Pacific Gas & Electric Co. Was Not Responsible For 2017 Wildfire That Killed 22, Report Finds
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection released few details about the source of the Tubbs fire, saying only that it was caused by “a private electrical system adjacent to a residential structure.”
Los Angeles Times:
Private Power Lines, Not PG&E's, Caused Deadly Wine Country Fire, State Says
The 2017 fire that destroyed thousands of homes in Santa Rosa, Calif., and killed 22 people was caused by private power lines, not ones owned by utility giant Pacific Gas & Electric Co., a long-awaited state investigation released Thursday concluded. The finding by Cal Fire marks a bit of good news for the struggling utility as it prepares to file for bankruptcy due to huge potential liabilities related to last year’s Camp fire, which destroyed more than 90% of the town of Paradise and killed at least 86 people. (Serna and Luna, 1/24)
In other news from across the state —
CALmatters:
What It's Like To Live In One Of The Most Polluted Places In California
Imperial County does not meet federal air quality standards, and state officials are working on plans to begin to decrease pollution. Only two other places in California have the same distinction: the San Joaquin Valley and the South Coast Air Basin, which includes most of Los Angeles County (Aguilera, 1/24)
Santa Rosa Press Democrat:
Sonoma County Nonprofit Awards Exceptional Nurses
The foundation’s name is an acronym created by Patrick Barnes’ young wife that stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. Today, more than 1.3 million nurses have been nominated for DAISY awards, and 3,000 health care facilities and nursing schools in all 50 states and 20 countries have received the awards for superlative care. Patients nominate the nurses, and care facilities form their own teams to select one winner. Smaller hospitals may honor two a year, while larger hospitals may identify many more. DAISY Award recipients are honored during a ceremony in front of their peers, receiving certificates, DAISY Award pins and serpentine stone sculptures made by artists in Zimbabwe, called “A Healer’s Touch.” (Warren, 1/24)