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Richard Gonzales

Wednesday

Business

Case Points to Broader Rights for Illegal Workers

A federal jury in San Francisco awards $200,000 in damages to an undocumented worker who was reported to immigration officials after requesting back pay from his employer. The case suggests illegal workers may be able to claim more protections under U.S. labor laws than previously thought. NPR's Richard Gonzales reports.

Case Points to Broader Rights for Illegal Workers

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Tuesday

National

Oakland Weighs Fire-Prevention Tax

Fire officials in Oakland, Calif., say conditions are ripe for the repeat of a devastating 1991 wildfire that killed 25 people and caused more than $1 billion in damage. A city plan calls for a new tax to pay for brush removal. But some residents are balking at the cost of fire prevention. Hear NPR's Richard Gonzales.

Oakland Weighs Fire-Prevention Tax

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Wednesday

National

Democrat Newsom Wins S.F. Mayor's Race

Democrat Gavin Newsom narrowly defeats Green Party candidate Matt Gonzalez to become San Francisco's new mayor. Newsom, known for his tough stance on the homeless, ran with the support of outgoing Mayor Willie Brown, and with the financial backing of the city's downtown business establishment. Hear NPR's Richard Gonzales.

Democrat Newsom Wins S.F. Mayor's Race

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Thursday

National

Green Challenge Worries Democrats in S.F. Mayor's Race

Former Vice President Al Gore becomes the latest in a list of high-profile Democrats to stump for Gavin Newsom, the party's candidate in next week's mayoral race in San Francisco. Newsom faces stiff competition from Green Party candidate Matt Gonzalez. NPR's Richard Gonzales reports.

Green Challenge Worries Democrats in S.F. Mayor's Race

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Wednesday

All Things Considered

Legal Limbo for Living Wills

NPR's Richard Gonzales reports that the court fight over a Florida woman's right to die has prompted much interest in living wills. The legally binding documents tell doctors what kind of care you want -- or don't want -- if you're incapacitated. Sometimes they work as intended -- but as many doctors, lawyers and medical ethicists point out, even a living will is not an end in itself.

Legal Limbo for Living Wills

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Thursday

National

Lawsuit vs. Gun Makers Renewed

A federal appeals court in San Francisco reinstates a wrongful death lawsuit against gun manufacturers whose weapons were used in a 1999 shooting rampage at a Jewish daycare center. The decision is expected to renew debate over a proposed bill immunizing the gun industry from being sued for crimes committed with their products. Richard Gonzales reports.

Lawsuit vs. Gun Makers Renewed

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Monday

National

Voters Seek a Successor to S.F.'s Willie Brown

Tuesday's mayoral election in San Francisco signals the end of an era, as the city's flamboyant mayor, Willie Brown, is forced by term limits to step down after eight years. Brown's centrist, pro-business stance has rankled some liberals in the city, and now several of them are vying for his job. But they could split what pollsters call the progressive vote, ultimately handing the city's top job to Brown's hand-picked successor. NPR's Richard Gonzales reports.

Voters Seek a Successor to S.F.'s Willie Brown

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Friday

All Things Considered

San Jose Opens Grand Jury Proceedings

NPR's Richard Gonzales reports on an unusual grand jury investigation in San Jose, Calif. Grand jurors are looking into the shooting death of a Vietnamese woman at the hands of a city policeman. The shooting sparked widespread protests in San Jose's Vietnamese immigrant community. Law enforcement officials have responded by opening the investigation to the public, allowing TV cameras in the room on certain days of testimony.

San Jose Opens Grand Jury Proceedings

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Wednesday

National

Schwarzenegger Faces Hard Task

As Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger prepares to assume power as governor of California, he faces formidable challenges. He has promised not to raise taxes despite the state's multi-billion dollar deficit. And he'll need to work with a legislature dominated by Democrats. NPR's Richard Gonzales reports.

Schwarzenegger Faces Hard Task

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Monday

National

Polls: Recall Race Tightening

On the last day of campaigning in the California recall race, polls show the race is getting tighter. A majority of voters still want to oust Gov. Gray Davis -- but fewer than half say they will definitely vote for the recall. Allegations about the past behavior of Republican challenger Arnold Schwarzenegger are making the race tougher to call. Hear NPR's Richard Gonzales.

Polls: Recall Race Tightening

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National

Recall Campaign Winds Down

California voters go to the polls Tuesday to decide whether to recall Gov. Gray Davis. Republican challenger Arnold Schwarzenegger spent the weekend defending himself against allegations of sexual misconduct, some dating back several years. NPR's Richard Gonzales reports.

Recall Campaign Winds Down

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Sunday

National

Calif. Race in Final Stretch

As actor Arnold Schwarzenegger denies a new flurry of allegations about past sexual misconduct, a poll shows 54 percent of the population still supports the recall of California Gov. Gray Davis. Voters will decide Davis's fate -- and select a potential successor -- on Tuesday. Hear NPR's Steve Inskeep and NPR's Richard Gonzales.

Calif. Race in Final Stretch

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Friday

All Things Considered

Bustamante Campaign Stalled

NPR's Richard Gonzales reports that California Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante, the only major Democrat running to replace Gov. Gray Davis, has seen his campaign lose steam in the run-up to the recall election next Tuesday. Part of the problem seems to be that his double message, "No on Recall; Yes on Bustamante," is not selling, and Bustamante is having trouble broadening his base of support.

Bustamante Campaign Stalled

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National

Schwarzenegger Damage Control

With the Oct. 7 recall election less than a week away, Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger finds himself addressing allegations of sexual misconduct and admiration for Hitler. Meanwhile, Gov. Gray Davis tries to shore up his base of Democratic supporters, while Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante's campaign appears to be stalled. Hear NPR's John McChesney, NPR's Ina Jaffe and NPR's Richard Gonzales.

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Tuesday

All Things Considered

California Proposition 54

NPR's Richard Gonzales reports that lost in the California recall hubbub is Proposition 54, a ballot initiative that would stop the state from collecting most racial and ethnic data. Proponent Ward Connerly says it would be a step toward a colorblind society. Opponents say it would interfere in essential research in such areas as public health, education and fair housing. Polls indicate support is eroding, but also that perhaps half the voters have not tuned in yet.

California Proposition 54

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