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State Sen. Brian Dahle plans to announce run for governor today

The latest North State and California news on our airwaves for Tuesday, Feb. 8. 

North State senator to announce bid for California governor

State Sen. Brian Dahle, who represents California’s 1st Senate District, will announce his candidacy for governor today, according to The Associated Press.

The AP reports Dahle is one of the first Republicans to publicly challenge Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who defeated a recall attempt last year. Dahle indicated on Facebook he will make a “special announcement” at noon at the Redding Civic Auditorium lawn.

Dahle’s candidacy “ensures Republicans will have someone on the ballot against Newsom, who soundly defeated a host of Republican challengers just five months ago in a recall election fueled by anger over his handling of the pandemic,” according to the AP.

The AP reports any Republican will have a tough time defeating Newsom in November. Republicans account for about 24% of registered voters in the state, which is heavily Democratic.

Andre Byik, NSPR

Interview: Greenville resident on town’s needs 6 months after Dixie Fire

The massive Dixie Fire overtook the Plumas County community of Greenville six months ago Friday.

One Greenville resident, Cathy Buchanan, said her home survived the fire, but her mother’s home and the local bar her mother ran did not.

Buchanan recently spoke with NSPR in Greenville about the community’s needs homes, jobs, school and she recounted escaping the fire with her daughter as it approached the town.

“We went out into the valley,” she said, “and we literally watched the town burn.”

Listen to the interview in today’s Headlines.

— Andre Byik, NSPR

Monday marked 5 years since Oroville Dam crisis

Five years ago Monday, a crater-sized crack appeared in Oroville Dam's primary spillway after heavy rains. The potential failure of the adjoining emergency spillway, five days later, prompted Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea to issue mandatory evacuation orders for more than 180,000 residents. Honea said residents continue to deal with the trauma.

"The spillway incident left a lasting scar on our community,” he said. “And I suspect that for many, many years to come there will be people who remember that day like other significant events that collectively we all remember 9-11, Pearl Harbor."

It took the state Department of Water Resources two and a half years and $1 billion worth of repairs before it began using the dam's main spillway again, releasing water into the Feather River. Listen to the full interview.

CapRadio Staff

California to end indoor mask mandate Feb. 15

California is ending its indoor mask mandate for vaccinated people Feb. 15 as the omicron surge recedes for much of the state, but it will remain in place for the unvaccinated.

The mask mandate for indoor public places was put in place in mid-December to help stem a dramatic holiday-related increase in COVID-19 cases. But despite the requirement, the rapid rise continued into January. During its peak California averaged more than 110,000 new cases per day. The state says cases have since decreased by 65%.

Masks will still be required on public transit, in long-term care facilities, and health care settings. Read the full story.

— CapRadio Staff 

California lawmakers approve additional paid sick leave

Workers will be able to get additional paid sick time if they come down with COVID-19 under a measure California lawmakers approved yesterday.

It requires some employers to provide up to 80 hours of paid pandemic sick leave. Workers can use that time if they need to quarantine, get a vaccine, or if they or a family member tests positive.

It’s retroactive to Jan. 1 and expires at the end of September.

Democratic lawmakers say it will take pressure off workers who have to balance their health with their pocketbooks.

After the first 40 hours of sick leave, employers can request proof of a positive test. Gov. Gavin Newsom is expected to sign the bill.

— CapRadio Staff 

Stories from NPR partner stations are edited by NSPR Staff for digital presentation and credited as requested.

In other news

  • Regional Housing Authority cuts low-income programs: “For the past several weeks, jurisdictions in the region have been receiving notices from the Regional Housing Authority about its decision to cancel agreements meant to provide ways for low-income residents to improve their homes.” — The Appeal Democrat

In case you missed it

Headlines is published every weekday by 8 a.m. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and NPR One. Theme song Borough is courtesy of Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue). 

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.