Russian invasion protest | Where Camp Fire survivors relocated | Possible flooding in burn scars

By Sarah Bohannon,

Published February 25, 2022 at 8:48 AM PST

The latest North State and California news on our airwaves for Friday, Feb. 25.

Ukrainians in Sacramento protest Russian invasion, praying for ‘support of the whole world’

Hundreds of people of Ukrainian descent and their supporters gathered at the California Capitol in Sacramento Thursday to protest Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Rallygoers chanted against the violence, prayed and sang together. A massive yellow and blue banner read “God, protect Ukraine” in the language.

Attendees expressed shock and sadness about the invasion, along with fear and helplessness over friends and family in Ukraine. Read the full story.

— CapRadio Staff

Research shows Camp Fire survivors now live throughout the nation

Two Chico State researchers have been studying the aftermath of the 2018 Camp Fire for the last three years. This fall, they released updated data that show where survivors relocated. Their database now includes more than 14,000 addresses through September of last year.

“There are [now] people in all 50 states,” said Peter Hansen, project researcher and GIS specialist.

The project’s other researcher, geography professor Jacquelyn Chase, said those with more resources were able to move to Chico at a time when the housing market became competitive.

Chase says understanding the relocation of Camp Fire survivors is crucial for preparing for the next disaster. Read the full story.

— Angel Huracha, NSPR

FEMA: Spring rains could trigger flooding in burn scars

There’s a slight chance of rain in parts of Northern California early next week. Jeff Jackson with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said the forecast has some officials worried about the possibility of flooding in areas where vegetation was wiped out by wildfires.

"With the ground unable to absorb water, it doesn't take much, in terms of rainfall, to get that flash flooding going and to have several inches of water in your home,” Jackson said.

Flooding risk skyrockets until vegetation is restored, which can take several years. Jackson suggested people who live in areas at risk of wildfires consider flood insurance, as he said even an inch of water can cause up to $25,000 worth of damage.

— CapRadio Staff

Recall against Chico Mayor fails to meet valid signature threshold

Over 747 signatures gathered in support of recalling Chico Mayor Andrew Coolidge were deemed insufficient by the Butte County Clerk-Recorder/ Registrar of Voters this week.

The group behind the recall, Chico Voters, said in a press release Wednesday that it submitted more than 2,000 signatures to election officials, but too many were disqualified to proceed with the recall process.

More than 450 signatures were disqualified due to signees registered past deadline, registered at an address different from what was written on the petition, or not being registered to vote.

Chico Voters said in response to the rejections that they registered or re-registered nearly 450 voters for the recall effort and that “if those disqualifications resulted from … failure to update registration records, they were improperly disqualified.”

The group said it will be reviewing the petition to determine which signatures were disqualified.

— Alec Stutson, NSPR

PG&E and Sonoma County discuss resolution over Kincade Fire

Sonoma County prosecutors and lawyers for Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) told a judge in Santa Rosa Tuesday that they are in talks to settle criminal charges stemming from the 2019 Kincade Fire which was started by a PG&E transmission line.

The company faces more than 30 counts, including half a dozen felonies, in connection with the fire.

Will Abrams lost his home in the North Bay Fires of 2017 and was forced to flee again when the Kincade Fire prompted the largest evacuation in Sonoma County history. He said he fears a settlement will let PG&E escape full responsibility for the fire.

“Mostly what I was concerned about is it just seems like this is another opportunity for PG&E to settle,” he said. “Evidence gets buried and we move on, you know, as if the only things that matter are how much money do they settle for?”

The Kincade Fire burned 120 square miles and destroyed 175 homes.

— Saul Gonzalez (KQED), The California Report

California Democratic Party votes to stop accepting oil money

The California Democratic Party said it will no longer accept donations from the fossil fuel industry. The party's executive board overwhelmingly voted in favor of the changes this week.

Mary Creasman, CEO of California Environmental Voters, said fossil fuel money has helped derail or delay important statewide climate legislation and sees the party's decision as a positive first step.

“Part of what this does is it really powerfully shines a light on like, ‘Look, we're not taking this money because we're seeing the impact of this money as a party. And we're saying we're about something different,’” she said. “Our values mandate something.”

Crispin said 70% of state legislators accept donations from the fossil fuel industry. Critics say the changes don't go far enough and the agreement is full of loopholes.

— Katrina Schwartz (KQED), The California Report

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

In other news

Community forum to address racism in Yuba-Sutter: “Maree Gauper, a volunteer with the American Clergy Leadership Conference, helped to coordinate the event in response to pictures that circulated on social media in December of Wheatland Union High School students with white supremacist symbols drawn on their bodies and the display of a white supremacist hand gesture.” — The Appeal Democrat

Chico maps unveiled: “From one titled the “Mindful Map” to another called “The Heart of Chico,” seven public proposals for new Chico City Council districts were submitted by the city’s Feb. 14 deadline.” — Chico News & Review

Community fridge continues to serve: “Chico’s community fridge, located on Pine Street between Sixth and Seventh streets, holds food for passers by to grab a quick drink, a full meal, or to drop off extra items from their cupboards at home.” — Chico Enterprise-Record

LaMalfa releases statement on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: “America is stronger when we pull together in support of our republic. Today’s Russian invasion of Ukraine is partially the result of American weakness on the foreign stage and fallout of a flawed withdrawal in Afghanistan.” — Lassen County Times

Lassen Fire Safe Council adds reforestation projects; Effort aids fire safety and forest regrowth: “In the wake of catastrophic wildfires, the Lassen Fire Safe Council is charting a new path by adding reforestation into its forest management mission.” — Lassen County Times

Redding execs say anti-mandate doctors 'do not speak for the mainstream of health care': “In a letter sent to the supervisors on Wednesday, executives representing Redding's two main hospitals, major nonprofit medical center and other health facilities voiced support for COVID-19 vaccinations.” — Redding Record Searchlight

COVID-19 has turned deadlier for Black Californians, who have the state’s lowest vaccination rate: “COVID-19 has become deadlier for Black Californians since the widespread availability of vaccinations, and vaccine hesitancy could be among the reasons why.” — CalMatters

Biden has picked Ketanji Brown Jackson as his Supreme Court nominee, sources tell NPR: “President Biden has selected Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as his Supreme Court nominee to fill the seat left when Judge Stephen Breyer retires … .” — NPR

CDC to significantly ease pandemic mask guidelines Friday: “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday will announce a change to the metrics it uses to determine whether to recommend face coverings, shifting from looking at COVID-19 case counts to a more holistic view of risk from the coronavirus to a community.” — The Associated Press