So just how safe is YOUR drinking water? We may find out soon as the United States Environmental Protection Agency released their new nationwide limits today on the dangerous “forever chemicals” in our drinking water. These standards will bring forth sweeping and costly effects throughout our state. Some of these chemicals have been linked to diseases, even cancer and heart disease. Research says these chemicals have contaminated people, animals and even newborn babies and in California alone, more than 25 million people have been subject to traces of these compounds. Local water districts are now weighing the costs to meet the new EPA requirements.
A bill that just passed in a senate subcommittee would give basic protections to freelance workers including the right to a contract and to be paid within 30 days. The bill makes work over $250 subject to a mandatory contract, outlining the scope rate of pay and method of payment. It also includes 30-day payment terms, payment, agreement protections and anti-retaliation language. Under the proposal, victims of non-payment are entitled to double the agreed upon amount plus costs and attorney’s fees.
Many Californians still dream of starting their own business, no matter how big or small. Now, Hands Up Lake County 2024 is accepting applications through the end of next month to help fund those dreams. There is a nonprofit group called 1Team, 1 Dream, that provides encouragement to small businesses and startups to apply for this one-of-a-kind competition. It’s an opportunity to give, as the program title says, a Hand Up to individuals and groups who are willing to put their ideas and plans in action. This will be the fifth year for the program and the group will be awarding $150-thousand dollars in cash prizes and those will go to eight competitors. Over the first four years, they have so far awarded almost $300-thousand dollars in cash prizes to 28 local businesses.
30-year-old Peter Guerrero, of Cobb, is facing attempted murder and torture charges but was not present for a review hearing, apparently because he was still in a state hospital. Guerrero is charged with murdering and torturing his own father. The next report from the Department of State Hospitals is not due now until August and that’s when Guerrero’s next appearance is scheduled. The defendant is not ordered to appear unless he has returned to Lake County.
