Representative Jared Huffman has re-introduced a bill that would ensure the right once and for all for small cannabis producers to ship and sell their products directly to consumers. The Small and Homestead Independent Producers or (SHIP) Act, would legally allow small farmers and producers to operate their businesses within and across state lines. The legislation targets the smallest family farmers in order to help them sustain their businesses under a larger federal legalization law. The SHIP Act has the backing from various cannabis industry organizations, including the National Craft Cannabis Coalition. Huffman says the bill protects local agriculture and small businesses along the North Coast.
More Californians are taking advantage of paid family leave to care for their children since payments have increased. That includes more Dads taking time off. According to the California Employment Development Department, family leave claims have risen by 16 percent in the first half of the year, with nearly a 25 percent increase in the first quarter. Workers used to receive up to 60 percent of their income on leave. Now, many can receive up to 90 percent. New parents can now take up to eight weeks of paid leave to bond with newborns, in addition to maternity leave.
California and several other states are suing the Trump administration over new rules restricting undocumented immigrants’ access to public benefits. The State’s Attorney General Rob Bonta says the policy violates federal law and unfairly targets working mothers and their children. Programs affected include early childhood education, shelters, food assistance, and healthcare. The Trump administration says the restrictions are essential to safeguard resources for citizens and reduce illegal immigration. Bonta criticizes the policy as a cruel attack on vulnerable communities.
A 43-year-old man was arrested following a deadly head-on collision on the 101. It happened north of Laytonville. The CHP says Justino Faenzi-Glass was driving a Porsche northbound Monday afternoon with two children when he crossed over solid double yellow lines and crashed into a Honda head on traveling south near mile marker 76. The Honda driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Fortunately, both children were not injured. The Mendocino Voice says police arrested Faenzi-Glass on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence and child endangerment. He was booked into the Mendocino County jail on $250,000 bail.
The Lake County Library has launched a new program. It offers free radon detectors for checkout, which will allow you to test your home for radon, an invisible and dangerous gas. The initiative is In partnership with the California Department of Public Health’s Indoor Radon Program, with the goal of raising awareness and reducing health risks from radon, which is a leading cause of lung cancer. The plug-and-play detectors are available with a library card and require no apps or Wi-Fi. And, when you’re done using it, you can return it to the library so others can use it.
It’s fair time. The Redwood Empire Fair kicks off next Thursday through Sunday and this year’s theme is “Magic is Reel” spelled R-E-E-L as in all things cinematic. Organizers say it’s got everything from Speedway thrills, live music, gut churning rides, ponies and petting zoos, and contests to name a few things. Mendofever says the Arty Loon Show is new this year, and features magic and balloon artistry. The Speedway line up kicks things off Thursday night. For tickets, a complete line up of daily events, info, music and more, go to redwoodempirefair.com.
