California
California judge finds Prop 22 gig worker measure unconstitutional
A California judge ruled that Proposition 22, the measure that allows companies like Uber and Lyft to continue to classify app-based drivers as independent contractors in the state, is unenforceable and unconstitutional. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Alameda County Superior Court Judge Frank Roesch found that Prop 22 “illegally restricts a future legislature’s power … Read more
Northern California wildfires force evacuations
Three major forest fires destroyed several homes and forced mountain communities to evacuate in Northern California, where hundreds of firefighters battled the flames in triple-digit heat on Thursday. (2nd July)
Tortillas thrown at Latino team after California prep basketball game
A school district in the San Diego area apologized for a post-game basketball incident in which tortillas were thrown at a team at a primarily Latin American high school. The incident came after a championship game between Orange Glen and Coronado on Saturday, which Coronado won on his home team 60:57 in overtime. After the … Read more
California gives residents digital access to their COVID-19 vaccine record
The state of California has launched a tool that gives residents easy access to a digital copy of their COVID-19 vaccine information. Unlike the New York Excelsior Pass, it’s not an app that people need to install on their phones. It’s a simple website that requires residents to enter their name, date of birth, and … Read more
California regulator requires most ride-hailing cars to be EVs by 2030
The California Air Resources Board has approved a mandate that most drives on hail platforms must be in electric vehicles by 2030. California is the first state to approve such a rule in the US, and it has long been a pioneer in adopting electric vehicles as other states follow and emulate. According to the … Read more
California plans to end oil extraction by 2045
California wasn’t shy about getting rid of oil, and that includes oil production now. Earther reports that Governor Newsom has announced plans to end oil production in California by 2045. Officials are yet to pinpoint the exact route, but the exit will come through the climate protection plan, which aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions … Read more
California, Washington among states using J&J jabs again
California and New York were among the states that administered Johnson & Johnson’s COVID vaccine on Sunday after their governors approved the resumption of use of the single-dose shot. Using the one-shot vaccine could speed up mass vaccinations as Americans get tired of wearing masks, and a new study shows indoor social distancing may not … Read more
Newsom taps Rob Bonta as attorney general, and California braces for water cutbacks
Greetings from the Golden State, where homeowners who have Christmas lights on their homes after February 2 may face a $ 250 fine, according to california.com. I’m Winston Gieseke, Philanthropy Editor and Special Sections for The Desert Sun in sunny Palm Springs, and here are some of today’s major headlines. California is where you can … Read more
California reaches 2M vaccine goal: Reopenings on the way
Plus: Native American COVID deaths believed to have not been adequately reported and the Moraga coyote captured and killed I’m Winston Gieseke, Philanthropy Editor and Specialist for The Desert Sun here in sunny Palm Springs, where california.com says it’s illegal to walk a camel down Palm Canyon Drive between 4pm and 6pm. So I’m going … Read more