California voters easily approved Proposition 47, which reduces certain nonserious and nonviolent property and drug offenses from felonies to misdemeanors. The measure also allows certain offenders who have been previously convicted of such crimes to apply for reduced sentences. In general, offenders convicted of misdemeanor crimes are punished less severely than felony offenders. The anticipated…

Actions to mitigate wildfires remain high priority Gov. Gavin Newsom is recommending utility ratepayers contribute to a fund that would stabilize the financial condition of California’s major electric utilities.  This and other proposals, as well as a summary of actions to thwart wildfire damages taken since he took office, were part of his progress report…

Large animals and pets, specifically their safety and rescue, during an emergency was the topic for last week’s MEMSCOMM (Mountain Emergency Services Committee) meeting.   Rita Gutierrez, the county’s commander of field operations for the Department of Animal Services, spoke to attendees about the agency’s rescue efforts and organization. REARS, or Riverside Emergency Animal Rescue…