Ben Adler

When the town of Tracy, Calif., announced last month that it was going to start charging residents for 911 calls, many critics decried the growing practice of charging fees for a public service. It turns out Tracy is not alone; some other cities charge for calls for emergency medical treatment, and the practice is growing.

California authorities say a convicted sex offender is suspected of kidnapping an 11-year-old girl in 1991, and holding her captive in a backyard compound. Jaycee Lee Dugard is now 29 years old, and her two suspected captors are in custody in California.

Lettuce and spinach crops are in the ground now in California's Salinas Valley. They'll soon be arriving as pre-washed bagged leafy greens at your local supermarket. Are they safe to eat?

The fresh produce industry in California is close to agreement with state agricultural officials on new food-safety guidelines that they hope will allay consumers' fears. Ben Adler of member station KAZU in Monterey, Ben Adler has our report.