Ana Tintocalis/KQED

In Sacramento We Trust?

Californians will decide if they trust state government to spend their money wisely on public schools when they vote on two statewide tax initiatives, Props. 30 and 38. Public opinion polls show most Californians believe education needs help, but neither of the measures is earning majority support. The California Report explores why voters are more likley to favor local school tax initiatives.Reporter: Ana Tintocalis

• More: Voters Supportive of Local Measures for Schools; More Skeptical of Statewide Solutions
• More: KQED's 2012 California Proposition Guide

Susan Valot/KQED

Southern California Voter Groups Sort Through Issues Together

The California ballot, along with the ongoing flood of poltical ads, can make your head spin. Opinions and questions about statewide and local measures run the gamut, as Susan Valot found out in L.A. and Orange counties.Reporter: Susan Valot

Lauren Sommer/KQED

Century-Old Battle Over Hetch Hetchy Heats Up

San Francisco voters will be weighing in on a big environmental question involving the city's water supply. It's stored at Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite Park. Backers of Measure F aim to eventually drain the reservoir and restore the Yosemite Valley, fulfilling a dream dating back to environmentalist John Muir. But critics, including Mayor Ed Lee and Senator Dianne Feinstein, see disaster if it passes.Reporter: Lauren Sommer

• More: Century-Old Battle Over Yosemite's 'Second Valley' Heats Up

Photo courtesy of Marann Fengler

Father and Son Bond as Shipmates

Fathers and sons often bond over Little League ballgames or summer camping trips. For reporter Chris Richard and his son Sam, it's volunteering together as deckhands on two tall ships owned by the L.A. Maritime Institute. Chris filed an audio postcard from aboard the Irving Johnson during a recent Tall Ship Festival in Orange County.Reporter: Chris Richard

• More: Learn more at Brigantines.com

Suzie Racho/KQED

California Songs: Chuck Prophet's 'Castro Halloween'

On this last weekend in October, San Francisco will be bathed in orange and black for two reasons. First, they're the colors of the city's beloved Giants who are in pursuit of their second World Series title in three years. And then of course it's the weekend before Halloween, a holiday celebrated in over-the-top fashion in San Francisco's gay Castro District. The annual event has been scaled back after a shooting in 2006, but it inspired songwriter Chuck Prophet, a long time neighborhood resident, to write a song about it.

• More: Chuck Prophet's Official Website