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COVID testing lab to close | Heavy snow in North State | Bill targets illegal dumping on farmland

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
  • 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 

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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.