The latest North State and California news on our airwaves for Friday, Jan. 20.
PG&E faces manslaughter charges in 2020 Zogg Fire
Pacific Gas & Electric is in criminal court again to fight charges it killed four Shasta County residents in a 2020 wildfire. The company is facing four counts of manslaughter for its alleged role in starting the Zogg Fire. Shasta County prosecutors allege that the utility is criminally responsible because it failed to identify and remove a damaged tree that fell on power lines and sparked the fire. PG&E has pleaded not guilty and says failing to remove the tree does not amount to a crime.
— Dan Brekke (KQED), The California Report
President Biden visits California to assess storm damage
President Joe Biden toured storm-damaged areas of California's Central Coast Thursday to get a firsthand look at the destruction caused by a series of atmospheric rivers that slammed the state with heavy rain, snow and powerful winds. Seven counties now fall under a major disaster declaration after San Joaquin was added Thursday.
— CapRadio Staff
Millions to go to addressing wildfire concerns in western states
The federal government announced an investment of $930 million to address wildfire concerns in 11 at-risk areas in the western U.S. These areas include parts of California, Arizona, Oregon and other states. These states have been heavily hit in recent years by massive wildfires, threatening landscapes and communities.
— CapRadio Staff
Study shows policy to open up housing units isn’t meeting its goal
A new California law ambitiously promised to unlock thousands of housing units by allowing owners of single-family homes to split their lot and build up to two duplexes. But a new study shows the law isn't working as promised.
— Adhiti Bandlamudi (KQED), The California Report
Stories from NPR partner stations are edited by NSPR Staff for digital presentation and credited as requested.
In case you missed it
- PG&E settles with public entities over Dixie Fire damages — NSPR
- Paradise Town Council backs bill for tax relief on Camp Fire settlements — NSPR
- More California counties added to major disaster declaration — CapRadio
- Interview: Experts skeptical California’s grid can handle plan to phase out gas cars — CapRadio
- Paradise council member to advocate for tax relief for fire survivors in Washington — NSPR
- Corning lavender farm devastated by winter storm flooding — NSPR
- Biden to visit California to survey flood damage — The California Report
- Number of ‘red-tagged’ homes estimated to be in the thousands — NSPR
- Residents oppose decision to close three Butte County fire stations for the winter — NSPR
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