Lead Stories:
- Governor Gavin Newsom says the state of California is changing its approach to COVID-19. During a press briefing yesterday, the governor said the state will announce a new endemic plan that includes updated guidance on wearing masks in schools. Newsom noted that state officials are still working with educators on a mask policy because the vaccination rate is "substantially lower" for children between the ages of five and eleven than it is for adults. Governor Newsom says the new plan will be released "in a matter of days."
- Elk Grove Assemblyman Jim Cooper is running for Sacramento County Sheriff. Jones ran for Sheriff several years ago against current Sheriff Scott Jones, who recently announced he is running for Congress and not seeking re-election.
- Yolo County is ending their mask mandate February 15th. California announced the indoor mask mandate will end on Tuesday, but counties can set their own rules on masking. Sacramento County is also following suit and allowing vaccinated residents to ditch the mask that day.
- The Equine Director at U.C. Davis is under suspension over doping complaints. Jeff Blea is facing charges from the California Veterinary Board from when he was the vet at a horse track in Southern California from January to March 2021. Blea allegedly "administered medically unnecessary" drugs to racehorses based on what their trainers were requesting, and not what was medically necessary. Blea is currently on paid administrative leave from U.C. Davis, and his lawyer issued a statement saying there's no merit to his client's suspension.
Links:
- Inflation is reaching a level not seen in 40 years.
- Virgina school board meeting descends into chaos over mask mandate.
- Senator Tom Cottom says Blue states dropping masks is not based on science.