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Wildfire recovery barriers | COVID-19 subvariant detected | Climate change education gaps

The latest North State and California news on our airwaves for Wednesday, April 6.

Recovery just beginning years later for many North State fire survivors

Fire officials are starting to gear up for another potentially dangerous fire season. This comes as many in the North State are just starting to recover from past wildfires.

John Mitchell is the program coordinator for the Tiny Pine Foundation, a nonprofit that’s been building tiny houses for survivors of the 2018 Camp Fire and 2020 Bear Fire or North Complex. He said while progress is being made in both burn scars, many survivors — especially those in rural communities like Concow and Berry Creek — are just beginning to get into more stable situations.

“It’s so difficult,” Mitchell said. “There are so many barriers, so many hurdles to go through. Not just in the clean-up process, but now it’s trying to get power out there, trying to get their wells up and running, trying to get their septic systems working and then many of them are living in trailers and fifth wheels and stuff on their properties.”

Mitchell said those who didn’t experience the fires may feel like a lot of time has passed, but for many who lost everything, the rebuilding process has just begun.

He added that volunteering with a fire recovery organization is a great way to stay informed and there are many ways to get involved.

— Sarah Bohannon, NSPR

Highly contagious omicron subvariant found in Shasta County

The BA.2 subvariant of omicron is the dominant strain worldwide and is on the rise in California. Now, it’s also been detected in Shasta County. County health officials report the variant has been detected in seven positive COVID-19 tests in the county since February.

Kimberly Ross, a community education specialist for the Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency, said while the variant is “slightly” more contagious, the county is not seeing “quite as big a jump in contagion as from delta to omicron, as with this omicron to BA.2 subvariant of omicron.”

Ross said it's important for residents to keep up with their COVID vaccines and booster shots. There were 42 active COVID-19 cases in the county and eight hospitalizations, as ofthe latest available data.

— Alec Stutson, NSPR

Second booster shot recommended for those 50 and older

A second COVID booster shot is now recommended for people 50 and older and those with immune deficiencies.

While the average number of new COVID cases in California is dropping by the week — and now at levels not seen since last June — some doctors say a booster shot might still be needed.

The dominant coronavirus strain in the U.S. is now BA.2, which is a subvariant of omicron and more contagious.

Dr. Dean Blumberg, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at UC Davis Medical Center, said people with underlying health conditions should consider getting a second booster shot.

“Certainly if you do have comorbidities or if you’re going to be at increased risk for exposure and infections,” he said. “If you’re traveling to somewhere where there’s increased rates of transmission, then it’s a good idea to consider that booster.”

Regarding a vaccine for children 5 and younger, Blumberg said more data will be available for federal health officials to review in the coming weeks.

— CapRadio Staff

Interview: Climate education often lacks in preparing students for the future

The way students are taught about human-caused climate change can vary wildly from school to school — and some may be failing to prepare students for the future.

NSPR's Alec Stutson spoke with Katie Worth, an investigative journalist who has reported on climate change education in schools, including some in the North State. Listen to the interview in today’s Headlines. 

— Alec Stutson, NSPR

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

In other news

  • Final steps underway for pallet shelter site: “The city’s court-ordered pallet shelter project is close to completion, and advocates for unhoused people are hopeful but cautious about its chance for success.” ChicoSol
  • Jesus Center begins Renewal Center construction: “The Renewal Center, a project by the Jesus Center, broke ground Monday across the street from their Fair Street location in Chico to add more beds, services and flexible space to its existing programs.” — Chico Enterprise-Record
  • BOE appoints Yvette Stowers as its next executive director: “The California State Board of Equalization appointed Yvette Stowers as its next executive director at the March 2022 board meeting, effective upon the completion of review by the California Department of Human Resources. She will replace Brenda Fleming who announced her retirement earlier this year and has served as Executive Director since January 2019.” — Lassen County Times
  • Repairs completed on Pass Road: “During its December 2021 meeting, the Sutter County Board of Supervisors discussed damage that occurred on a portion of Pass Road as a result of severe storms in October.” — The Appeal-Democrat 

In case you missed it

Headlines is published every weekday morning at 8:30 a.m. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and NPR One. Theme song Borough is courtesy of Blue Dot Sessions

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.