Labor unions and their Democratic allies in the Legislature want to bring back extra paid sick leave for COVID-19. Gov. Gavin Newsom is also proposing to revive supplemental leave in his budget. But as with so much else in the pandemic, it’s not a simple proposition. There’s opposition from powerful business groups. And key details […]
Government
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UPDATED: City of Arcata Launches Outside Investigation; Councilmember Watson Denies Allegations
The city of Arcata announced today that it has hired an outside investigator to look into a report of possible violations of the city’s anti-discrimination and harassment policy by Councilmember Brett Watson. Under normal circumstances, a city release states, the person facing allegations under these circumstances would be placed on administrative leave or would have […]
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Newsom Stops Short of Single-Payer Healthcare
Don’t ask Gov. Gavin Newsom about Democratic lawmakers’ proposal to create a state-funded single-payer health care system — he hasn’t read it. “I have not had the opportunity to review that plan, and no one has presented it to me,” Newsom said Monday while unveiling his record-high $286.4 billion budget proposal — which includes an […]
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HSU Faculty Association Chapter Asks for Option of Virtual Teaching
The Humboldt State University chapter of the system’s faculty association released a statement today urging the campus’ administration to approve any faculty member’s request to temporarily teach via virtual instruction. “No faculty member should be forced to work in conditions that put themselves or their loved ones at risk, especially when there are alternatives,” the […]
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Unboosted: California COVID-19 Booster Rate Falls Below 40% in Most Counties
Hospitals are at capacity. COVID-19 infections are at record highs. Testing lines stretch for hours. Yet even as the omicron variant batters the state, only 38 percent of vaccinated Californians have gotten a booster shot. As with initial vaccinations, acceptance of the booster shot has varied throughout California: Counties in the far north and rural […]
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DA Fleming Won’t Seek Re-Election
Humboldt County District Attorney Maggie Fleming announced in a press release this afternoon that she will not seek a third term in office. “It has been a privilege to serve the people of Humboldt County; I thank the voters for the opportunity,” she said in the release. “I believe that during my tenure as D.A., […]
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No, California’s Drought Isn’t Over. Here’s Why.
In a clear sign that the drought persists, California this week adopted new emergency regulations aimed at stopping residents from wasting the state’s precious water. The rules ban practices such as hosing down sidewalks and driveways with drinking water, washing cars without a shutoff nozzle on the hose and irrigating lawns and gardens too soon […]
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Huffman Releases Statement on Anniversary of Jan. 6 Capitol Insurrection
North Coast Congressmember Jared Huffman released a statement on the anniversary of the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, recounting the lessons learned from the violent day and asking Americans to stay vigilant in defending democracy during this year’s mid-term elections. Last year, a mob of violent Donald Trump supporters stormed the Capitol as […]
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The California Legislature is back: What to expect in 2022
Another coronavirus variant spreading like wildfire, and another huge state budget surplus: In some ways, 2022 is off to a similar start as 2021. That could carry over to the state Legislature’s new session that started Monday. In addition to the pandemic and surplus, California is dealing with some of the same big issues it […]
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Signs of Omicron: HumCo Officials Talk Surging Cases and Staffing Shortages
Today’s closure of McKinleyville Middle School in the wake of significant staffing shortages due to COVID is likely a harbinger of what’s to come in the coming weeks as the Omicron variant makes the rounds in the community. Humboldt County is showing all the classic signs of entering into a surge of COVID cases driven […]
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Here’s What’s Ahead for California Businesses in 2022
Clogged supply chains. Hiring struggles. New mask rules. A virus that trampled right over return-to-work schedules. Last year was chaotic for many businesses across California. What does 2022 hold? Layered on top of pandemic uncertainty is the question of what policymakers might do for — and to — businesses. “2022 is going to be a […]
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EPD Identifies Suspect Shot by Police Thursday
The suspect shot by a Eureka police officer during a pursuit Thursday afternoon has been identified as Little Eagle Moon, 29, of Hoopa, according to a press release, which ads that Moon sustained “serious but non-life-threatening injuries.” An officer also received “minor injuries” during the incident, the press release states. According to the release, a […]