The good news for millions of out-of-work California workers is that the federal government is offering them an additional $300 per week in unemployment insurance benefits. The not-so-good news is that the bonus is just half of the $600 in extra jobless benefits that expired nearly a month ago, it’s uncertain when...
‘High Risk’ of Waste, Fraud in California COVID Spending, Auditor Warns.
SACRAMENTO — California is getting so much money from the federal government because of the coronavirus — more than $71 billion — that the state's auditor on Tuesday warned Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration it is at high risk of waste, fraud and abuse. In a letter to Newsom and legislative...
Newsom Promises New Reopening Rules for Businesses This Week
SACRAMENTO — While California faces multiple crises, there are encouraging signs in the coronavirus fight, with infection rates falling enough that Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday that soon he will announce plans for reopening businesses that closed nearly two months ago when cases spiked. “We are moving forward this week,"...
Walters: California Gambles With Stopgap Legislation
The severe recession that has engulfed California as the state battles the COVID-19 pandemic presents the state’s dominant Democrats with a very large dilemma. As businesses closed their doors and unemployment skyrocketed, the natural inclination of Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democratic legislators was to spend money to relieve the economic...
California Fires Claim 6 Lives, Threaten Thousands of Homes
SANTA CRUZ — Sky-darkening wildfires that took at least six lives and forced tens of thousands of people from their homes blazed throughout California on Friday as firefighting resources strained under the vastness of the infernos authorities were trying to control. Three major complexes encompassing dozens of fires chewed through...
Newsom Pressured for Hispanic Senate Replacement if Harris Becomes VP
LOS ANGELES — A Latino group openly pressured Gov. Gavin Newsom Thursday to select a Hispanic replacement if U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris' seat becomes vacant, saying it was time for a historic pick that would reflect the growing influence of Latinos in the nation's most populous state. The letter to...
Newsom Says New Rules Coming for Reopening Counties
With many areas of California seeing a significant slowdown in the spread of the coronavirus, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday his administration is working with local health officials on rules for businesses to reopen in counties that come off the state's watch list. San Diego, Placer and Santa Cruz counties...
Helicopter Pilot Dies in Crash While Fighting Wildfire Near Coalinga
A pilot battling the Hills Fire about nine miles south of Coalinga died when a helicopter crashed Wednesday morning. The Bell UH-1H helicopter was on a water-dropping mission on the Hills Fire, Cal Fire officials said. The pilot was the only one on board. A pilot has died after his...
Newsom Declares Emergency Over Wildfires
SAN FRANCISCO — Gov. Gavin Newsom declared an emergency Tuesday over wildfires burning throughout California as the state’s power grid operator pleaded with residents and businesses to continue conserving energy to avoid rolling blackouts. Steve Berberich, president and CEO of the California Independent System Operator, praised customers for astonishing conservation...
California Requires Ethnic Studies for University System
SACRAMENTO — Students at California State University, the nation’s largest four-year public university system, will need to take an ethnic studies course to graduate under a bill signed Monday by Gov. Gavin Newsom. The change comes amid the national reckoning over racism and police brutality sparked by the police killing...