Leads:
- Representative Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) will not seek reelection in the 2022 midterms, making him the 20TH Democrat to leave the House. The 80-year-old congressman announced it is time for him to "rest" and "pass the baton." Lowenthal served in the House since 2013.
- The Sierra Nevada snow pack is up to 97% of average after a recent burst of storm activity over the last five days. The National Weather Service says some areas received another 2 feet of snow with the latest storm that hit the region Wednesday. That's on top of the more than 5 feet of snow recorded with Sunday night's atmospheric river. The Department of Water Resources says the overall Sierra snow pack stood at just 19% of average last week.
- Coronavirus pandemic regulations in the workplace will be enforced in the new year. California workplace regulators have updated and readopted COVID safety protocols Thursday. Significant changes include requiring masks indoors and quarantining and social distancing for fully vaccinated people who have been exposed to the virus at work. Previously, a vaccinated employee did not have to quarantine or get tested unless they show symptoms after exposure. The new rules also require employers to provide face coverings and make sure employees wear them when California's public health department orders it. The new rules will take effect on January 14 and will be in place for 90 days.
- School districts are warning parents and students of possible threats that will be made at campuses today. This is a part of an apparent challenge going viral on TikTok. A high school in Gilroy will be planning a preemptive closure for the day as a result. Officials across the districts have noted that the TikTok challenge is a national trend and none of the threats are believed to be credible.
Extra Links:
- FDA delays approval for Covid therapeutics, backlash builds in California over rising crime, and Congress votes on a measure to protect Uyghurs in China.