Gay Marriage Ruling Could Bode Well For McCain

 SACRAMENTO (AP) – Political analysts say the California Supreme
Court’s historic ruling letting same-sex couples marry has become
part of the 2008 presidential race. The decision could help
Republicans rally conservative voters. President Bush helped win
re-election by calling for a constitutional ban after the
Massachusetts Supreme Court legalized gay marriages there four
years ago. Republicans hope the California ruling helps [...]

California Wine Making Patriarch Dies

BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) – A winery spokeswoman says California winemaking patriarch Robert Mondavi has died. He was 94.  Mia Malm, a spokeswoman for the Robert Mondavi Winery, says Mondavi died peacefully at his home in Yountville on Friday.  Mondavi traveled the world into his 90s, promoting the cultural, social and health benefits of wine – [...]

Gas Prices Jump Again

UNDATED (AP) – Just like clockwork: another day, another hike in the price of gas.  Triple-A puts the national average cost of a gallon of regular at nearly $3.79. That’s up a penny from yesterday, 39 cents higher than a month ago and 68 cents more than this time last year. The average price of [...]

Researchers Blame Distemper for Numerous Shasta Skunk Deaths

DAVIS, Calif. (AP) – U-C Davis researchers say a distemper virus is responsible for the deaths of dozens of skunks and other animals in Shasta County. Eighty-three skunks, 13 foxes and 12 raccoons have died of mysterious causes in the county since February. Distemper causes inflammation in the nervous and respiratory systems. But it’s not [...]

Cal-Fire Crews Contain Feather Fire

A remote fire burning in Butte County is fully contained. The Feather Fire is burning east of Oroville in the South Feather River Canyon.  Cal-Fire’s Janet Upton says the blaze grew quickly Thursday because of weather conditions. At last report, the fire had scorched 100 acres.  It started from several smaller spot fires.  At the fires peak, there [...]

Two Firefighters Suffer Heat Exhaustion after Red Bluff Blaze

The Red Bluff Fire Department says smoke from a Thursday blaze was visible for many miles. The fire happened at an industrial park. Flames apparently began in a planter box, spread to a dry grass field, burned fiberglass structures, and destroyed a trailer around Bidwell Street and Vista Way. Two firefighters suffered heat exhaustion. Crews [...]

Services Planned For Slain North State Teenager

Two memorial services are planned for Steven Furtado of Willows on Saturday.  The 18-year old was killed last weekend in Chester in what appears to be a double slaying.  His funeral takes place at the Willows Memorial Hall on Sycamore Street at 10am, with a graveside service at the Willows cemetery shortly after.  A fund [...]

Bill Repeals Law Targeting Communists

     SACRAMENTO (AP) – The California Senate has voted to repeal Cold
War-era laws designed to punish organizations and public employees
who profess support for the Communist Party.
     The legislation prompted a debate about whether communism
remains a threat to the United States.
     Senator Alan Lowenthal says America won the Cold War and that
it’s time to move on.
     [...]