The latest North State and California news on our airwaves for Monday, Aug. 29.
PG&E’s CEO says she’s focused on gaining back public’s trust
PG&E CEO Patricia Poppe faces multiple challenges in her role. The company has been responsible for sparking multiple catastrophic and deadly wildfires. Poppe says she’s focused on gaining back the public’s trust, including preparing for disasters rather than reacting to them.
— CapRadio Staff
Experts say California is likely to see more frequent, longer droughts
California snowpack this year is far below average, and experts say the trend will likely worsen over time. During this year’s April 1 snowpack survey, the Department of Water Resources found statewide snowpack was 38% of average. Dr. Ruby Leung, a climate researcher at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, says warmer temperatures caused by climate change will melt snow earlier in the spring and deplete available water for the summer. This will mean less water in California’s rivers and soil.
— Ken Devol, NSPR
Farmworkers march to Sacramento in support of union-voting bill
Thousands of marchers arrived in Sacramento Friday in hopes of persuading California Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign a bill that would allow farmworkers to vote to unionize by mail. Marcher Carmen Hernandez Ahlborn says the bill would allow more farmworkers to unionize without fear of retaliation. As of Friday morning, Newsom said he did not support the bill as it stands, but is open to negotiation.
— CapRadio Staff
Legislators consider bill to expand contraceptive coverage
California lawmakers are considering a bill that would expand contraceptive coverage to include free vasectomies for millions of men. Called the Contraceptive Equity Act of 2022, the bill would eliminate deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs for men who opt for a vasectomy.
— Stephanie O’Neill, Kaiser Health News
Stories from NPR partner stations are edited by NSPR Staff for digital presentation and credited as requested.
In case you missed it
- Cattle ranchers reducing herds due to drought in the western U.S. — NSPR
- Official says preference for single-family homes is a problem for affordable housing — NSPR
- Remembering Tyler Rushing, shot by Chico police in 2017 — NSPR
- Healthier options on the menu as California begins providing free meals for all students — EdSource
- Federal grant money for wildfire recovery short of funding requests — NSPR
- Chico journalist wins access to records in Chico police shootings — NSPR
- Fire insurance a barrier to recovery in North Complex burn scar — NSPR
- Q&A: Home & Heart helps unhoused older adults find a place to live — NSPR
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