Rices Fire 12% contained | LaMalfa’s challenger wants to restore Roe | California’s record budget

By Sarah Bohannon,

Published June 30, 2022 at 8:26 AM PDT

The latest North State and California news on our airwaves for Thursday, June 30.

Parts of Yuba County under evacuation warnings from Rices Fire

The Rices Fire burning in Nevada County continues to threaten hundreds of structures. According to Cal Fire, the fire is now 904 acres in size and 12% contained. Wednesday afternoon, officials upgraded evacuation advisories to evacuation warnings for two evacuation zones — YUB-E095 and YUB-E098 — in Yuba County.

Russ Brown, media and community relations coordinator for Yuba County, said residents should make sure to sign up for emergency alerts — especially if they live in the communities of Dobbins, Oregon House or Challenge-Brownsville.

“Also, we're asking people to check on their neighbors, relatives in the area, to make sure they have what they need,” he said.

Brown said the best place for Yuba County residents to get information on the Rices Fire is on the county’s Zonehaven evacuation map.

— Jamie Jiang, NSPR

North State congressional candidate wants to restore Roe v. Wade

The Democratic candidate for California’s 1st Congressional District is criticizing the U.S. Supreme Court for its ruling reversing federal protections for abortion.

Max Steiner said the court must earn back the respect of the electorate.

“It will take many years and probably a comprehensive change in personnel — just as judges retire and new ones are appointed — to restore the faith that Americans had in the Supreme Court 20 years ago,” said Steiner, who supports restoring Roe v. Wade by federal legislation.

He’s challenging Republican Congressman Doug LaMalfa in the November general election. LaMalfa’s staff did not respond to a request for comment on Friday’s ruling.

Hear an interview with Steiner in today’s Headlines.

— Andre Byik, NSPR

State lawmakers approve largest budget in state history

California lawmakers approved a record $300 billion state budget Wednesday night — the largest in state history.

Assembly Budget Chair Phil Ting, a Democrat from San Francisco, said it includes billions for tax rebates and increases for social safety net programs.

“Most importantly, when you have this kind of budget you have to be sure we’re doing everything possible to help those who are still very much in need,” Ting said.

The spending plan also includes funding boosts for colleges, universities and K-12 schools.

Republicans voted for many of the budget bills, but were critical of the process, which culminated in closed-door negotiations between top Democratic lawmakers and the governor over certain details. What else you should know about the California budget.

— CapRadio Staff

Budget will expand Medi-Cal to more undocumented immigrants

California’s newly approved state budget includes more than $800 million to expand Medi-Cal coverage to all eligible Californians, regardless of immigration status.

Currently, undocumented people between the ages of 26 and 49 are excluded. Advocates say this will open Medi-Cal up to about 700,000 people.

The budget is similar to a spending plan lawmakers approved earlier this month. The final version includes inflation-relief rebates for Californians earning under $500,000. It also includes money to expand reproductive health care services.