Another man accused of starting a California wildfire is due back in court tomorrow. He was arraigned on arson charges yesterday in Butte County and faces up to 21 years in prison if convicted. Spencer Anderson admitted to investigators he was testing fireworks on July 2nd by throwing them out his car window near Oroville. That sparked flames which spread up a hillside, burning 13 homes. Three weeks later, the Park Fire began and is now 85-percent contained. The man suspected of starting the Park Fire will be arraigned next month.
A pair of wildfires were sparked yesterday in Sacramento County. The Florin Fire and the Excelsior Fire are currently 0% contained. CalFire’s last update said the Florin Fire has burned 42 acres so far along Florin Road in Sacramento. The Excelsior Fire, separately burning along Excelsior Road has burned 38 acres so far. The causes of both fires are under investigation
More homeowners are being affected by California’s insurance crisis, but in a new way. About 17 thousand will need to find new fire coverage. That’s because Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Company will stop renewing policies beginning next month. Seems they’re phasing out old technology used to manage those dwelling fire policies and can’t create a new system. Customers can still be covered through Liberty Safeco brand.
An ADU builder in California is facing new problems. Anchored Tiny Homes canceled its required bond over the weekend and the state suspended its contractor license yesterday. The CEO recently said he was exploring bankruptcy after promising to finish all projects. The company shut down earlier this month, leaving customers out money they paid to have an accessory dwelling unit in their backyard, with some half built or not even started.
Two suspects are behind bars on suspicion of attempted murder nearly three months after a stabbing in Healdsburg. The stabbing on the night of June 2nd left the victim with life-threatening injuries. Anthony Cruz and Katie Beth, who are both 18 years old, were arrested last Friday and identified on Monday. Beth, who is being held on a million dollars bail, is due in court today
Airport officials across California are advising travelers to arrive early for the busy Labor Day weekend. With over 200 thousand travelers expected between August 29th and September 3rd, it’s important to plan ahead. The busiest travel days are expected to be Friday, August 30th and Monday, September 2nd. They recommend arriving two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.
California Democrats are poised to pass the first-in-the-nation bill giving home loans to illegal immigrants. The bill in the Democrat-controlled legislature would make immigrants eligible for up to 150-thousand-dollars in taxpayer supported home loans. Governor Gavin Newsom has not said whether he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk by the August 31st deadline. This comes as immigration remains a top issue in the 2024 presidential race.
California is now the first state in the nation to own, operate and deploy a massive C-130 airtanker to fight wildfires. CalFire’s Brent Pascua says the aircraft can carry four thousand gallons of fire retardant and can get to rugged areas where crews can’t reach. He says the goal is to keep wildfires at ten acres or less. When not putting out flames, the plane can help in search-and-rescue missions. The first of the fleet is now in service at McClellan Airtanker Base in Sacramento.
