Some Camp Fire survivors to get higher settlement amounts

By Sarah Bohannon,

Published February 11, 2022 at 8:13 AM PST

The latest North State and California news on our airwaves for Friday, Feb. 11.

Fire Victim Trust payments increase to 45% of victims’ claims

Some survivors of the Camp Fire, Butte Fire and North Bay fires will see a higher settlement amount to compensate them for their losses — but nowhere near a full reimbursement.

Justice John Trotter oversees the Fire Victim Trust, which will now pay 45% of victims’ claims rather than the previously estimated 30%. Trotter said a couple of events make the increase possible.

“We just got the last payment from PG&E, according to the settlement, slightly under $600 million,” he said. “And we’ve begun to monetize the stock.”

That stock — 40 million shares of it, given to the trust two years ago — was sold to raise another $480 million.

Trotter said it’s his hope most victims will have their claims settled by late summer.

This is a developing story. If you are a survivor of the Camp Fire and waiting on a settlement, we’d like to hear about your experience with the Fire Victim Trust. You can contact our news team at nsprnews@csuchico.edu.

— CapRadio Staff

Gallagher, other Republican state lawmakers attempt to terminate state of emergency

State lawmakers shot down an effort Thursday to end California’s state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Republicans tried to force a vote on a pair of resolutions that would immediately terminate the emergency.

Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher of Yuba City argued that with case rates falling and the Super Bowl happening in Los Angeles, restrictions based on a state of emergency should end. He pointed to last week’s NFC championship game, where he said "everyone" in the stands was maskless.

“Because the people have said, look, there’s no longer this need,” Gallagher said.

Democratic lawmakers in both chambers voted down the resolutions.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has argued the emergency declaration continues to help the state distribute vaccines and support hospitals during surges.

— CapRadio Staff

Newsom hints at shift in California’s pandemic response

Nearly two years into the pandemic, some elected officials are exploring ways to live with COVID-19 in daily life. Gov. Gavin Newsom said he will release the state’s so-called “endemic plan” as soon as next week.

“In that endemic plan, I think we’ll be able to answer many questions that a lot of you have about what world are we living in, [and] where are we going with this virus,” Newsom said.

Newsom also teased updated guidelines on masks in schools, where students and teachers are required to wear them. Democratic governors in Massachusetts and New Jersey have recently moved to drop masks in schools.

As case rates drop and restrictions loosen once more, many health experts still urge caution.

— CapRadio Staff

Chico names service provider for homeless shelter site

More details have emerged about the city of Chico’s plans to open a Pallet shelter site for unhoused people.

The Jesus Center will provide services and meals at the site on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway in south Chico, according to a news release issued Wednesday by the city. Additionally, the Oroville Southside Community Improvement Association will provide laundry and shower services.

Construction at the shelter site was completed at the end of January. The site has 177 micro-shelters with two beds apiece. It comes as one outcome of a lawsuit between a group of unhoused residents and the city.

Once the site is up and running, the city can begin to enforce anti-camping ordinances in public spaces if certain criteria are met, according to the settlement.

The site is expected to open sometime in the next few months.

— Alec Stutson, NSPR

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

In other news

In one Northern California county, the far-far right shows it’s got some muscle: “In a small storefront cluttered with American flags, MAGA hats and gun memorabilia, about a half dozen people waited their turn for a haircut. They hadn’t come to the Cottonwood Barber Shop on a recent afternoon, though, just for a trim.” — San Francisco Chronicle

Map time for Chico: “Under provisions of the state FAIR MAPS Act and federal Voting Rights Act, districts must be demographically proportional: not vary too much in population and ethnic diversity.” — Chico News & Review

Shasta County board likely to get its third chairman in three months: “Supervisor Patrick Jones said he plans to nominate fellow board member Les Baugh to be the next chairman, replacing Leonard Moty, who likely will be ousted from office after a successful recall election this month.” — Redding Record Searchlight

Butte County going forward on waste facility master plan: “The Butte County Board of Supervisors greenlit an agreement Tuesday … to develop a long-term master plan for the Neal Road Recycling and Waste Facility. — Chico Enterprise-Record

Why is a tenant protection bill failing in the California Legislature, again?: “Proponents of the longtime progressive priority — which promised to preserve the stock of affordable apartments amid a historic shortage — point to an aggressive campaign mounted by the deep-pocketed real estate industry.” — CalMatters

BLM plans prescribed burn in Weaverville Community Forest [today]: “The project area is along West Weaver Road, about 2.5 miles south of the intersection with Oregon Street. Smoke will be visible from Weaverville.” — The Trinity Journal