Democrats in the California state senate are releasing their “Early Action Budget Plan” they say will shrink the expected shortfall by over $17 billion dollars. They say it’s the first step of this year’s budget process and will hopefully lead to a balanced budget. They added that the plan protects core programs, includes no new taxes for Californians, makes necessary reductions, and takes a sensible approach to use of the Rainy Day Fund. Governor Gavin Newsom released a statement Thursday saying the budget crisis will require big solutions and he appreciates the Senate’s plan.
Robert F. Kennedy Junior is coming to Northern California for a big announcement about his presidential candidacy. He plans to reveal his running mate for his independent run at the White House on March 26th. There’s no word yet on who that person might be, but Kennedy told the New York Times that New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers and former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura are among his top choices.
During a state legislative hearing on Wednesday, the California FAIR Plan president Victoria Roach told lawmakers that the state’s property insurer of last resort is not financially prepared to cover the costs of a major disaster. The plan now faces a potential loss of $311 billion, which is way up from $50 billion six years ago. It’s grown as private insurance firms, like State Farm, Hartford Financial Services Group, and Allstate have left the market. They say they left because of increasing natural disasters and limits on premiums imposed by the state. Right now, the California FAIR plan provides coverage to about 370,000 homeowners, which is double the number from five years ago. By next year, the number of homeowners covered could be around 500 thousand.
Lake County Health Services says a national outbreak of measles is the reason they’re emphasizing the importance of vaccinations. If you have children who are not vaccinated, they’re at a higher risk of getting the measles and will be sent home from school if they do become sick. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccinations are free at the Walk In Clinic every Wednesday from 8:30am to 2:30pm. In addition to the clinic, Kelseyville Unified School District will hold a back to school event on May 30th from 3-6pm that will also offer free MMR vaccines for children who need them. Officials say Measles is highly contagious and can be especially severe in young children. It is most commonly spread through coughing and sneezing.
The Mendocino Unit of CalFire has announced they’ll be doing a prescribed burn on the Shamrock Ranch next week. The vegetation management measure will treat about 20 acres of land. The Shamrock Ranch is in the northern part of Mendocino County, just east of Highway 101 near Laytonville. Burning will start on Thursday, March 21st at 10am. They hope to be finished by 3pm. During the burn, you may see aircraft and smoke in the area. It’s part of the project to bring California in line with state fuels reduction goals in the California Fire Plan and California Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan. To track the progress in your community and around the state, visit Fire.CA.gov
