As California’s Wine Country burns more often, ag workers there face perilous future
Between 2017 and 2020 Northern California’s Wine Country was battered by successive years of devastating wildfires. Images of vineyard workers toiling under smokey skies circulated widely.
What would Nathan Hochman do as California attorney general?
In a 70-minute interview, Nathan Hochman, a Republican former federal prosecutor, vows to end a “spiral of lawlessness” in California as he runs for attorney general. Hochman is seeking to finish in the top two in the June 7 primary against Democratic incumbent Rob Bonta.
Attorney General Bonta Announces Felony Charges Against Members of Statewide Organized Retail Theft Ring
California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the arrest of and felony charges against members of an organized retail theft ring operating throughout California, including Los Angeles, Alameda, Fresno, Kern, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Ventura counties. The California Department of Justice filed charges against nine defendants following a California Highway Patrol (CHP) investigation that began in 2021. During a search and arrest operation in Los Angeles on Monday, officers arrested five of the targeted suspects and recovered approximately $62,000 in cash and $135,000 of stolen merchandise from major retailers, including Macy’s, Columbia Sportswear, Abercrombie & Fitch, J.C. Penney, and Lululemon. An additional suspect from the operation was charged on Tuesday and remains at large. Three suspects were charged in a separate complaint on Tuesday for allegedly possessing over $17,000 in stolen merchandise.
County Leaders and Partners Unite to Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect
The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, April 5th, proclaimed April as National Child Abuse Awareness month as public and private family advocates launched a month of activities aimed at preventing child abuse and neglect. “Abuse and neglect negatively impact the physical health, mental health and overall wellbeing of victims throughout their lives,” said Board Chair and District 5 Supervisor Jeff Hewitt. “We must do all we can do to prevent abuse. An important way is for communities to promote activities and resources that strengthen and support families.” County departments and community partners hosted an awareness event in downtown Riverside on Tuesday. The activities are part of the Pinwheels for Prevention campaign, a national initiative to educate community members, support families and raise funds to prevent child abuse and neglect.
California utility to pay $55 million for massive wildfires
Pacific Gas & Electric, the nation’s largest utility, has agreed to pay more than $55 million to avoid criminal prosecution for two major wildfires sparked by its aging Northern California power lines and submit to five years of oversight in an attempt to prevent more deadly blazes.
