News

Riverside County confirms Bird Flu presence

Last month, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in response to Avian influenza A (H5N1), commonly known as “Bird Flu.” This month, Riverside County health officials have confirmed its presence in the county. According to the Riverside University Health System, 23 cases have been identified and confirmed as testing positive for Bird flu….

California’s efforts to lower fuel emissions at risk

California’s movement to improve air quality may begin to encounter friction and political smog. The effort to replace gasoline fueled vehicles with zero emission vehicles is not a priority of the new Administration. Shortly after taking his oath of office, President Donald Trump signed several executive orders which will change the Federal government’s actions toward…

Trump visits fire areas, promises help

On Friday, Jan. 23, President Donald Trump visited both western North Carolina, which Hurricane Helene ravaged in September, and the Pacific Palisades area in Los Angeles, which fire devastated this month. The California visit, while from a helicopter, was positive for Trump. Governor Gavin Newsom met the President at the airport. “We’re going to need…

Legislature approves $2.5 billion to recovery from wildfires

On Jan. 23, Governor Gavin Newsom signed two bills appropriating $2.5 billion to help fund the recovery efforts in the Los Angeles area after the devastation caused by multiple wildfires. The burning began Jan. 7. The Governor’s press release described the damage as hurricane-force fire storms. This was only 10 days after he made the…

Winter flu season – plus three other viruses

It’s winter. It’s winter 2025. The COVID pandemic is past, the Bird Flu is still quite rare in humans, but it is flu season. But not just normal flu season, nationally hospitals and physicians are describing the 2025 virus season as a “Quad-demic.” Four separate viruses are spreading and becoming more prevalent. First there is…

Gov. continues State’s actions to promote healthy eating habits

Concern about eating healthy foods continued last week. Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order to state agencies “. . . to continue investigating the adverse health effects of synthetic food dyes and increase access to affordable, healthy foods.” Specifically, Newsom was also targeting “Ultra-processed foods.” According to many health experts, these foods “. ….

Chiefs LaMont and Fogle, and CalFire brief on local readiness during high wind events

Chiefs LaMont and Fogle, and CalFire brief on local readiness during high wind events

Asked about the level of staffing at IFPD during our recent Red Flag Warning, when three local engines were assisting at fires in Los Angeles county, Chief Mark LaMont had this to say: “We have double the amount of staff right here that we would have on a normal day, even with the three engines…

New Budget begins with modest surplus, no major problems

The Governor’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26, which starts July 1, is balanced and slightly smaller than the current budget, FY 24-25. In his press release, Newsom said, “The budget I present to you today builds on a framework that balanced the books over two years instead of just one—an unprecedented effort to address…

Assembly holds hearing on wildfire insurance progress

Assembly holds hearing on wildfire insurance progress

Reform of wildfire insurance has been a high priority for stateofficials – both executive and legislative – for more than a year.Although the Legislature could not reach any compromises last fall, bothGov. Gavin Newsom and Insurance Commissioner Richardo Lara moved forwardwith administrative and regulatory actions. Lara’s goal for completing the changes necessary to improve the…