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PG&E’s criminal probation to end

The latest North State and California news on our airwaves for Tuesday, Jan. 25. 

Utility’s equipment sparked deadly, destructive wildfires during term

The nation's largest utility, Pacific Gas & Electric, is poised to emerge from five years of criminal probation amid worries that it remains too dangerous to be trusted.

Over the last five years, the utility became an even more destructive force. More than 100 people have died and more than 23,000 homes and businesses have been incinerated in wildfires sparked by its equipment in that time, including the Camp and Dixie fires.

The probation period was supposed to rehabilitate PG&E after its 2016 felony conviction for a 2010 explosion that blew up a neighborhood and killed eight people. PG&E says it has made strides in fixing outdated equipment and pledges to do more. Read the full story.

— The Associated Press

Wolf packs survive devastating fire year

Following massively destructive wildfires in the North State last year, there was concern among state wildlife officials that the small California gray wolf population may have been seriously reduced in burned-over areas.

Kent Laudon, a senior environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s northern division in Redding, says most of the wolves did survive and the packs are intact, at least for now.

For all the packs, much still depends on the availability of food resources, such as deer. Looking at the Lassen Pack, whose territory was affected by the Dixie Fire, Laudon says they appear to be making some territorial adjustments that may be related to the deer population. Read the full story.

— Ken Devol, NSPR

Police investigating antisemitic flyers distributed in Chico

Chico police say they’re investigating the source of antisemitic flyers that were distributed Sunday morning in a north Chico neighborhood.

The department said in a press release that so far, it believes the incident constitutes a general distribution of hate material, not a directed effort against any one person. No suspects have been identified.

The police say they’re aware of the hostage crisis that recently took place at a Texas synagogue and heightened sensitivity for Jewish community members. The department says it will increase patrols in the affected neighborhood and reach out to the Jewish community in the coming days.

— Andre Byik, NSPR

Cleanup of toxic spill in Redding to last at least a few more days

Officials say it will take at least a few more days to finish clearing up a toxic petroleum spill in Redding. About 7,700 gallons of a toxic oil and gas mixture spilled after an oil truck overturned on Friday.

A spokesperson for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response said crews worked through the weekend to contain and recover petroleum products released into Calaboose Creek, some of which made it to the Sacramento River. Affected wildlife are also being treated.

— Ken Devol, NSPR

Firm representing unhoused Chico residents offers more details on settlement agreement

The city of Chico has committed to developing a homeless shelter at the old BMX site in south Chico.

The move comes as part of a recent settlement to a federal lawsuit brought by a group of unhoused residents and filed by Legal Services of Northern California.

Cory Turner, an attorney for the firm, said the city will have to follow certain procedures before resuming enforcement of its anti-camping rules in public spaces.

“Procedures that are based on first identifying that there is enough shelter for the people who might be subject to enforcement, and offering that shelter and services before enforcement begins. This creates stability for the community [and] predictability for everyone involved.”

*Listen to the full interview in today’s Headlines. More on Chico beginning construction of the homeless shelter village in yesterday’s report. 

— Andre Byik, NSPR

In other news

  • COVID-19 updates: 3 more die, 75 hospitalized in county: “Last week, Shasta County Public Health tracked more COVID-19 cases in one day than it had on any day during the pandemic, although case numbers are likely much higher … Public Health has confirmed the deaths of 24 residents due to COVID-19 in January. All told, the pandemic has claimed the lives of 515 county residents.” — Redding Record Searchlight 
  • Chico State, Butte College to offer new financial aid program: “The program is called Californians For All College Corps and it aims at helping low-income students at 45 colleges with paying for tuition, if the student does community service … Students who complete 450 hours of community service in an academic year will receive $10,000.” — Chico Enterprise-Record  

In case you missed it

‘Headlines’ is published every weekday by 8 a.m. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and NPR One.

Sarah has worked at North State Public Radio since 2015 and is currently the station’s Director of Operations. She’s responsible for the sound of the station and works to create the richest public radio experience possible for NSPR listeners.
A graduate of California State University, Chico, Andre Byik is an award-winning journalist who has reported in Northern California since 2012. He joined North State Public Radio in 2020, following roles at the Chico Enterprise-Record and Chico News & Review.
Angel Huracha has been a part of the journalism field since 2006 and has covered a range of topics. He is a graduate of Chico State with a Bachelor's degree in news-editorial and public relations with a minor in English.
Adia White is a broadcast journalist and producer with nearly 10 years of experience. Her work has appeared on WNYC, This American Life, Capital Public Radio and other local and national programs. She started at North State Public Radio as a freelance reporter in 2017 before leaving for a stint at Northern California Public Media in Santa Rosa.