California News

Review: Decision to Defend Fire Station Nearly Cost Lives

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP)–A firefighting crew’s decision to stay and defend its beloved station on California’s central coast nearly cost the lives of 14 firefighters who were overrun by flames, according to a report released Friday by an organization that promotes …

Kin of Dead Sex Abuse Victim Sue Under New California Law

LOS ANGELES (AP)–After decades of dealing with the boyhood trauma of being molested by a priest, Jim Bartko sued the Roman Catholic church two years ago. But the lawsuit was dismissed when he died four days after speaking publicly about …

2 Dead in Submerged Car as California Storm Worries Spread

LOS ANGELES (AP)–Heavy overnight rains in Northern California left two people dead in a submerged car as authorities on Thursday urged residents of several Southern California mountain and canyon communities to voluntarily leave their homes because of possible mud and …

California Faces Week Of Storms, Likely Travel Troubles

LOS ANGELES (AP)–Drought-stricken California is facing a week of heavy mountain snowfall and widespread rain from another series of the kind of storms that were not expected to be likely this fall and winter due to La Nina conditions in …

California Cleans Up After Powerful Storm Drenches State

LOS ANGELES (AP)–Cleanup was under way after a powerful storm swept through California, setting rainfall records in the drought-stricken state but also triggering rescue efforts on a raging river and in canyon communities hit by mudslides. The National Weather Service …

Father, Son Charged With Starting Wildfire Plead Not Guilty

PLACERVILLE, Calif. (AP)–A father and son charged with starting a massive California wildfire that destroyed many homes and forced tens of thousands of people to flee Lake Tahoe communities earlier this year pleaded not guilty in court Friday. The El …

Father, Son Arrested in Wildfire That Threatened Lake Tahoe

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)–A father and son were arrested Wednesday on suspicion of starting a massive California wildfire that destroyed many homes and forced tens of thousands of people to flee Lake Tahoe communities earlier this year, authorities said. David Scott …

Smoke-Tainted California Grapes Find New Life as Vodka

NAPA, Calif. — As wildfires covered California’s wine country skies in smoke in 2020, Nicolas Quille feared the worst for his grapes. He remembered how the smoke gave his wine “ashtray” aromas after the 2017 fires so he rushed to …

Oil Pipeline Planned Even as California Moves Away From Gas

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A proposal to replace an oil pipeline that was shut down in 2015 after causing California’s worst coastal spill in 25 years is inching though a government review, even as the state moves toward banning gas-powered …

Edison Raises California Fires Loss Estimate to $7.5 Billion

Edison International’s Southern California Edison raised its estimated losses from 2017 and 2018 wildfires to $7.5 billion after reaching a settlement over the blazes with state regulators. The owner of the largest electric utility in Southern California said it agreed …