Julie Small

Mar 20, 2025 | kqed.org | Julie Small

Mar 20Failed to save articlePlease try againThe Martinez Refining Company in Martinez, California, on Feb. 3, 2025. At a community meeting, Martinez residents and officials clashed with East Bay refinery chiefs, who plan to reopen undamaged units in April.  (Gina Castro/KQED)On July 11, 2023, and Oct. 6, 2023, the refinery unintentionally released petroleum coke dust — a refining byproduct that looks like soot and is made up of particulate matter that can irritate lungs.

Mar 6, 2025 | kqed.org | Julie Small

Mar 6Failed to save articlePlease try againSan Antonio-based Valero Corp. is the nation's biggest refiner. The Benicia refinery is one of two the company operates in California. (Craig Miller/KQED)“It’s a governmental overreach, significant governmental overreach — even in California!” Lauren Bird, general manager and vice president of the Benicia refinery, told the council. He  touted the facility’s track record of responding to and containing plant malfunctions.

Feb 11, 2025 | kqed.org | Julie Small

Feb 11Failed to save articlePlease try againRonald Thomas looks toward the Martinez Refining Company, where a fire broke out over the weekend in Martinez, California, on Feb. 3, 2025. Thomas lives across the street from the refinery and said he had to evacuate during the fire. Ten days after the fire, Contra Costa County says a range of harmful chemicals were released, including some that pose risks for cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Feb 7, 2025 | kqed.org | Cecilia Lei |Julie Small |Katrina Schwartz |Jessica Kariisa

Cecilia LeiJulie SmallKatrina SchwartzJessica KariisaMel VelasquezFeb 7Failed to save articlePlease try againThe Martinez Refining Company in Martinez, California, on Feb. 3, 2025. (Gina Castro/KQED)On February 1, 2025 a massive fire broke out at the Martinez Refinery Company’s petroleum refinery leading to unsafe air conditions and a shelter in place order. It’s the third major incident at the refinery in the past five years.

Nov 5, 2024 | kqed.org | Marisa Lagos |Julie Small

Nov 5Failed to save articlePlease try againA watch tower at California State Prison, Sacramento, on April 13, 2023. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)Despite opposition from most of the state’s prosecutors and law enforcement groups, Proposition 47 sailed to victory in 2014.