The latest North State and California news on our airwaves for Tuesday, March 22.
Dixie Fire: Clean-up steps remain before many owners can rebuild
Following last year’s Dixie Fire, structural fire debris has been cleared from about 75% of properties in the state’s debris-removal program.
Kelsie McInnis, division lead for the debris-removal effort in Plumas County, said that figure amounts to more than 485 parcels. Many properties must still undergo soil sampling, erosion control and tree removal before property owners can rebuild.
“We’re looking forward to really pushing hard on those post-debris removal steps to get the remaining properties back into the hands of the owners,” said McInnis, who spoke Saturday at the Dixie Fire Collaborative community meeting in Greenville, which was devastated by the fire in August.
She said about 150 properties have been returned to owners so far.
— Andre Byik, NSPR
Firefighter shortage, well-being worries officials ahead of wildfire season
As the state heads into another dangerous wildfire season, there could be a big problem — a shortage of firefighters to battle the fires.
The San Francisco Chronicle reports that the number of U.S. Forest Service firefighters has declined by 20% in the state since 2019.
Isaac Sanchez is with Cal Fire, the state's firefighting agency. He said he's also worried about a shortage of firefighter paramedics in California. Sanchez said strained staffing takes a physical and mental toll on firefighters.
“Some places run 14, 15, 16 calls a day — they can certainly grind on people,” Sanchez said. “But in the context of these large, destructive wildland fires, that well-being thing is still a concern.”
Sanchez said fewer paramedics are coming out of training programs, and low compensation and grueling working conditions make recruitment difficult.
— KQED Staff, The California Report
California lawmakers move to expand abortion access
California lawmakers have approved a bill that would ban insurers from charging any out-of-pocket costs for abortions.
The state Senate gave final approval to the bill Monday, and it now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk. It’s part of a package of legislation to expand abortion access in California as other states move to restrict it.
Democratic Assembly member Akilah Weber of San Diego has worked as an OB-GYN.
“Protecting access to abortion now is important now more than ever as our fundamental right to reproductive care is under attack in statehouses across this country and in the chambers of our U.S. Supreme Court,” Weber said.
Another bill lawmakers are considering this year would create an abortion fund. Those state and private dollars would help lower-income people cover costs like childcare or time off work to get the procedure.
— CapRadio Staff
State to lift COVID-19 restrictions for large indoor events
More changes to the state’s COVID-19 requirements are slated to take effect soon.
California is lifting its requirement for either proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test at larger indoor events of more than 1,000 people.
Starting April 1, that requirement will turn into a strong recommendation for things like concerts, athletic competitions and conventions. Event operators are still being urged to screen guests.
— KQED Staff, The California Report
Climate change likely causing earlier start to California’s allergy season
Allergy season is growing by several days each year in California, according to a study out of Stanford University.
Dr. Sharon Chinthrajah is with the Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research. She said this trend has been going on for nearly two decades.
“We’re already starting to see an earlier start to our pollen season this year, and I think that this is a trend due to climate change,” Dr. Chinthrajah said.
She said for those suffering from extreme allergies, there are shots that can help. Other tips include changing your clothes after being outside and showering before bed.
— CapRadio Staff
Stories from NPR partner stations are edited by NSPR Staff for digital presentation and credited as requested.In other news
- Fire season could be coming early again: “Fire season officially begins when the various jurisdictions throughout Northern California begin staffing up and reopening airbases. These talks typically begin in spring but can vary based on weather conditions and other factors.” — Chico Enterprise-Record
- Quincy Firewise meeting Wednesday; community members can do their part: “Quincy Firewise is a local volunteer group making efforts to create a more fire-aware and fire-prepared community. Quincy Firewise invites all Quincy residents to engage with these efforts and attend the second monthly Firewise gathering, scheduled for this Wednesday, March 23, from 5-6 p.m. at the West End Theatre.” — Plumas News
- The former filmmaker who bankrolled a militia-backed recall: “Reverge Anselmo, the son of the billionaire who founded the network that became Univision, has funneled more than $550,000 into Shasta County elections since 2020, a record for a single person.” — Los Angeles Times
- Highway 3 renovations in Yreka get more state funding; some worry about future maintenance: “A California Department of Transportation-led project to rehab Highway 3 through Yreka will receive some $2 million in added amities as part of a state program known as Clean California.” — The Siskiyou Daily News
- ‘Enterprise family’ mourns loss of victim found slain outside of a home in Shasta County: “Jimmy Schwerdt, 47, who played multiple sports at Enterprise and graduated in 1993, was found dead of an apparent gunshot wound last Wednesday night in the driveway of a home northeast of Redding.” — Redding Record Searchlight
- Funding secured for Yuba-Sutter Restoration House: “Part of a request of $985,000 in funding for the Adventist Health Well-Being Project Restoration in 2022, the Yuba-Sutter Restoration House will ‘provide complimentary services to augment psychiatric, behavioral health, housing navigation, and substance use treatment through an integrated community model focusing on transitional housing for unsheltered or precariously housed clients,’ according to a document provided by [Congressman John] Garamendi.” — The Appeal Democrat
- Getting healthy, nutritious foods to California students isn’t easy. First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom is making it her priority issue: “The effort faces challenges, however: More than 20% of Californians struggle with food insecurity, which COVID-19 has only exacerbated.” — CapRadio
- State unveils long-awaited standard for drinking water contaminant: “The proposed standard is a major step in a decades-long effort to curtail the water contaminant made infamous by the movie Erin Brockovich, based on residents of rural Hinkley, California who won more than $300 million from Pacific Gas & Electric for contamination of their drinking water.” — CalMatters
In case you missed it
- State water officials announce cutbacks due to ongoing drought — NSPR (Headlines, March 21)
- Dixie Fire: Sheriff explores video security in Greenville — NSPR (Headlines, March 21)
- Newsom proposes $100M in funding for California tribes — NSPR (Headlines, March 21)
- A dive back in time with Diamond Match Company — Chico Enterprise-Record
- Small businesses in Shasta County need more federal COVID-19 relief, Redding Chamber says — Redding Record Searchlight
- Redding police’s use of military equipment, including their armored vehicle, could change under new state law — Shasta Scout
- [Plumas] supervisors split on chamber funding — Plumas News
- Leaders, scientists discuss wildfire resilience and recovery at SNC WIP Summit — Lassen County Times
- Tehama Tomorrow launches petition drive for supervisor reform — Red Bluff Daily News
- Stephon Clark’s family is still seeking justice four years later — CapRadio
- California owes community clinics millions for COVID vaccines — CalMatters
- Will BA.2 cause another COVID surge in the U.S.? Here’s what Dr. Fauci said — San Francisco Chronicle
- Bok Kai Temple gets credit in Pixar’s new movie ‘Turning Red’ — The Appeal Democrat
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