Articles by Don Thompson

Inmate Suits Blame California Corrections for Spreading Virus

The family of a 61-year-old California inmate who died of the coronavirus sued state corrections officials Tuesday, blaming a botched transfer of infected inmates to San Quentin State Prison that killed 28 inmates and a correctional officer last year. Daniel …

California Suing Major Nursing Home Operator

California’s attorney general and local officials sued the nation’s largest senior living home operator Monday, alleging the company misled consumers on quality ratings and broke laws intended to protect patients when they are discharged from a facility. The suit centers …

California Wants Hospitals to Test All Workers for Virus

California has asked hospitals to ramp up their coronavirus testing amid a surge of new cases, urging them to test health care workers at least once per week while testing all new patients before admitting them. California reported 7,787 confirmed …

California Ban on Fracking by 2024 Criticized as Too Late

California Gov. Gavin Newsom moved Wednesday to end issuing new hydraulic fracturing permits by 2024, a delay criticized by many environmental groups but characterized as legally and politically realistic by another. “He can suspend fracking now, but he is punting …

Los Angeles County Owes $8M to Man Killed Like George Floyd, Court Rules

Los Angeles County must pay a full $8 million damage award to the family of a Black man whose death had similarities to the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, the California Supreme Court ruled. While subduing Darren Burley …

California Governor Cautiously Upbeat About Coronavirus Numbers

California appears to be getting a grip on a resurgence of the coronavirus, Gov. Gavin Newsom said this week, though he warned the state is a long way from reopening some of the businesses it shuttered for a second time …

Judge Halts Limit on California Governor’s Emergency Powers

An appellate judge on Wednesday stayed a lower court’s order barring Gov. Gavin Newsom from issuing directives that might conflict with state law, freeing him to take additional executive actions during the coronavirus pandemic. Sutter County Superior Court Judge Perry …

Judge Limits California Governor’s Emergency Rule-Making

A California judge has sided with Republican legislators who said Gov. Gavin Newsom overstepped his powers with dozens of emergency orders during the coronavirus crisis that changed everything from how public meetings are conducted to when tenants can be evicted. …

What if California Faces a Disaster During The Pandemic?

California has evacuation plans for earthquakes, floods, mudslides and, of course, wildfires, but what if one of those disasters occurs as the state is dealing with the coronavirus outbreak when everyone is being urged to stay home? State and local …

California Governor Warns of More Restrictions to Stop Virus

California Gov. Gavin Newsom urged the state’s nearly 40 million residents to avoid sporting events, concerts and large gatherings to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and adamantly warned the elderly to stay away from cruise ships as he pondered …