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Water cutbacks in Redding | Platina Fire update | AG probes oil industry

The latest North State and California news on our airwaves for Friday, April 29.

Water cutbacks in Redding to take effect May 1

The city of Redding is implementing new water restrictions. City officials said in a press release Thursday that customers will soon be required to limit their use by 10-20%.

Landscape watering will be limited to three days a week between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. Even-numbered addresses will be permitted to water only on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Odd-numbered addresses will be permitted to water only on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Hoses will need to be fitted with an auto-shutoff nozzle, and decorative fountains must have recirculating systems.

At restaurants, customers can only be served water upon request. Hotels and motels will be required to offer customers the option of not having their linens laundered daily.

The Redding City Council voted unanimously in mid-April to implement the new restrictions. The rules will go into effect Sunday, May 1.

— Adia White, NSPR

Platina Fire 90% contained; Cal Fire says escaped burn pile is to blame

Favorable conditions helped fire firefighters in Shasta County increase containment on the Platina Fire west of Redding.

According to the latest update from Cal Fire this morning, the fire was 10 acres and 90% contained. No injuries have been reported and no structures were damaged or destroyed.

Cal Fire reported the fire was started by an escaped burn pile in a remote area.

— Adia White, NSPR

California lawmakers propose suspending gas tax

A bipartisan group of state lawmakers is pushing to suspend the gas tax for a full year.

The proposal from the Legislature’s Problem Solvers Caucus would pause the 51-cent-per-gallon tax and backfill lost money for roads from the state’s expected surplus.

Republicans have been pushing to suspend the tax as fuel prices skyrocket.

Top legislative Democrats have been reluctant to change the gas tax and instead are pushing for tax rebates to address rising prices. They want to send $200 dollars to every taxpayer and dependent.

— CapRadio Staff

California attorney general probes fossil fuel industry

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Thursday his office is investigating the fossil fuel and petrochemical industries. He’s looking into their roles in worsening the plastic waste pollution crisis.

Speaking at a Los Angeles County beach between an oil refinery and sewage outflow, Bonta said the first-of-its-kind investigation would determine if the industries violated any law when they pushed oil-based plastics onto consumers.

“The truth is the recycling rate has never surpassed 9%,” Bonta said. “The truth is the vast majority of plastic products by design cannot be recycled, and 91% end up in landfills, are burned or are released into the environment.”

Bonta added that his office has subpoenaed Exxon Mobil Corp., seeking information about the company’s role in global plastics pollution.

— CapRadio Staff

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

In other news

  • Drier and dire: “Domestic well users will be hit the hardest as Northern California continues to suffer from severe-to-extreme drought conditions in 2022. That is one of the key takeaways from a Drought Impact and Analysis Study being prepared for Butte County by Luhdorff & Scalmanini Consulting Engineers.” — Chico News & Review
  • Yuba Sutter Taco Festival returns to Marysville: “The third annual Yuba Sutter Taco Festival is scheduled for Saturday, May 14, from 1 to 8 p.m. in downtown Marysville. The event will encompass five city blocks between 1st and 3rd Street and is anticipated to host over 3,000 guests.” — The Appeal-Democrat

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

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.