The latest North State and California news on our airwaves for Wednesday, March 23.
Community march held to honor Desmond Phillips
The "5 Years Without Justice4Desmond" rally and march was held in Chico last week to honor Desmond Phillips, who was killed by Chico police in 2017.
A crowd of around 40 community members gathered at Chico City Plaza to remember Desmond Phillips, and protest against people being killed by police. David Phillips, Desmond's father, led the march and spoke at the event.
"We're fighting for everybody. We're fighting for our community. We're fighting for this town back,” Phillips said.
He hopes to petition Gov. Gavin Newsom's office to launch full investigations into shootings by local law enforcement and to create a state venue for California civilians to report complaints.
Phillips said he continues to honor his son's memory by donating food to unhoused residents — something Desmond was passionate about in life, and an activity they shared.
— Alec Stutson, NSPR
Dixie Fire: Organizers explore ‘pop-up’ businesses in Greenville
Fire recovery organizers in Plumas County are exploring the feasibility of a “pop-up business district” in Greenville.
Kest Porter, a county liaison associated with the Dixie Fire Collaborative, said a stretch of property is being looked at in the downtown where businesses could operate temporarily while permanent buildings are rebuilt.
“The whole thought here is when you drive through and expect to see this burned-out town, instead you see an active business district,” said Porter, who spoke Saturday at a fire recovery meeting in Greenville. “A place that’s attractive enough that you might want to stop and check it out and see what’s going on.”
He said several food trucks are ready to operate. And other businesses — such as a fitness center, art gallery and flower shop — were also suggested as possibilities.
— Andre Byik, NSPR
Department of Water Resources tests putting solar panels over parts of the California Aqueduct
The state Department of Water Resources is working with the Turlock Irrigation District in Stanislaus County to field-test a plan to place solar panels over canals. The plan, called Project Nexus, could eventually lead to putting panels over more canals in the state-owned California Aqueduct.
The aqueduct conveys irrigation water from Lake Oroville to Southern California. Josh Weimer, a spokesperson with the Turlock Irrigation District, said the pilot program will help indicate if the project can be expanded.
“Project Nexus is really a pilot project that’s going to serve as a proof of concept for a UC Merced academic research paper that came out last year in 2021 that looked at, if we covered all of California’s 4,000 miles of California’s canals and aqueducts, what would be the water supply benefits and also the renewable energy generation benefits,” Weimer said.
Weimer said solar-covered canals would reduce water evaporation and inhibit the growth of aquatic plants. But most importantly, the additional solar capacity could contribute significantly to the state’s goal of achieving 100% clean energy by 2045.
— Ken Devol, NSPR
Advocates oppose new proposal to require treatment for some unhoused residents
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s CARE Court proposal would require mental health and drug treatment for some of California’s unhoused residents.
But some advocates for unhoused residents say it lacks a clear plan for how to house people during and after that treatment. Mari Castaldi, a senior legislative advocate with Housing California, said the proposal lacks a clear plan.
“We’re concerned that this proposal seems to compel participation in treatment before the individual is living in permanent stable housing,” she said. “And the proposal doesn’t really point to how people experiencing homelessness will access the housing they need to stabilize.”
Castaldi said treatment is more effective once people are off the streets.
Supporters say the CARE Court plan is needed because some unhoused people are no longer capable of voluntarily seeking treatment. Under the plan, those who refuse to participate could be ordered into a conservatorship.
— CapRadio Staff
State officials propose limit on cancer-linked water contaminant
California officials are proposing a limit on hexavalent chromium in drinking water, a contaminant made infamous in the movie “Erin Brockovich” for its links to causing cancer.
Once passed, this standard would be the first in the nation to specifically target this cancer-causing contaminant.
But health and environmental advocates say it still falls short of what’s safe.
About a decade ago, state scientists set a public health goal for exposure to the contaminant at 0.02 parts per billion. They said this number would only pose a “one-in-a-million” risk level. This current proposal is 500 times that amount.
But state officials are balancing health concerns with cost. Water suppliers say that the price of treatment could hit customers. California officials are seeking comments on this proposal until April 29.
— CapRadio Staff
Stories from NPR partner stations are edited by NSPR Staff for digital presentation and credited as requested.
In other news
- Vitalant says blood donations will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies: “Vitalant is starting to test for COVID-19 antibodies because the antibodies could potentially help immunocompromised people and some people are curious about whether or not they have COVID-19 antibodies.” — Chico Enterprise-Record
- Just 2 COVID cases reported in Plumas over the past seven days: “Just two COVID-19 cases were reported over the past seven days — that’s the fewest reported since the first cases arrived in Plumas County almost exactly two years ago.” — Plumas News
- Sites Reservoir to pursue $2.2B loan through WIFIA: “The loan, if approved, could ‘dramatically reduce the costs to participants, making it more affordable for cities, farms, and resource managers to have access to more water in dry years,’ the Sites Project Authority said in a statement.” — Colusa Sun-Herald
- Yuba County moves forward with film commission: “After receiving a presentation in October 2021 regarding the formation of a Yuba-Sutter film commission, the Yuba County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution Tuesday that will allow the commission to move forward as a representative of the county’s efforts to bring in more activity and dollars as it relates to the film industry.” — The Appeal Democrat
- Tehama County Genealogical and Historical Society releases annual ‘Memories’ book: “The Tehama County Genealogical & Historical Society released its newest edition of the annual publication 'Memories,' after months of delays due to COVID-19.” — Red Bluff Daily News
- In wake of Castro resignation, Cal State launches investigations of system’s handling of sexual harassment complaints: “California State University’s board of trustees unanimously voted Tuesday to assess Title IX practices across the system, review sexual harassment complaints at Fresno State University and launch a task force to examine separation agreements with executives.” — CapRadio
- Key California COVID relief program about to expire: “Starting Monday, landlords can move to evict non-paying tenants in cities or counties without local eviction protections in place — even if they have rent relief applications pending before the state.” — CalMatters
In case you missed it
- Dixie Fire: Clean-up steps remain before many owners can rebuild — NSPR (Headlines, March 22)
- Firefighter shortage, well-being worries officials ahead of wildfire season — KQED Staff, The California Report (Headlines, March 22)
- California lawmakers move to expand abortion access — CapRadio (Headlines, March 22)
- Fire season could be coming early again — Chico Enterprise-Record
- Quincy Firewise meeting Wednesday; community members can do their part — Plumas News
- The former filmmaker who bankrolled a militia-backed recall — Los Angeles Times
- Highway 3 renovations in Yreka get more state funding; some worry about future maintenance — The Siskiyou Daily News
- ‘Enterprise family’ mourns loss of victim found slain outside of a home in Shasta County — Redding Record Searchlight
- Funding secured for Yuba-Sutter Restoration House — The Appeal Democrat
- Getting healthy, nutritious foods to California students isn’t easy. First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom is making it her priority issue — CapRadio
- State unveils long-awaited standard for drinking water contaminant — CalMatter
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