The latest North State and California news on our airwaves for Wednesday, Jan. 26.
Butte County grapples with spread of omicron variant
Health officials in Butte County say the most recent surge of coronavirus cases is leading to more hospitalizations. Ninety-one COVID-19 patients were hospitalized on Sunday. That was up from 88 on Saturday and 76 on Friday.
Public Health Director Danette York told the Board of Supervisors Tuesday that the county saw an increase in COVID-19 cases due to the omicron variant about two weeks ago.
“We did anticipate this. As I’ve mentioned in the past, hospitalizations follow about two weeks behind the number of cases,” she said.
York added that seven of Butte County’s nine skilled nursing facilities are experiencing outbreaks. Meanwhile, public health officials say changes to their COVID-19 response and reporting are in store. Read the full story.
— Andre Byik, NSPR
Man accused of opening fire on CHP officer charged with attempted murder
The Yuba County District Attorney’s Office has filed charges against an Oroville man accused of opening fire on a California Highway Patrol officer earlier this month.
According to a press release, District Attorney Clint Curry filed a criminal complaint against Aaron Tobias Quinn, charging him with attempted murder of a peace officer; assault with a firearm on a peace officer; and recklessly evading a peace officer, among other charges.
The CHP alleges Quinn opened fire on the officer at the end of a chase on Jan. 16, when he crashed his vehicle into a power pole on La Porte Road in Yuba County. The CHP said the officer returned fire, and Quinn suffered serious injuries. The officer wasn’t injured.
The District Attorney’s Office said Quinn remained hospitalized Monday. His arraignment has not yet been scheduled, and it was unclear whether he has an attorney.
— Andre Byik, NSPR
Chico State students return to in-person learning this week
Chico State began its spring semester this week, with the majority of its classes being held in-person. Students on campus were mixed on how they felt about campus safety, considering the semester started in the middle of a surge in COVID-19 cases.
Meliese Menchaca, a senior at the college, said everyone seemed to be on guard.
"I know a lot of professors, in their syllabus, are putting in more precautions,” she said.
Senior Seana Watkins disagreed. She said her classes were in small rooms with no windows or ventilation, and not enough space between students.
"I think, even if we waited a couple of weeks to get through the surge that's about to happen and hit Chico, I think that would have probably been the safest," she said.
Chico State is one of a handful of the 23 CSU campuses which began their spring semesters with in-person learning.
— Alec Stutson, NSPR
PG&E offering to remove wood debris from wildfire mitigation efforts
Pacific Gas & Electric will remove wood debris from properties where it cut down trees for safety reasons during its 2021 wildfire response. During that response, trees were cut down if they were determined to be hazardous to electrical equipment or crews.
In a press release Tuesday, the company said that its contractors can now remove large-diameter wood — such as limbs or trunks — from affected properties.
Removal of the wood debris is free, but landowners must provide written permission to PG&E to enroll. The company is in the process of contacting eligible landowners to offer the service and provide permission forms.
— Ken Devol, NSPR
In other news
- Hospital counts in Shasta County on the rise again: “A COVID-19 outbreak in Shasta County is shutting down some classes and businesses, and limiting staff at government offices. Some offices moved services to online platforms and many schools are offering distance learning classes this week.” — Redding Record Searchlight
- Colusa transit agency extends suspended services due to COVID-19: “The Colusa County Transit Agency announced Tuesday that public transportation services within the county will continue to be suspended in response to COVID-19 guidelines leading to a lack of available staff to support services.” — The Appeal Democrat
- Alfredo Ruvalcaba found guilty of first-degree murder: “An Artois man has been found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of 16-year-old Melissa Esquivel-Flores in 2015.” — Chico Enterprise-Record
- What’s in the California paid sick leave deal for workers and businesses?: “California workers will soon again have access to as much as two weeks paid time off for COVID-related sick leave, under a deal announced [Tuesday] by the governor and legislative leaders.” — CalMatters
- Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones announces run for Congress: “Jones will run as a Republican in the newly drawn 3rd Congressional District, which stretches from Plumas County, north of Lake Tahoe, to the southern tip of Death Valley.” — CapRadio
In case you missed it
- Wolf packs survive devastating fire year — NSPR
- COVID-19 updates: 3 more die, 75 hospitalized in county — Redding Record Searchlight
- Police investigating antisemitic flyers distributed in Chico — NSPR Headlines (Jan. 25)
- Corning to explore defying Tehama County Public Health orders — Red Bluff Daily News
- Chico State, Butte College to offer new financial aid program — Chico Enterprise-Record
- Proposed bill would eliminate COVID-19 vaccine belief exemption in California schools — The Associated Press
- PUSD announces 26 cases to start the week — Plumas News
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