Another effort is underway to get homeless people off the streets. A California bill that makes it easier to build temporary homes is waiting for a vote on the Assembly floor. State leaders showed their support for it yesterday outside the Capitol. They brought examples of tiny homes, measuring about 100-square feet, saying they’re cheap and quick to build. If passed, the bill would allow cities to bypass re-zoning or permitting processes.
Vice President Kamala Harris is coming back to California this weekend. It’ll be her first visit since launching her presidential campaign and her first fundraiser since naming Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. Harris will headline the event Sunday in San Francisco where some of the Bay Area’s wealthiest donors could spend up to half a million dollars to attend. Tickets for half that price are reportedly sold out.
Firefighters are still trying to contain the massive Park Fire. The wildfire is the largest currently burning in the U.S. and has so far destroyed over 427-thousand acres over four counties. As of the latest update, the Park Fire is still just 34% contained. Last night, crews were battling the blaze near the town of Mineral to keep it from entering the community.
Governor Gavin Newsom is threatening to withhold state funding from counties that don’t take steps to clear homeless encampments. Newsom made the announcement on Thursday, after helping to clean up an encampment. Newsom said he’ll start to redirect money away from counties that don’t produce results toward reducing homelessness. Last month, Newsom issued an executive order requiring his administration to remove homeless encampments on state property and called on cities and counties to get tougher in enforcing camping rules. Several state leaders pushed back, saying people will not be detained or arrested just for being homeless.
Several California lawmakers will head to Chicago to represent the Golden State at the Democratic National Convention later this month. Senate Pro Tem Mike McGuire confirms seven state senators will be excused for 48 hours to attend the major event. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas adds the Assembly plans to send a small group as well. Governor Gavin Newsom is also expected to attend the convention. State legislative leaders assure business will proceed as usual at the California State Capitol when the convention begins on August 19th, as lawmakers sift through hundreds of proposed laws.
Be warned, West Nile virus is spreading across California. San Bernardino County just reported its first case of the year after testing several mosquitoes. More than 700 samples from 24 other counties have also tested positive. Experts say one in five people bitten by an infected mosquito will show symptoms like a fever, body aches and skin rash. The best defense is to use insect repellent and get rid of any standing water.
