Health CareLack of supplies and long lines making it hard for Sacramento residents to get tested for COVID-19 as omicron spreadsJanuary 7, 2022A lack of supplies and long lines are making it hard for Sacramento residents to get tested for COVID-19 as omicron spreads. Some people are waiting hours at clinics as pharmacies struggle to keep at-home testing kits in stock.
Health CareSacramento City schools superintendent discusses district response to COVID-19 surge, update on vaccine mandateJanuary 6, 2022 | Vicki Gonzalez | Janelle SalangaSCUSD Superintendent Jorge Aguilar said the district will soon discuss whether to extend the Jan. 31 vaccine mandate deadline, and that the district continues to struggle with staffing shortages as cases continue to rise locally. Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Health CareCalifornia hospitals strained for staff and bracing for omicron uptick, including among kidsJanuary 6, 2022 | Sammy CaiolaAs the Omicron variant of COVID-19 spreads rapidly in California, hospitals are filling up and expecting even more patients, including pediatric cases. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Health CareSacramento County to require all public meetings be held virtually as COVID-19 wave growsJanuary 6, 2022 | Chris HaganCounty health officials said they aren't considering any other public health measures at this time, and do not anticipate closing schools or moving to virtual teaching.
State GovernmentCOVID tests, exposures complicate California Legislature’s first weekJanuary 6, 2022 | Scott Rodd | Nicole NixonLess than a week into the new year and the start of California’s legislative session, COVID-19 has sidelined a handful of lawmakers, including the Assembly speaker.
President Biden blasts Trump for 'spreading a web of lies' in a Jan. 6 speechJanuary 6, 2022In a speech at the Capitol marking the riot's one-year anniversary, Biden will lay out "the singular responsibility President Trump has for the chaos and carnage," said press secretary Jen Psaki.
EnvironmentPG&E could be the first utility to access California’s wildfire liability fund after starting Dixie FireJanuary 6, 2022 | Scott RoddCalifornia established the $21 billion liability fund in 2019 to help utilities cover the cost of major wildfires started by their equipment. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
California schools risk ‘colossal’ loss of dollars as enrollment dropsJanuary 5, 2022Without help from the state, California’s school districts could face a sudden drop in funding after two years of not being penalized for declining enrollment.
State GovernmentThe California Legislature is back: What to expect in 2022January 5, 2022As the Legislature reconvenes, Californians can expect lawmakers to continue focusing on housing and climate, plus COVID-19, healthcare and how to spend another budget surplus.
Health CareCalifornia extends indoor mask mandate into February as COVID-19 surge continuesJanuary 5, 2022 | Kris HooksThe extended mask mandate for indoor public spaces comes as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations surge due to the omicron variant, putting a strain on an already overstretched hospital system. The masking requirements were set to end Jan. 15.
