What Can California Do About Abortion Pill Ruling? Not Much

By Kristen Hwang/CalMatters on April 10, 2023 at 11:05AM

California’s Democratic lawmakers have spent the past year enacting legislation to protect abortion rights in the wake of Roe v. Wade’s reversal, but an April 7 ruling by a Texas federal judge is one thing they can’t touch.  U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk suspended the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of mifepristone more than 20 years ago, arguing that it was flawed and invalid.

Bushnell Quiet on Possible Cannabis Conflict

By Thadeus Greenson on April 8, 2023 at 7:00AM

Dubbed the Cannabis Reform Initiative, the ballot measure slated to come before voters would overhaul cultivation regulations locally, most notably by capping the size of new farms at 10,000 square feet, which would immediately render more than 400 permitted farms — seemingly including Bushnell’s — “non-conforming.” Among the litany of other changes the initiative would bring is a provision that permits would expire annually, as well as others limiting generator use and strengthening road quality requirements. For non-conforming farms, the initiative would allow them to stay in operation as long as they don’t expand their uses — there’s widespread confusion about exactly how this would be interpreted — or apply for another permit.

Salmon Season Closure: Huffman, Pelosi Pledge to Work to Fast Track Federal Aid, Cite Need for Long-Term Solutions

By Kimberly Wear on April 7, 2023 at 7:45PM

“Countless families, coastal communities and tribal nations depend on salmon fishing — it’s more than an industry, it’s a way of life. That’s why we’re requesting expedited relief from the federal government,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a news release.

What Stands Between You and a Four-day Week

By Grace Gedye/CalMatters on April 6, 2023 at 3:49PM

It’s Thursday evening. You pack up your things at work and hit the road.

Social Security Conflict: California Child Welfare Agencies Under Fire for Pocketing Foster Kids’ Benefits

By Jeanne Kuang/CalMatters on April 5, 2023 at 8:53AM

Offsetting costs San Diego County said it halted the practice last year and now saves foster youth’s benefits in reserve accounts for them.

Is Spring About to be Sprung? Warmer Temps May Be Around the Corner

By Kimberly Wear on April 4, 2023 at 1:20PM

‘Super Disappointed’: Lawmakers Want UC, CSU Systems to Enroll More Californians Sooner

By Mikhail Zinshteyn/CalMatters on April 3, 2023 at 12:49PM

Grow and trust The UC wants to enroll more students — and technically has.

'I Was a Hostage': McKinleyville's Jeff Woodke Talks About His Six Years Held by Al-Qaeda in Africa

By Thadeus Greenson on March 31, 2023 at 3:32PM

Church,” a short bio on church’s the Redwood Coast School of Missions website reads. At the time of his abduction, Woodke was working through YAM, which bills itself as a “global movement of Christians … dedicated to serving Jesus throughout the world.” The group reports that it works in more than 1,100 locations spread across 180 countries, with a staff of more than 1,800.

Briceland Man Arrested on Child Pornography Allegations

By Thadeus Greenson on March 30, 2023 at 4:48PM

Briceland man arrested for internet crimes against children A Briceland man has been taken into custody following a year-long investigation into child sexual abuse and internet crimes against children.

Fire Consumes Arcata Ranch House

By Kimberly Wear on March 29, 2023 at 11:57AM

Find the AFD release below: