Local News

National Report: California Ranks 2nd in Protecting Kids from Tobacco

WASHINGTON - California ranks 2nd nationwide in funding programs that prevent kids from using tobacco and help smokers quit, according to a report released today by leading public health groups. California is spending $250.4 million this year on tobacco prevention and cessation programs, which is 72 percent of the $347.9 million recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The report challenges states to do more to fight tobacco use – the nation's No. 1 preventable cause of death – and to confront the growing epidemic of youth e-cigarette use in America. In California, 5.4 percent of high school students smoke cigarettes, while 17.3 percent use e-cigarettes. Tobacco use claims 40,000 California lives and costs the state over $13.2 billion in health care bills annually.

State Officials Investigating Inmate Tuberculosis Case

IONE- The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is assisting in the investigation of an active tuberculosis case at Mule Creek State Prison (MCSP).

On November 30, during a hospitalization stay, an inmate was diagnosed with tuberculosis. MCSP working together with the Amador County Public Health Department and the California Department of Public Health, began implementation of positive tuberculosis exposure protocols. In addition, several precautions have been taken, including evaluations of the inmate’s cellmate and other inmates who may have been exposed. Additionally, CDCR is actively conducting investigations on any potential employee contacts.

Butte County District Attorney Warn Against Wildfire-Related Disaster Fraud

OROVILLE - U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott and Butte County District Attorney Michael Ramsey joined forces today to raise public awareness of the potential for fraud in the wake of the Camp Fire. The public is urged to be on guard against fraudulent activity relating to recovery and cleanup operations, fake charities claiming to provide relief for victims, individuals submitting false claims for disaster relief, and any other disaster fraud related activity.

U.S. Attorney Scott stated: “While most people respond to tragic events like the Camp Fire with compassion and generosity, others take advantage of such disasters to fraudulently enrich themselves. I strongly encourage the public to be on the lookout for any fraudulent activity occurring in the aftermath of our state’s most devastating wildfire. With the combined resources of federal and local law enforcement, we will aggressively pursue and prosecute fraud and abuse.”

California & New York Attorney's General Lead Coalition Calling for the Withdrawal of Rollbacks to Environmental Protections

SACRAMENTO – California Attorney General Xavier Becerra and New York Attorney General Barbara Underwood today delivered a multistate letter calling on the Trump Administration to withdraw proposed rules that would weaken restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions for motor vehicles and power plants.

The letter, written to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler in light of new information from a recently-published report, cites dire warnings from the federal government’s recent “Fourth National Climate Assessment” that the harmful effects of climate change will endanger public health, the environment, the economy, and national security. The letter was signed by a coalition of 29 states, counties, and cities.

Active Shooter Incident Training for Houses of Worship

SACRAMENTO - In the aftermath of the deadly shooting that occurred at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on October 27, 2018, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Jewish Federation of the Sacramento Region, and the Interfaith Council of Greater Sacramento have brought together faith leaders to discuss strategies to deal with active shooter incidents in houses of worship. Over 100 are expected to attend today’s presentation.

The Active Shooter training features a lecture by FBI Special Agent Glenn Norling that will teach attendees how to be better prepared, recognize reaction options when faced with a critical situation, and what to expect from a law enforcement response.