In California: June 15 targeted for state's broad reopening; and Caitlyn Jenner for governor?
In California brings you top Golden State stories and commentary from across the Paste BN Network and beyond. Get it free, straight to your inbox. I'm Julie Makinen, California editor for the USA Today Network, bringing you Tuesday's key headlines.
State to sunset color-coded COVID-19 tier system in mid-June
Light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel: State officials said Tuesday their color-coded tier system will end June 15 if vaccine supply remains steady and coronavirus metrics continue to decline.
"Our hospitalizations have been steadily decreasing for months," Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly said during a call with reporters Tuesday morning. "We have consistently low and improving metrics."
The state anticipates more than 30 million doses will be administered by the end of the month, Gov. Gavin Newsom said during a press conference.
California has administered more than 4 million vaccines to its most vulnerable residents, reaching a goal that will make it easier for counties to progress in the state's four-tiered color-coded system for reopening. More indoor operations across the state will be able to expand capacity this week, as the goal triggers a loosening of requirements. Sixteen counties will move to less restrictive tiers this week, Newsom said.
The state received 2.4 million vaccine doses this week and 2.1 million the week prior, Newsom said. "We have confidence the numbers will continue to tier up," he added.
Why June 15? California's tiered system, called the "Blueprint for a Safer Economy," went into effect to phase the state through reopening. Statewide vaccine eligibility will expand to all Californians ages 16 and older on April 15, and the June 15 date was determined based on the eligibility timeline.
But it's not all wide-open. Full capacity at some venues, like large convention centers with a capacity of more than 5,000, for example, won't be allowed indoor operations without proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test until October. International convention attendees will only be allowed if all in attendance are fully vaccinated, according to the guidance. And megaevents like Coachella are still up in the air.
Still, you can get ready to go to Disneyland (if you live in California). Disneyland Resort released details Tuesday on how ticketing and reservations will work when its parks' gates open later this month after more than a year of being shut due to the coronavirus pandemic and California's stringent reopening rules. Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park will open to California residents only on April 30. Before they do, tickets will be open for booking mid-month in phases. Because capacity will be limited to 15% due to state guidelines, Disneyland will manage attendance numbers on a new reservation system requiring all visitors to make a reservation for entry ahead of time, the theme park said last month.
Is Caitlyn Jenner the next Schwarzenegger?
Conventional wisdom says Gov. Gavin Newsom will beat the looming recall effort hanging over his head. But a big wild card is if a celebrity jumps into the race. That's what helped oust Gov. Gray Davis in 2003. Now, Axios is reporting that former reality TV star Caitlyn Jenner is talking with political consultants about exploring a run for governor of California. Axios cited "three sources with direct knowledge of her deliberations."
Jenner is a high-profile Republican and previous Trump supporter who is being helped by Caroline Wren, a longtime GOP fundraiser. Wren met Jenner through her work with the American Unity Fund, a GOP nonprofit focused on LGBT issues.
Wren is no stranger to GOP politics. She worked at Trump Victory, a joint fundraising committee for President Trump's 2020 campaign, and helped organize the rally he addressed immediately before the U.S. Capitol riot on Jan. 6. Both Wren and a spokesman for Jenner declined to comment to Axios.
Jenner won the 1976 Olympic decathlon. She had returned to the public spotlight in the reality show “Keeping up with the Kardashians,” which chronicled the life of the blended family into which she married in 1991. She transitioned to a woman in 2015 and adopted her new name.
Pacific Gas & Electric charged in 2019 Kincade Fire
The Sonoma County district attorney filed 33 criminal charges Tuesday against troubled Pacific Gas & Electric for the 2019 Kincade fire, which officials blamed on the utility.
PG&E was charged with felony and misdemeanor counts in the October 2019 blaze north of San Francisco. The blaze burned more than 120 square miles and destroyed 374 buildings. The utility did not immediately comment.
The 33 charges include recklessly causing a fire with great bodily injury to six firefighters. Fire officials said PG&E transmission lines sparked the fire, which destroyed hundreds of homes and caused nearly 100,000 people to flee.
Finding the Lost Sierra: Northern California's old lumber towns are starting a trail system
In Northern California’s Lost Sierra, it’s not just the forested lands that have been forgotten — the region’s communities and small towns have also been left behind.
But a proposed multi-county trail system could connect more than a dozen small communities in northeastern California that formerly relied on logging and mining for revenue and spur an outdoors recreation-based industry in the region
The Reno Gazette Journal says the “Lost Sierra Route” would cover hundreds of miles in Northern California and a corner of Nevada, allowing access to all dirt trail travelers, including hikers, mountain bikers, moto riders and equestrians. It would also connect to the downtown corridors of many small communities that have watched their economies crumble as extraction-based industries such as mining and logging slowed or stopped. Note: this story is only available to paid subscribers of the RGJ; try now $1 for 6 months.
In California is a roundup of news from across USA Today network newsrooms. Also contributing: Axios. Julie Makinen is California editor for the USA Today Network. Follow her on Twitter at @Julie_Makinen