The latest North State and California news on our airwaves for Thursday, April 21.
California to close main COVID-19 testing facility
California will close its main COVID-19 testing lab next month. The facility in Los Angeles County has faced scrutiny since it opened.
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration hired global health care company PerkinElmer to run the lab, awarding a no-bid contract worth up to $1.7 billion. In a letter late last month, obtained by CapRadio, the state told the company it would terminate the contract within 45 days.
The Newsom administration declined an interview request. In a statement, it said antigen tests and commercial labs offer more flexibility. PerkinElmer also declined an interview request. In a statement, the company claimed the state terminated the contract based on the overall drop in cases and demand for testing.
State inspectors identified significant deficiencies shortly after the lab opened. It also struggled to meet its 48-hour turnaround commitment during the omicron surge this winter.
It’s unclear what will happen to the large facility, which the state spent $25 million to build out.
— CapRadio Staff
Winter storm warning to last into Friday
A winter storm warning will continue in the southern Cascades and northern Sierra for elevations of about 5,000 feet through Friday morning. The National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration (NOAA) is predicting heavy snow, with total snow accumulations of 1-2 feet. Lighter snow is also possible down to 4,500 feet.
Travel will be difficult today with the potential for whiteout conditions in parts of the Sierra and is not recommended while the winter storm warning remains in effect. Those who do travel are advised to carry a flashlight, food and water. Power outages are also possible.
— Adia White, NSPR
New bill would reimburse farmers for illegal dumping on their land
A new bill would prioritize farmers and ranchers when it comes to reimbursement money for the cost to clean up junk dumped on rural roads.
Katie Little, a policy advocate with the California Farm Bureau, said the bureau is sponsoring the legislation because reimbursement for clean-up has become competitive.
“With the recent increase of illegal dumping, possibly associated with the recent COVID-19 pandemic, this fund has become oversubscribed,” Little said. “AB 2613 hopes to directly help farmers and ranchers with this issue by prioritizing the active agricultural community clean-up on farming and ranching operations.”
She said CalRecycle's existing grant program for farm and ranch clean-up also allows cities, counties, and tribal entities to apply for funds for rural areas. The legislation has passed out of the Assembly Natural Resources Committee.
— CapRadio Staff
Abortion rights advocates endorse AG Bonta’s election bid
Advocates for reproductive rights are endorsing California Attorney General Rob Bonta, a Democrat who was appointed to the position last year, in his election bid for a first full term in the role.
They say he is the only candidate who has pledged to defend the right to get an abortion and other reproductive health care.
Jodi Hicks, CEO and president of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, said advocates are bracing for the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a decision that legalized abortion nationwide in 1973.
“I continue to say the stakes have never been higher — ever. We’re about to lose a constitutional protection that we’ve had for 50 years,” Hicks said.
Hicks said other candidates have been silent on the issue. In a statement, Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert, who’s running as an independent, said she supports the right to get an abortion but does not support using state dollars.
— CapRadio Staff
Stories from NPR partner stations are edited by NSPR Staff for digital presentation and credited as requested.
In other news
- Public riverfront land will remain in public hands . . . for now: “Redding’s City Council voted to utilize funds to begin a city-led planning process instead of declaring prime riverfront properties 'surplus.' The vote followed months of discussion, public workshops, and community surveys about public land close to the Sundial Bridge.” — Shasta Scout
- After wildfires, scorched trees could disrupt water supplies: “As climate change fuels the spread of wildfires across the West, researchers want to know how scorched trees might disrupt water supplies.” — Chico Enterprise-Record
- Teen leads project to preserve historic cemetery: “The Historic Marysville City Cemetery, located at 2144 B St. in Marysville, has two primary threats: ground squirrels and teenagers. Both of these feisty creatures have reportedly wreaked havoc on the aging monuments in the park.” — The Appeal-Democrat
- New postmaster for Quincy: “Travis Olson will be officially installed as the Quincy Postmaster at a special program at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, April 21, at the Quincy Post Office, 222 Lawrence St., Quincy.” — Plumas News
- Red Bluff puts pieces in place for South Main Street rehabilitation: “Before the South Main Street rehabilitation project could begin, the City Council had to take one of the final steps Tuesday night by awarding a construction management services contract to Psomas, a construction engineering firm, for $302,237.” — Red Bluff Daily News
- Regional Child Support Agency moves Yuba City office: “Sutter, Colusa, and Yolo counties have consolidated their child support services into one regional body known as the Colusa, Sutter and Yolo Regional Child Support Agency. The agency is now announcing a change of location for its Yuba City office.” — The Appeal-Democrat
- Debt-free college: California’s on the verge of spending over a half-billion dollars to help 360,000 students: “Roughly 360,000 UC and Cal State students may soon receive about $1,000 to $3,000 to fund their educations this fall as part of California’s effort to make college debt-free. Another form of aid to help more community college students has a less clear path.” — CalMatters
In case you missed it
- Gov. Newsom visits Oroville Dam amid ongoing drought — NSPR (Headlines, April 20)
- DWR turns to tech to forecast snowmelt— CapRadio (Headlines, April 20)
- Officer dragged by vehicle shoots driver dead in rural Northern California, CHP says — The Sacramento Bee
- Some Wintu people call for “Land Back” during riverfront meetings. Here’s why — Shasta Scout
- Siskiyou County reaches 50% COVID-19 vaccination rate — The Siskiyou Daily News
- County officials vote to endorse Win-River casino relocation to I-5 — Redding Record Searchlight
- County permit center changes days of operation — Plumas News
- Lassen Fire Safe Council hosts no-cost fire safety seminars Saturday in Westwood, Sunday in Doyle — Lassen County Times
- Chico school board to note completion for CTE programs — Chico Enterprise-Record
- Kiss’ Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley celebrate first anniversary of Rock and Brews in Corning — Red Bluff Daily News
- Weed prepares to host blowout 420 cannabis festival — Redding Record Searchlight
- 2022 Voter Guide — CalMatters
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