$155M fine proposed for PG&E for 2020 wildfire

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — California regulators proposed on Tuesday fining Pacific Gas & Electric more than $155 million for sparking a 2020 wildfire in Northern California that destroyed 200 homes and left four people dead. PG&E already faces criminal charges in the Zogg fire, which state fire officials said began when a pine tree in…MORE

Meadows Trying to Avoid Testifying in Georgia Election Probe

Mark Meadows, former White House chief of staff, is trying to avoid having to testify before a Georgia special grand jury that’s investigating whether then-President Donald Trump and his allies illegally tried to influence the state’s 2020 election. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis opened the investigation early last year, and the special grand jury…MORE

Gov. Newsom Issues Statement on Anti-Semitic Hate in Los Angeles 

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement in response to increased incidents of anti-Semitic hate in Los Angeles over the last several days: “This weekend’s public display of anti-Semitic hate is another wake-up call to all of us that we must remain vigilant to protect our values and freedoms as Californians,” said Governor Newsom.…MORE

Farm Financing Demand Edges Higher

Strong agricultural prices continue to support the farm economy, but the rapid rise in production expenses could pressure profit margins. That’s pushing the demand for farm financing higher. Larger-sized operating loans are continuing to boost farm lending activity. The Kansas City Fed says the volume of non-real estate farm loans increased by more than 10%…MORE

Bakersfield Baker Wins Same-Sex Wedding Cake Case

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (AP) — A California judge has ruled in favor of a bakery owner who refused to make wedding cakes for a same-sex couple because it violated her Christian beliefs. The state Department of Fair Housing and Employment had sued Tastries Bakery in Bakersfield, arguing owner Cathy Miller intentionally discriminated against the couple in…MORE

Newsom-Dahle Debate: Gov Vows to Finish Term

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sunday vowed he would serve a full four-year term if reelected in November, trying again to knock down speculation that he wants to replace Democrat Joe Biden on the ballot should he not seek a second term. Newsom made the promise during an hourlong debate with his Republican…MORE