California businesses have received $66.6 billion in federal Paycheck Protection Program loans so far, about 13 percent of the nation’s total, according to federal loan data. Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state’s businesses didn’t receive a proportional share of the federal money in the first round, but that it is now “punching above its weight” […]
economy
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Newsom: State can begin gradual reopening Friday
California is ready to partially reopen major sectors of its economy as early as this Friday, including retail shops and the manufacturers that supply them, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday. Clothing outlets, bookstores, florists and other merchants across the state will be allowed to offer curbside pickup as long as they obey physical distancing guidelines […]
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Newsom: Easing of Shelter in Place to Begin Friday
California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced this afternoon that the state will begin a gradual, phased modification of his COVID-19 shelter-in-place order this week, allowing retail businesses that meet certain criteria to re-open for curbside pickup beginning Friday. Newsom said the modified order will also let associated manufacturers and supply chain businesses re-open Friday, so long […]
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‘This is What a Pandemic Does:’ Humboldt Begins Charting a Course out of Shelter in Place
It was about an hour and a half into an April 28 COVID-19 briefing before the Board of Supervisors, amid a discussion that was pressing at times, with a pair of seemingly frustrated supervisors inquiring why certain businesses hadn’t been allowed to open or why Humboldt wasn’t being treated differently than other areas of the […]
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News Roundup: Hospitals Ready for COVID Surge, Businesses Lend a Hand and More
Humboldt County hospitals are preparing surge capacity in intensive care units, the Times-Standard reports, and have plans in place to more than double the number of beds currently available should it become necessary amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The story, reported by the Times-Standard’s Sonia Waraich, details efforts at three Humboldt County hospitals and notes that […]
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What Next for California Cities? Deficits, Bailouts and Long Recoveries
Cities have been ground zero in California’s coronavirus response — with many initiating shelter-in-place orders, organizing emergency housing for homeless people and supporting health and essential workers. But even before restrictions get lifted, mayors, managers and city councils are being tested in a new way: pandemic-induced budget deficits. Already, unemployment is projected to be higher than […]
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For the Love of Children: Unsung Heroes
As a society, our children are our most precious resources, with nurturing and protecting them one of our most sacred duties. Children deserve safe, happy childhoods and it is up to all of us together to make that a reality. This week we honor children and those who care for them during the Week of […]
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PG&E Suspends Shutoffs for People Who Can’t Pay Bills Amid COVID-19 Fallout
Six utilities serving more than 21 million Californians have announced that they will not shut off customers’ power for non-payment as the coronavirus continues to disrupt daily life. Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric, San Diego Gas & Electric and Pacific Power are taking the step until further notice. The Los Angeles Department of […]
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The Fighting First
Two-term incumbent Rex Bohn and radio personality Cliff Berkowitz, who cofounded Lost Coast Communications, are vying to represent the First District in this year’s March 3 primary election. Encompassing a sprawling area that stretches from the far reaches of Shelter Cove to the more urban neighborhoods of Cutten, the First District hasn’t seen a contested […]
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An Eclectic Mix
The race to become Humboldt County’s next Second District supervisor has four challengers taking on two-term incumbent Estelle Fennell, collectively offering a diverse set of opinions on where the county is and where it’s going. The March 3 primary will see Fennell, the former executive director of the Humboldt County Coalition of Property Rights and […]
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Top 10 Stories of 2019
Does it feel like 2019 was about seven years of news cycles crammed into 365 short days? That can’t be just us. In Humboldt County, it was a year filled with conflict and hope, discord and solidarity, miracle and tragedy. As we collectively turn the page to a new year and a new decade, here’s […]