affects communities, including neighborhoods impacted by recent wildfires.
Salton Sea is a saga of environmental change at high speed
EnvironmentThe Salton Sea is shrinking, which is harming both humans and birds. A plan to create pop-up wetlands may help both.
CalFire’s new fire hazard maps: How is rebuilding affected?
WildfiresSouthern California saw its fire risk zones expand by 3.5 million acres in CalFire’s new hazard maps. Homeowners in those areas must now meet safety standards.
Carnivorous mystery: Squirrels are eating rodents at CA park
AnimalsSquirrels are omnivores, eating both meat and plants, but for the first time, they’ve been seen hunting and eating voles at Briones Regional Park.
Altadena mosaic takes shape from ashes – and broken shards
WildfiresAn artist who lost her home in the Eaton Fire is collecting shards from the rubble to create a mosaic project – one she hopes will help the community heal.
Wish you could live at Disneyland? Try Cotino in the desert
Housing & DevelopmentThis spring, the first residents will move into Cotino, a Disney-themed planned community. The entertainment giant is eyeing more real estate investment.
Immigrant families with ICE fears consider care options for kids
ImmigrationLegal advocates are helping families with mixed immigration status make guardianship plans for their children, just in case the adults are detained by immigration authorities.
LA’s got Pride Riders but no Dykes on Bikes yet – that’s trademarked
LGBTQPride Riders LA is a group of queer motorcyclists who want to bring Dykes on Bikes to LA.