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Tag: West Coast

  • Man swept into Pacific off Big Sur in California identified as U.S. Army specialist from New Jersey

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    A man swept into the Pacific Ocean off California’s Central Coast over the weekend has been identified as an Army soldier from New Jersey, as authorities continue to search for his body.

    The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday that the missing man has been identified as 35-year-old Spc. Amanpreet Thind. Officials said Thind was studying at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, where members of the Armed Forces learn foreign languages.

    “As search and recovery operations continue, we hold out hope that Spc. Thind will be found. We offer our deepest condolences to the Thind family during this difficult time,” Col. Christy Whitfield, the school’s commandant, said in a statement through the sheriff’s office. “We are providing those impacted with every resource and support service available and extend our heartfelt gratitude to local, state, and national first responders working tirelessly to locate Spc. Thind.”

    A Monterey County Sheriff’s Office search and rescue vehicle parked at Garrapata State Park in Big Sur as crews search for Army Spc. Amanpreet Thind, who was swept into the Pacific Ocean on Nov. 22, 2025.

    CBS


    Deputies said Thind was among three people on the rocks at Soberanes Point within Garrapata State Park in Big Sur on Saturday when they were swept off the rocks and into the ocean. Two women were able to rescue themselves and were taken to a local hospital, where they were treated and released for minor injuries.

    The sheriff’s office said a large-scale multi-agency response for Thind was initiated immediately. Search efforts have been limited to daylight hours for safety reasons.

    Members of the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team said in an update Tuesday that water conditions appear favorable and a water search could begin.

    Beauty and danger at Big Sur

    Known for its picturesque views, rugged coastline and dangerous surf, the Big Sur region is located about 150 miles south of San Francisco on the California coast.

    Christopher Scattini is a Carmel native and lifeguard in San Diego County who came to the command post to see if he could help Monday, but rescue crews said the conditions were too treacherous for divers to enter the water.

    “I see why people want to go out and people want to get close to the water and feel that beauty that Big Sur has,” Scattini told CBS News Bay Area. “But at the same time, it can shift really quickly, and a wave can sneak up behind you and sweep your feet out.”

    Second Big Sur tragedy in two weeks

    The search for Thind comes less than two weeks after a man and his young daughter from Canada died after being swept into the ocean at Garrapata State beach on the afternoon of Nov. 14.

    Officials said a wave pulled 7-year-old Anzi Hu into the ocean. Her father, identified as 39-year-old Yuji Hu of Calgary, went into the water to rescue her. 

    Their wife and mother made it to shore and the father was pulled in by an off-duty lifeguard, but died a short time later.

    Juan Heredia of the Stockton-based Angels Recovery Dive Team found the girl’s body after several days of searching.

    “I was looking for a place to go on and that’s when I saw the little girl turning in the waves. I jumped in with my street clothes and grabbed her,” Heredia told CBS News Bay Area.

    Heredia has been diving for 30 years and his nonprofit is dedicated to recovering drowning victims from rivers, lakes, and oceans He has now recovered 15 bodies and says he does it for the families.  

    With the holidays approaching, as many are expected to visit the coast, Heredia had this advice.

    “Never, never turn your back on the waves, to the ocean. I’ve recovered people who were too close to the shore, just for pictures. Just for pictures, and they drowned,” he said.

    Len Ramirez

    contributed to this report.

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  • Thousands warned to stay out of water: Life-threatening conditions

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    The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a warning to all residents and visitors along California‘s North Coast about life-threatening, unpredictable waves that are expected to continue into Wednesday and the early hours of Thursday.

    The NWS is concerned that sneaker waves, which are sudden, large, and powerful wave surges that can strike without warning, sometimes appearing after a period of smaller waves, could pose life-threatening danger to people, even when the ocean appears calm.

    Why It Matters

    Officials are urging the public along California’s Northern Coast, including popular coastal counties like Coastal Del Norte, Northern Humboldt, Southwestern Humboldt, and the Mendocino Coast, to be extra vigilant as these erratic sneaker waves have the potential to sweep in—without warning—pulling people unexpectedly into the sea from rocks, jetties, and beaches, and moving large objects, like rocks or logs, trapping or crushing people that get caught beneath them. 

    What To Know

    This warning follows similar advisories issued up and down the entire West Coast as hazardous surf conditions continue to threaten public safety. It also follows similar beach hazard warnings that have been issued for the North and Central coast of Oregon, earlier this week, as well as the South Washington coast.

    According to the NWS, sneaker waves can often appear, without warning, after around 30 minutes of smaller, calmer waves. The height of these waves is expected to range from 12 to 17 feet, with some locations on the Pacific Coast potentially seeing waves as high as 25 feet.

    What People Are Saying

    The NWS has issued the following advice to beachgoers: “Don’t be fooled by an ocean that looks calm. There can be 30 minutes of small waves before a sneaker wave strikes. Avoid rocks and jetties. Avoid steep beaches. Stay much farther back from the water and never turn your back on the ocean.”

    Earlier this week, the NWS forecast office for the San Francisco Bay Area said on X that “A moderate to long period north-westerly swell will result in breaking waves of 15 to 20 feet and an increased risk for sneaker waves and rip currents.”

    What Happens Next

    The NWS will continue to monitor ocean conditions, giving regular updates via their official channel at weather.gov. Looking ahead, NWS forecasters are predicting that unsettled weather patterns may continue later into this week, with the possibility of additional storms bringing rainfall and unpredictable coastal conditions.

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  • Sacramento events boost local businesses with increased foot traffic

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    Sacramento is bustling with visitors as major events like Aftershock draw crowds, boosting local businesses and generating more than $35 million in economic impact over four days. Michael Gray, a downtown business owner, said, the energy downtown is palpable, and businesses are feeling the impact. “We’re fully booked. Booked again last night, and foot traffic up and down K Street has been really good,” said Gray. Three major events are happening on Saturday: Aftershock, the West Coast’s largest rock, punk, and metal festival; a Stevie Nicks concert at Golden 1 Center; and a Sac Republic FC match. For local restaurants like Angel Maya’s on Bercut Drive, the increased foot traffic means booming business. “Aftershock—it just completely changed it. It brought a whole bunch of people in here,” said Maya. City officials report that these events are generating one of the biggest economic impacts of the year. Back downtown, Gray noted that the weekend crowd is lifting more than just sales. “The events bring people here, and as long as we’re doing a good job, it’s elevating us as a downtown restaurant,” Gray said. As Sacramento continues to grow, so do the hopes of local business owners. “As Sacramento continues to grow, all the local businesses will grow as well,” said Gray.Maya shared her enthusiasm for more events, stating, “I really want more festivals or something—because it brings in a lot more business for us.”

    Sacramento is bustling with visitors as major events like Aftershock draw crowds, boosting local businesses and generating more than $35 million in economic impact over four days.

    Michael Gray, a downtown business owner, said, the energy downtown is palpable, and businesses are feeling the impact.

    “We’re fully booked. Booked again last night, and foot traffic up and down K Street has been really good,” said Gray.

    Three major events are happening on Saturday: Aftershock, the West Coast’s largest rock, punk, and metal festival; a Stevie Nicks concert at Golden 1 Center; and a Sac Republic FC match.

    For local restaurants like Angel Maya’s on Bercut Drive, the increased foot traffic means booming business.

    “Aftershock—it just completely changed it. It brought a whole bunch of people in here,” said Maya.

    City officials report that these events are generating one of the biggest economic impacts of the year.

    Back downtown, Gray noted that the weekend crowd is lifting more than just sales.

    “The events bring people here, and as long as we’re doing a good job, it’s elevating us as a downtown restaurant,” Gray said.

    As Sacramento continues to grow, so do the hopes of local business owners.

    “As Sacramento continues to grow, all the local businesses will grow as well,” said Gray.

    Maya shared her enthusiasm for more events, stating, “I really want more festivals or something—because it brings in a lot more business for us.”

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  • Tropical Storm Gabrielle forecast to strengthen into hurricane this weekend, NHC says

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    Tropical Storm Gabrielle forecast to strengthen into hurricane this weekend, NHC says

    THE WEEKEND IS FINALLY HERE. IT’S NOT 100 DEGREES OUTSIDE AND PEOPLE CAN ACTUALLY HAVE SOME AND IT’S DRY. MARQUISE I THINK YOU’RE SERVING UP A NICE ONE TODAY. I LOVE THE OPTIMISM RADIATING OFF YOU GUYS RIGHT NOW. THE WEEKEND IS LOOKING GORGEOUS. ALMOST AS GOOD AS WE DID LOOK TODAY. AS A MATTER OF FACT, AS WE’RE BACK IN THE UPPER 80S AND LOWER 90S INLAND, JUST A TOUCH COOLER ALONG THE COAST. UPPER 80S FOR YOU FOLKS. BUT AS WE CONTINUE ACROSS YOUR SEVEN DAY CERTIFIED MOST ACCURATE FORECAST THIS WEEKEND, WE’LL SEE THAT SUNSHINE RETURN ON SATURDAY AHEAD OF SOME FALL RAIN SHOWERS. SO A LOT TO LOOK FORWARD TO COMING OUR DIRECTION OUT IN DAYTONA BEACH RIGHT NOW. TEMPERATURES HAVE FALLEN BACK INTO THE LOWER 80S. A COUPLE CLOUDS IN THE PICTURE MOMENTARILY. EVENTUALLY YOU’LL CLEAR OUT JUST LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE AS TEMPERATURES DROP INTO THE 70S TONIGHT. RIGHT NOW, THE WINDS ARE COMING IN OFF THE SHORELINE. THAT’S INCREASING THE MOISTURE CONTENT IN THE ATMOSPHERE, BUT IT WILL BE A DRY EVENING OVERALL IN REGARDS TO THE RAINFALL OUT ACROSS I 75. WE HAD A PAIR ACTUALLY A TRIPLET OF 86 DEGREE TEMPERATURES IN OCALA. THE VILLAGES IN WILDWOOD, INSIDE THE CITY. BEAUTIFUL. YOU’RE ROCKING 83 DEGREE TEMPERATURES HERE AT 718. AND OVER THE COURSE OF YOUR EVENING, YOU’LL SEE THOSE WINDS BEGIN TO CALM DOWN AS WELL. WITH THIS SYSTEM OF LOW PRESSURE PUSHING FURTHER TOWARDS THE EAST, OPENING THE DOOR FOR HIGH PRESSURE IN DRIER CONDITIONS OVERNIGHT. BEAUTIFUL WEATHER FOR SOME FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL AS THE O’GALLEY COMMODORES ARE TAKING ON THE COCOA KNIGHTS IN BREVARD COUNTY, SHOWERS ARE NO LONGER IN THE PICTURE. JUST A LIGHT BREEZE WILL BE PRESENT OVER THE DURATION OF THE GAME. ALSO, THE OSCEOLA COWBOYS TAKING ON THE JONES FIGHTING TIGERS. A LITTLE BIT BREEZY EARLY ON. WE TALKED ABOUT THOSE WIND SPEEDS JUST A MOMENT AGO. WE’VE SEEN THE GUSTS AS HIGH AS 20MPH. RIGHT NOW THEY SIT BETWEEN 10 AND 15 MILE PER HOUR CONDITIONS AND YOU’RE PARTLY CLOUDY OVER THE DURATION OF YOUR GAME AS WELL. OFF IN MELBOURNE WE DO SEE THOSE SKIES CLEARING OVERNIGHT. TEMPERATURE WISE WE DROP INTO THE UPPER 70S BEFORE THE NIGHT IS SAID AND DONE, PAVING THE WAY FOR PARTLY CLOUDY SKIES EARLY ON. NOW, ALONG THE COAST, THERE’S A SMALL CHANCE FOR A FEW SHOWERS WITH THAT EAST COAST SEA BREEZE PULLING IN. WE’LL HOLD ON TO THAT SMALL OPPORTUNITY IN THE AFTERNOON. THE MAJORITY OF YOUR DAY ON SATURDAY, THOUGH, WILL BE FILLED WITH SUNSHINE UNTIL WE START TO WATCH OUT FOR THE SMALL CHANCE FOR SOME SHOWERS AND STORMS. AS WE TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR WEEKEND FORECAST ON FUTURECAST. HERE’S THAT HIGH PRESSURE CENTER THAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT, RIGHT? ANYTIME YOU HAVE A HIGH SURROUNDING YOUR NECK OF THE WOODS, YOU CAN EXPECT SOME FAIR WEATHER CONDITIONS. ALMOST. THINK OF IT AS A DOME BLOCKING OUT THAT CONVECTIVE ACTIVITY FROM ENTERING. WINDS ARE ALSO PRIMARILY COMING IN FROM THE NORTH, AND THAT WILL KEEP YOU RIGHT AROUND YOUR SEASONAL AVERAGE, IF NOT JUST A BIT WARMER. AS FAR AS RAIN COVERAGE IS CONCERNED, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY LOOK PRISTINE. THIS WEEKEND, A 30% COVERAGE OF SHOWERS INLAND ON SATURDAY, A 20% CHANCE ON SUNDAY. UNFORTUNATELY, AS WE SWING INTO THE FIRST DAY OF FALL. RAIN CHANCES WILL BE ELEVATED AND THAT’S COURTESY OF A STALLED STATIONARY BOUNDARY ACROSS THE ATLANTIC. AS WE TAKE YOU OUT TO THE ATLANTIC, OF COURSE, THE MAJOR HEADLINE THAT’S TROPICAL STORM GABRIELLE, IN WHICH SOME MODELS, AS WE HEAD INTO THE START OF YOUR WORKWEEK, ARE INDICATING THIS FEATURE COULD INTENSIFY TO A CATEGORY TWO OR A CATEGORY THREE STORM. AS WE TAKE A PEEK AT THE CONE OF UNCERTAINTY. CATEGORY ONE ON SUNDAY. THAT’S SUNDAY EARLY ON IN THE MORNING. MAX WINDS AT 75MPH. BUT LOOK WHAT HAPPENS AS WE JUMP AHEAD TO THE START OF THE WORKWEEK ON MONDAY. 105 MILE PER HOUR CONDITIONS AS THE SYSTEM WILL BE JUST EAST OF THE ISLANDS OF BERMUDA. BACK HERE AT HOME, THOUGH, NO IMPACTS TO US IN REGARDS TO TROPICAL STORM GABRIELLE. BUT WE SEE THAT ELEVATED RAIN CHANCE ON MONDAY TO KICK OFF THE WORKWEEK, COURTESY OF THAT STALLED STATIONARY BOUNDARY. THEREFORE, AS FALL BEGINS ON MONDAY, IT’S A 50% COVERAGE OF SHOWERS WITH TEMPERATURES IN THE LOWER 90S. AND THE LOWER 90S WILL BE A FREQUENT SPOT FOR US BEC

    Tropical Storm Gabrielle forecast to strengthen into hurricane this weekend, NHC says

    Updated: 7:44 PM EDT Sep 19, 2025

    Editorial Standards ⓘ

    Tropical Storm Gabrielle is expected to strengthen this weekend, according to the National Hurricane Center. The NHC said Gabrielle is forecast to become a hurricane by Sunday and pass east of Bermuda Sunday night and Monday.Gabrielle has maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and a minimum central pressure of 1004 mb. The system is moving west-northwest at a speed of 12 mph. There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect at this time. However, the NHC advised Bermuda to monitor the progress of Gabrielle. Eastern tropical waveA tropical wave is producing showers and thunderstorms off the coast of Africa, according to the NHC.Slow development of this system is possible as it moves west-northwestward across the central tropical Atlantic. Formation chance through the next 48 hours: 0%Formation chance through the next 7 days: 20%Hurricane season 2025The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Stay with WESH 2 online and on-air for the most accurate Central Florida weather forecast.>> More: 2025 Hurricane Survival GuideThe First Warning Weather team includes First Warning Chief Meteorologist Tony Mainolfi, Eric Burris, Kellianne Klass, Marquise Meda and Cam Tran.

    Tropical Storm Gabrielle is expected to strengthen this weekend, according to the National Hurricane Center.

    The NHC said Gabrielle is forecast to become a hurricane by Sunday and pass east of Bermuda Sunday night and Monday.

    Gabrielle has maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and a minimum central pressure of 1004 mb.

    The system is moving west-northwest at a speed of 12 mph.

    There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect at this time. However, the NHC advised Bermuda to monitor the progress of Gabrielle.

    Eastern tropical wave

    A tropical wave is producing showers and thunderstorms off the coast of Africa, according to the NHC.

    Slow development of this system is possible as it moves west-northwestward across the central tropical Atlantic.

    Formation chance through the next 48 hours: 0%

    Formation chance through the next 7 days: 20%

    Hurricane season 2025

    The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Stay with WESH 2 online and on-air for the most accurate Central Florida weather forecast.

    >> More: 2025 Hurricane Survival Guide

    The First Warning Weather team includes First Warning Chief Meteorologist Tony Mainolfi, Eric Burris, Kellianne Klass, Marquise Meda and Cam Tran.

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  • California moves to distance itself from CDC on vaccines, considers creating its own agency

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    UPDATES AS THEY COME IN. OTHER NEWS, RIGHT NOW, HEALTH OFFICIALS ARE FOCUSING ON VACCINE DEADLINES. THIS WEEK, A CDC COMMITTEE WILL CONSIDER POSSIBLE CHANGES TO RECOMMENDATIONS TOMORROW. AND NOW THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA IS CONSIDERING DISTANCING ITSELF FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S GUIDELINES. THE POTENTIAL CHANGE IN GUIDANCE COMES AS THE RECENTLY FIRED CDC DIRECTOR WARNS THOSE CHANGES MAY NOT BE BASED ON SCIENCE. WE HAVE TEAM COVERAGE FOR YOU OF WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW. ASHLEY ZAVALA HAS THE CHANGE IN STATE VACCINATION GUIDELINES, BUT WE START WITH JACKIE DEFUSCO LIVE ON CAPITOL HILL FOR US WITH A MESSAGE FROM THE FORMER CDC DIRECTOR. YEAH. HEY THERE, ANDREA CURTIS ON CAPITOL HILL TODAY, THE FORMER CDC DIRECTOR, SUSAN MONAREZ, CLAIMED THAT SHE WAS FIRED IN PART FOR ESSENTIALLY REFUSING TO PRE-APPROVE VACCINE RECOMMENDATIONS WITHOUT SEEING THE SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE FIRST. SHE TOLD SENATORS THAT SHE IS NERVOUS ABOUT WHAT’S TO COME. TAKE A LISTEN. BASED ON WHAT I OBSERVED DURING MY TENURE, THERE IS A REAL RISK THAT RECOMMENDATIONS COULD BE MADE RESTRICTING ACCESS TO VACCINES FOR CHILDREN AND OTHERS IN NEED WITHOUT RIGOROUS SCIENTIFIC REVIEW, WITH NO PERMANENT CDC DIRECTOR IN PLACE, THOSE RECOMMENDATIONS COULD BE ADOPTED. HEALTH SECRETARY ROBERT F KENNEDY JR HAS DENIED THAT HE ORDERED MONAREZ TO RUBBER STAMP VACCINE RECOMMENDATIONS. BUT THE DISPUTE COMES AS THE CDC’S INFLUENTIAL ADVISORY PANEL, WHOSE MEMBERS WERE RECENTLY REPLACED BY KENNEDY, IS SET TO CONVENE TOMORROW TO CONSIDER POSSIBLE CHANGES TO GUIDANCE ON COVID 19, CHICKENPOX AND HEPATITIS B SHOTS. TELLING LAWMAKERS THAT SHE HAS NOT SEEN ANY DATA AT THIS POINT TO SUPPORT CHANGING ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA. FORMER CDC CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER DEBORAH OURY, WHO RECENTLY RESIGNED, ALSO TESTIFIED TODAY. AND SHE SAID THAT ONE OF KENNEDY’S POLITICAL ADVISERS TOLD HER NOT TO INCLUDE INFORMATION THAT COULD SUPPORT MAINTAINING HEPATITIS B SHOTS FOR NEWBORNS TO PREVENT THE DEADLY DISEASE FROM SPREADING FROM THE MOTHER. YOU’RE SUGGESTING THAT THEY WANTED TO MOVE AWAY FROM THE BIRTH DOSE, BUT THEY WERE AFRAID THAT YOUR DATA WOULD SAY THAT THEY SHOULD RETAIN IT. IT. WHAT DO WE DO NOW? IT’S STILL UNCLEAR AT THIS POINT HOW EXACTLY THE ADVISORY PANEL WILL VOTE LATER THIS WEEK, BUT SOME MEMBERS IN THE PAST HAVE QUESTIONED THE NECESSITY OF THE HEPATITIS B SHOT FOR NEWBORNS, AND HAVE ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THERE SHOULD BE A MORE CONSERVATIVE SET OF VACCINE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE COVID 19 SHOT, REGARDLESS OF WHAT THAT PANEL RECOMMENDS. ULTIMATELY, THE ACTING CDC DIRECTOR, JIM O’NEILL, WILL NEED TO SIGN OFF BEFORE THEY BECOME OFFICIAL LIVE ON CAPITOL HILL. I’M JACKIE DEFUSCO, KCRA THREE NEWS. JACKIE, THANK YOU. AND CLOSER TO HOME, CALIFORNIA LEADERS TODAY CONTINUE TO DISTANCE THE STATE FROM THE CDC WITH A SERIES OF ANNOUNCEMENTS. KCRA THREE POLITICAL DIRECTOR ASHLEY ZAVALA EXPLAINS THE ACTION GOVERNOR GAVIN NEWSOM TOOK TODAY. WELL, THIS COMES AS THE STATE CONTINUES TO CLASH WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OVER VACCINES AND SCIENCE. OVERALL. TODAY, NEWSOM, ALONGSIDE THE GOVERNORS OF OREGON, WASHINGTON AND HAWAII, ROLLED OUT THEIR OWN VACCINE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE WINTER. THE GROUP IS ALSO NOW KNOWN AS THE WEST COAST HEALTH ALLIANCE. AS OF A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO, THE RECOMMENDED SHOTS INCLUDE THE COVID 19 SHOT, FLU AND RSV SHOTS. THE GOVERNOR TODAY ALSO SIGNED A NEW STATE LAW THAT ALLOWS CALIFORNIA TO TAKE VACCINE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM MEDICAL GROUPS OUTSIDE OF THE CDC. THIS COMES AFTER ROBERT F KENNEDY JR FIRED ALL 17 MEMBERS OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON IMMUNIZATION PRACTICES AND REPLACE THEM WITH VACCINE SKEPTICS. THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION LOOSENED RECOMMENDATIONS AROUND THE COVID 19 VACCINE. ALSO IN A STATEMENT, THE WEST COAST GOVERNOR SAID, OUR STATES ARE UNITED IN PUTTING SCIENCE, SAFETY AND TRANSPARENCY FIRST AND IN PROTECTING FAMILIES WITH CLEAR, CREDIBLE VACCINE GUIDANCE. THE WEST COAST HEALTH ALLIANCE STANDS UNITED IN PROTECTING PUBLIC HEALTH AND ALWAYS PUTTING SAFETY BEFORE POLITICS. MEANWHILE, A SPOKESPERSON FOR THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SAID DEMOCRAT RUN STATES THAT PUSHED UNSCIENTIFIC SCHOOL LOCKDOWNS, TODDLER MASK MANDATES AND DRACONIAN VACCINE PASSPORTS DURING THE COVID ERA COMPLETELY ERODED THE AMERICAN PEOPLE’S TRUST IN PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCIES. ACIP REMAINS THE SCIENTIFIC BODY GUIDING IMMUNIZATION RECOMMENDATIONS IN THIS COUNTRY. AND HHS WILL ENSURE POLICY IS BASED ON RIGOROUS EVIDENCE AND GOLD STANDARD SCIENCE, NOT THE FAILED POLITICS OF THE PANDEMIC. END QUOTE. NOW, SEPARATELY FROM THE GOVERNOR’S ANNOUNCEMENT TODAY, SOME DEMOCRATIC STATE LAWMAKERS AND LABOR GROUPS LAUNCHED AN EFFORT THAT WOULD ESSENTIALLY CREATE CALIFORNIA’S OWN CDC AND FOUNDATION FOUNDATION TO FUND MEDICAL RESEARCH. THIS WOULD FIRST NEED TO PASS AT THE STATE CAPITOL, THOUGH, BEFORE GOING TO VOTERS IN A BALLOT MEASURE IN NOVEMBER OF 2026. SO HOW MUCH MONEY ARE THEY EXPECTING TO SPEND ON THIS PROPOSAL? YEAH, ESSENTIALLY THEY’RE GOING TO ASK CALIFORNIA VOTERS TO APPROVE A MEASURE THAT WOULD INVOLVE BORROWING $23 BILLION IN BONDS. WE WILL HAVE A LOT MORE ON THIS AT FIVE. A LOT OF QUESTIONS AROUND THA

    California’s Democratic leaders on Wednesday announced a series of efforts to distance the state from President Donald Trump’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as the state and federal government continue to clash over vaccines and science. Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday signed legislation that allows the state to set future immunization guidance on credible, independent medical organizations instead of the CDC. Those organizations could include but are not limited to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. Also on Wednesday, the governor and the California Department of Public Health, along with other West Coast governors, rolled out vaccine recommendations for the upcoming winter, countering advice from the CDC. The recommendations include the COVID-19 shot, flu shot, and RSV vaccine. It comes two weeks after the leaders of California, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii established the West Coast Health Alliance to rebuke the Trump administration’s policies. States typically follow guidance from the CDC, but the Democratic leaders established the alliance after U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired all 17 members of the federal panel that advises on immunization practices and replaced them with vaccine skeptics. “Our states are united in putting science, safety, and transparency first — and in protecting families with clear, credible vaccine guidance. The West Coast Health Alliance stands united in protecting public health and always putting safety before politics,” the governors said in a joint statement. Separately from Newsom’s announcement Wednesday, labor groups and some California lawmakers announced an effort to try to establish their own CDC and foundation to fund medical research. The proposal specifically would involve borrowing $23 billion in bonds. The legislation, known as Senate Bill 607, would first need to pass the state Legislature before giving voters the final say on the November ballot in 2026. “In communities across California, families are counting on science to deliver cures, protect our health, and prepare us for the challenges of the future,” said Assemblymember José Luis Solache, D-Lynwood. “Donald Trump’s cuts threaten not just research, but the lives of our loved ones. This measure makes clear that Californians will take control of our future and invest in life-saving research – because our families, our health, and our economy are too important to leave in the hands of Washington politicians playing games with people’s lives.””Democrat-run states that pushed unscientific school lockdowns, toddler mask mandates, and draconian vaccine passports during the COVID era completely eroded the American people’s trust in public health agencies,” a statement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services read. “ACIP remains the scientific body guiding immunization recommendations in this country, and HHS will ensure policy is based on rigorous evidence and Gold Standard Science, not the failed politics of the pandemic.” See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

    California’s Democratic leaders on Wednesday announced a series of efforts to distance the state from President Donald Trump’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as the state and federal government continue to clash over vaccines and science.

    Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday signed legislation that allows the state to set future immunization guidance on credible, independent medical organizations instead of the CDC. Those organizations could include but are not limited to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

    Also on Wednesday, the governor and the California Department of Public Health, along with other West Coast governors, rolled out vaccine recommendations for the upcoming winter, countering advice from the CDC. The recommendations include the COVID-19 shot, flu shot, and RSV vaccine.

    It comes two weeks after the leaders of California, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii established the West Coast Health Alliance to rebuke the Trump administration’s policies. States typically follow guidance from the CDC, but the Democratic leaders established the alliance after U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired all 17 members of the federal panel that advises on immunization practices and replaced them with vaccine skeptics.

    “Our states are united in putting science, safety, and transparency first — and in protecting families with clear, credible vaccine guidance. The West Coast Health Alliance stands united in protecting public health and always putting safety before politics,” the governors said in a joint statement.

    Separately from Newsom’s announcement Wednesday, labor groups and some California lawmakers announced an effort to try to establish their own CDC and foundation to fund medical research. The proposal specifically would involve borrowing $23 billion in bonds.

    The legislation, known as Senate Bill 607, would first need to pass the state Legislature before giving voters the final say on the November ballot in 2026.

    “In communities across California, families are counting on science to deliver cures, protect our health, and prepare us for the challenges of the future,” said Assemblymember José Luis Solache, D-Lynwood. “Donald Trump’s cuts threaten not just research, but the lives of our loved ones. This measure makes clear that Californians will take control of our future and invest in life-saving research – because our families, our health, and our economy are too important to leave in the hands of Washington politicians playing games with people’s lives.”

    “Democrat-run states that pushed unscientific school lockdowns, toddler mask mandates, and draconian vaccine passports during the COVID era completely eroded the American people’s trust in public health agencies,” a statement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services read. “ACIP remains the scientific body guiding immunization recommendations in this country, and HHS will ensure policy is based on rigorous evidence and Gold Standard Science, not the failed politics of the pandemic.”

    See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

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  • Tropical Storm Gabrielle ‘poorly organized’ over the Atlantic, but expected to strengthen, NHC says

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    Tropical Storm Gabrielle formed over the Atlantic on Wednesday, according to the National Hurricane Center. The NHC said Gabrielle is poorly organized and battling strong wind shear as it jogs toward the west-northwest. Gabrielle has maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and a minimum central pressure of 1004 mb.The NHC said little change in strength is forecast during the next 48 hours, but some gradual intensification is forecast over the weekend. Tropical Storm Gabrielle could strengthen into a hurricane. However, it is not expected to affect land during the next several days.There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect at this time. Eastern tropical waveA new tropical wave is expected to move off the coast of Africa by Friday, according to the NHC.Slow development of this system is possible as it moves west-northwestward across the central tropical Atlantic. Formation chance through the next 48 hours: 0%Formation chance through the next 7 days: 20%Hurricane season 2025The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Stay with WESH 2 online and on-air for the most accurate Central Florida weather forecast.>> More: 2025 Hurricane Survival GuideThe First Warning Weather team includes First Warning Chief Meteorologist Tony Mainolfi, Eric Burris, Kellianne Klass, Marquise Meda and Cam Tran.

    Tropical Storm Gabrielle formed over the Atlantic on Wednesday, according to the National Hurricane Center.

    The NHC said Gabrielle is poorly organized and battling strong wind shear as it jogs toward the west-northwest.

    Gabrielle has maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and a minimum central pressure of 1004 mb.

    The NHC said little change in strength is forecast during the next 48 hours, but some gradual intensification is forecast over the weekend.

    Tropical Storm Gabrielle could strengthen into a hurricane. However, it is not expected to affect land during the next several days.

    There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect at this time.

    Eastern tropical wave

    A new tropical wave is expected to move off the coast of Africa by Friday, according to the NHC.

    Slow development of this system is possible as it moves west-northwestward across the central tropical Atlantic.

    Formation chance through the next 48 hours: 0%

    Formation chance through the next 7 days: 20%

    Hurricane season 2025

    The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Stay with WESH 2 online and on-air for the most accurate Central Florida weather forecast.

    >> More: 2025 Hurricane Survival Guide

    The First Warning Weather team includes First Warning Chief Meteorologist Tony Mainolfi, Eric Burris, Kellianne Klass, Marquise Meda and Cam Tran.

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  • Northern California forecast: Cool with a few regional showers

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    Northern California forecast: Cool with a few regional showers

    NOW, LET’S TAKE THIS LIVE. LOOK OUTSIDE IN SACRAMENTO. WHERE? YEAH, JUST A FEW CLOUDS AROUND EARLY. WE’RE AT 62 DEGREES RIGHT NOW. WINDS SOUTHEAST AT ABOUT FIVE MILES PER HOUR. NOW, WE DO HAVE SOME ACTIVITY ON THE RADAR. SO HERE LOCALLY AROUND SACRAMENTO WE’RE STILL LOOKING AT DRY CONDITIONS, MAINLY CLEAR SKIES. BUT AS WE TAKE A LOOK AT WE’RE HEADING UP TOWARD TEHAMA COUNTY AND RED BLUFF. THAT’S WHERE WE’RE SEEING SOME SHOWER ACTIVITY THIS MORNING. WE’VE SEEN A FEW IN PARTS OF GLENN COUNTY, COLUSA AND LAKE COUNTIES THERE AS WELL, AND THEN HEADING OVER INTO PLUMAS COUNTY, SEEING A FEW SHOWERS HERE JUST TO THE NORTH OF CRESCENT MILLS. THOSE ARE MOVING THEIR WAY NORTHWARD, AND WE DO EXPECT TO SEE MORE ACTIVE WEATHER AS WE HEAD INTO THE AFTERNOON, ESPECIALLY IN THE SIERRA. AND THEN AGAIN IN THAT COASTAL RANGE, LIKELY TO SEE SOME SHOWERS THERE, TOO. TOMORROW AFTERNOON. MORE CHANCES FOR SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS, PRIMARILY IN THE SIERRA, MAYBE A LITTLE BIT INTO THE COASTAL HILLS TOO. AND THEN FRIDAY, JUST A SLIGHT CHANCE IN THE SIERRA DRY CONDITIONS. SUNNY FOR US ON SATURDAY. SUNDAY THOUGH, ANOTHER CENTER OF LOW PRESSURE STARTS MOVING ITS WAY IN THIS, BRINGING WITH IT MORE CLOUDS, MORE CHANCES FOR AT LEAST A FEW SHOWERS ALONG THE COAST AND THEN IN THE SIERRA VALLEY WILL LIKELY STAY DRY. AND THEN AS WE GET INTO NEXT WEEK, ANOTHER RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE STARTS MOVING IN. AND THAT IS GOING TO BRING SOME WARMER TEMPERATURES BACK TO OUR FORECAST. THE SEVEN DAY FORECAST FOR TODAY IN THE SIERRA 62 DEGREES CHANCES FOR SHOWERS TOMORROW 65 WARMING UP INTO THE 70S OVER THE WEEKEND FOR THE FOOTHILLS. SLIGHT CHANCE FOR A SPRINKLE OR TWO TODAY. JUST MAINLY, MOSTLY CLOUDY SKIES WITH TEMPERATURES IN THE UPPER 70S AND THEN IN SACRAMENTO. TODAY THAT FORECAST HIGH, TOPPING OUT AT 79 DEGREES. HOW NICE IS THAT GETTING INTO THE UPPER 80S FOR US ON SATURDAY. AND A FEW MORE CLOUD

    Northern California forecast: Cool with a few regional showers

    Updated: 6:42 AM PDT Sep 10, 2025

    Editorial Standards ⓘ

    Enjoy another fall-like day with some showers, mainly in the higher terrain.A few morning showers have returned in the northern Valley, while the rest of the valley is waking up under a few clouds as a slow-moving area of low pressure prepares to swing through.Valley highs on Wednesday will reach the upper 70s, much cooler than the seasonal normal of 90 degrees. A stray shower is possible, especially in the northern Sacramento Valley. Afternoon temperatures in the foothills will also top out in the upper 70s, with a chance of showers. The Sierra has the greatest chance for a couple of thunderstorms this afternoon, with highs in the low 60s.The low will slowly progress east, carrying the potential for afternoon thunderstorms into Thursday. At the same time, valley temperatures will warm back into the 80s, climbing into the upper 80s on Friday. By then, storm chances will be limited to the Sierra.Saturday is shaping up nicely, as a ridge of high pressure brings more sunshine and warms temperatures back near 90 degrees. Our next impactful weather system arrives Sunday, bringing breezes and a few Sierra storms.| MORE | A 2025 guide for how to prepare for wildfires in California | Northern California wildfire resources by county: Find evacuation info, sign up for alertsCal Fire wildfire incidents: Cal Fire tracks its wildfire incidents here. You can sign up to receive text messages for Cal Fire updates on wildfires happening near your ZIP code here.Wildfires on federal land: Federal wildfire incidents are tracked here.Preparing for power outages: Ready.gov explains how to prepare for a power outage and what to do when returning from one here. Here is how to track and report PG&E power outages.Keeping informed when you’ve lost power and cellphone service: How to find a National Weather Service radio station near you.Be prepared for road closures: Download Caltrans’ QuickMap app or check the latest QuickMap road conditions here.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

    Enjoy another fall-like day with some showers, mainly in the higher terrain.

    A few morning showers have returned in the northern Valley, while the rest of the valley is waking up under a few clouds as a slow-moving area of low pressure prepares to swing through.

    Valley highs on Wednesday will reach the upper 70s, much cooler than the seasonal normal of 90 degrees. A stray shower is possible, especially in the northern Sacramento Valley. Afternoon temperatures in the foothills will also top out in the upper 70s, with a chance of showers. The Sierra has the greatest chance for a couple of thunderstorms this afternoon, with highs in the low 60s.

    The low will slowly progress east, carrying the potential for afternoon thunderstorms into Thursday. At the same time, valley temperatures will warm back into the 80s, climbing into the upper 80s on Friday. By then, storm chances will be limited to the Sierra.

    Saturday is shaping up nicely, as a ridge of high pressure brings more sunshine and warms temperatures back near 90 degrees. Our next impactful weather system arrives Sunday, bringing breezes and a few Sierra storms.

    | MORE | A 2025 guide for how to prepare for wildfires in California | Northern California wildfire resources by county: Find evacuation info, sign up for alerts

    See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

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  • Dangerous heat expected to spread up West Coast, break records, according to forecasters

    Dangerous heat expected to spread up West Coast, break records, according to forecasters

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    Temperatures are expected to soar along the U.S. West Coast on Friday and Saturday, the National Weather Service said, warning that “dangerous heat” will likely spread up the West Coast as it intensifies.

    Forecasters said temperatures will be 15-30 degrees above average for much of the West Coast Friday, and “numerous record-breaking temperatures can be expected through the next few days,” the weather service said.

    Heat watches and warnings are in place across multiple states, including large swaths of California, as well as parts of Nevada, Arizona, Oregon and Washington.

    In parts of California and southern Oregon, temperatures could blast into the triple digits, the weather service said. California is expected to experience some of the worst effects of the heat wave on Saturday, forecasters said, with temperatures likely to reach into the 110s.

    “Locally higher temperatures into the 120s are possible in the typical hot spots of the Desert Southwest,” the National Weather Service said.

    In Death Valley, known as one of the hottest place on Earth, temperatures could reach up to 129 degrees, forecasters predicted. 

    In Los Angeles, the National Weather Service issued a “Red Flag Warning” in effect until late Friday night due to “hot, dry and windy conditions.” The warning signifies increased risk of fire danger. The weather service warned residents to use caution with open flames as the dry conditions could fuel the spread of fire.

    The heat wave coincides with the Thompson wildfire, which engulfed Butte Country in Northern California this week and forced thousands to flee their homes. Evacuation orders were downgraded to warnings on Thursday.

    As of Friday, the fire was 46% contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

    Over the weekend, the excessive heat and humidity will shift east to the mid-Atlantic and the Southeast, with temperatures expected to break into the high 90s and low 100s.

    The National Weather Service encouraged people to stay vigilant, noting that heat impacts can compound over time and pose a threat to health and safety. The above-average temperatures can be expected to last into next week, forecasters said.

    “It is imperative to stay hydrated, out of direct sunlight, and in buildings with sufficient air-conditioning when possible,” said the weather service. “It is also equally as important to check on the safety of vulnerable friends, family, and neighbors.”

    California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office said earlier this week that the state was taking steps to ensure the most vulnerable Californians had access to resources, including cooling centers.    

    Heat-related deaths have been on the rise in recent years. In 2023, an estimated 2,300 deaths were linked to excessive heat, breaking previous records, an AP analysis found.

    Just this week, the Biden administration proposed a new rule intended to protect workers from the effects of extreme heat.

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  • 1 in 4 Americans today breathes unhealthy air because of climate change. And it’s getting worse.

    1 in 4 Americans today breathes unhealthy air because of climate change. And it’s getting worse.

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    Expert discusses EPA crackdown on air quality rules


    Expert discusses EPA crackdown on air quality rules

    03:16

    Much of the U.S. Northeast was smothered last summer by dense smoke from Canadian wildfires, leading to New York City’s worst air quality since the 1960s. Such episodes, once mostly isolated incidents, are increasingly common due to the impact of climate change, new research shows. 

    About 83 million Americans, or 1 in 4, are already exposed each year to air quality that is categorized as “unhealthy” by the Air Quality Index (AQI), a number that could grow to 125 million people within decades, according to First Street Foundation, which analyzes climate risks. The unhealthy AQI level, color-coded red, means that outdoor activities can result in lung impairment for some people, including respiratory ailments like chest pain and coughs. 

    The nation’s worsening air quality comes after decades of improvements thanks to regulations such as the 1970 Clean Air Act, which tightened federal rules on pollutants emitted by factories and automobiles. But the recent rise in poor air quality could be harder to battle because it’s linked to global warming, with higher temperatures and drought causing more smoke-spewing wildfires, First Street said. 

    “Additional heart attacks”

    At the same time, the rise in poor air quality threatens to reverse the health benefits that followed stricter pollution regulations starting in the 1960s and to hurt the U.S. economy, said Jeremy Porter, head of climate implications research at First Street. 

    “We’re essentially adding back additional premature deaths, adding back additional heart attacks,” Porter told CBS MoneyWatch. “We’re losing productivity in the economic markets by additionally losing outdoor job work days.”

    Already, there’s some evidence that people are leaving parts of the country with lower air quality, contributing to what is effectively a redrawing of the nation’s map by wildfire, flood and other effects of climate change.

    “We’ve seen very early statistical signals in our own analysis that people are moving away from the smoke that comes from wildfire,” Porter said. “The downstream effect of people moving away is that property values start to suffer because the area becomes less desirable. And then as the area becomes less desirable, tax revenues are directly impacted because the property values are decreasing.”

    Residents of California, Oregon and Washington state are seeing the greatest decline in air quality, partially due to wildfires in those regions. In California, air quality today is often in the “purple” and “maroon” levels — considered very healthy to hazardous — something that was unheard of about 15 years ago, First Street’s analysis found. At the same time, the number of “green” days, considered healthy, have decreased by a third since 2010. 

    Yet the impact isn’t only being felt on the West Coast, First Street found. 

    “It’s become something that is impacting people’s daily lives east of the Mississippi River,” Porter noted. In 2022, fires in the Florida panhandle were “so bad that people were asked to evacuate from their neighborhoods, which is kind of unheard of.”

    The number of unhealthy AQI days is likely to grow in the coming decades due to climate change, First Street projected. Worst hit could be the Western states, but Eastern states aren’t immune. Pockets of the Southwest, especially on the Florida-Georgia border, are already seeing an increase in the number of days with unhealthy AQI numbers. 

    Particulate matter and ozone

    Poor air quality is linked to increases in particulate matter and ozone, which are rising due to changes in the environment including extreme heat, drought and wildfires. Particulate matter that’s less than 2.5 microns in diameter, also called PM2.5, is particularly concerning because these tiny flecks of pollution can get deep into your lungs, causing a range of health problems. 

    PM2.5 particulates are increasing because of wildfires, while 2022 research found that ground-level ozone is also being exacerbated by the increasingly devastating blazes. Ozone levels can inflame your airways and raise the risks of an asthma attack, among other health problems, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.


    Stockton, Sacramento rank as nationwide “asthma capitals” thanks to bad air quality

    02:42

    Although reversing the amount air pollution linked to climate change is difficult, at least knowing the risks and how to mitigate them can help, Porter said. First Street has a site called RiskFactor.com where you can enter your address and see your risks for flooding, fire, wind and heat. 

    Individuals may also need to take steps to protect their health in the face of more poor air quality days, he added.

    “Being able to keep smoke out of your house is really important,” Porter said. “Things like making sure your windows are sealed, and something as simple as changing the filter on your HVAC can make a big, big impact on how clean the air is inside your house.”

    Aimee Picchi

    Aimee Picchi is the associate managing editor for CBS MoneyWatch, where she covers business and personal finance. She previously worked at Bloomberg News and has written for national news outlets including USA Today and Consumer Reports.

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  • How climate change is fueling stronger atmospheric rivers

    How climate change is fueling stronger atmospheric rivers

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    How climate change is fueling stronger atmospheric rivers – CBS News


    Watch CBS News



    Another atmospheric river is soaking California with historic amounts of rain and flooding. CBS News senior national and environmental correspondent Ben Tracy joins to explain how climate change is affecting these devastating and often deadly storms.

    Be the first to know

    Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.


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  • West Coast dockworkers, ports reach tentative labor deal

    West Coast dockworkers, ports reach tentative labor deal

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    After months of tense negotiations which led to slowdowns and port disruptions, the union which represents thousands of West Coast dockworkers has reached a tentative deal with their employers on a new labor agreement.

    The International Longshore and Warehouse Union’s Coast Longshore Division, and the Pacific Maritime Association — which represents dozens of terminal operators and ocean carriers — announced in a joint statement Wednesday night that a deal has been reached on a new six-year contract.

    The two sides had been negotiating since May of 2022. Last week, several major ports — including the ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach and Oakland — experienced shutdowns due to work disruptions as talks dragged on.

    US-ECONOMY-TRADE
    A cargo shipping container is unloaded from a ship at the Port of Los Angeles on June 7, 2023.

    PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images


    Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su “played a key role” in helping facilitate the deal, the ILWU and the PMA said. Su also received praise from President Biden in a statement late Wednesday night, who thanked her for her using “her deep experience and judgement to keep the parties talking.”

    “Above all I congratulate the port workers, who have served heroically through the pandemic and the countless challenges it brought, and will finally get the pay, benefits, and quality of life they deserve,” Mr. Biden said.

    The details of the agreement were not immediately released. The deal must still be ratified by members of both groups.

    The ILWU Coast Longshore Division represents more than 22,000 West Coast dockworkers at 29 ports in California, Oregon and Washington.

    The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, which combined make up the San Pedro port complex, is among the busiest such complexes in the world, handling about 29% of all imported or exported containers that come through the U.S. by water. 

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  • Salmon fishing season canceled for most of West Coast

    Salmon fishing season canceled for most of West Coast

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    California cancels salmon fishing season


    California cancels salmon fishing season

    03:35

    A federal regulatory group voted Thursday to officially close king salmon fishing season along much of the West Coast after near-record low numbers of the fish, also known as chinook, returned to California’s rivers last year.

    The Pacific Fishery Management Council approved the closure of the 2023 season for all commercial and most recreational chinook fishing along the coast from Cape Falcon in northern Oregon to the California-Mexico border. Limited recreational salmon fishing will be allowed off Southern Oregon in the fall.

    “The forecasts for Chinook returning to California rivers this year are near record lows,” Council Chair Marc Gorelnik said after the vote in a news release. “The poor conditions in the freshwater environment that contributed to these low forecasted returns are unfortunately not something that the Council can, or has authority to, control.”

    California had already last month issued a salmon fishing ban for the remainder of the season. According to CBS Bay Area, it marked only the second time in state history that California had canceled its salmon fishing season, with the last ban taking place between 2008 and 2009, also due to drought conditions.

    Biologists say the chinook salmon population has declined dramatically after years of drought. Many in the fishing industry say Trump-era rules that allowed more water to be diverted from the Sacramento River Basin to agriculture caused even more harm.

    Chinook salmon
    A Chinook salmon leaps from the water in a holding pond at Coleman National Fish Hatchery on Jan. 19, 2022, in Anderson, California. 

    Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images


    The closure applies to adult fall-run chinook and deals a blow to the Pacific Northwest’s salmon fishing industry.

    Much of the salmon caught off Oregon originate in California’s Klamath and Sacramento rivers. After hatching in freshwater, they spend three years on average maturing in the Pacific, where many are snagged by commercial fishermen, before migrating back to their spawning grounds, where conditions are more ideal to give birth. After laying eggs, they die.

    The council is an advisory group to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, which makes the final decision, but historically has followed the council’s rulings. The secretary’s decision will be posted in the Federal Register within days.

    Experts fear native California salmon are in a spiral toward extinction. Already California’s spring-run chinook are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, while winter-run chinook are endangered along with the Central California Coast coho salmon, which has been off-limits to California commercial fishers since the 1990s.

    Recreational fishing is expected to be allowed in Oregon only for coho salmon during the summer and for chinook after Sept. 1. Salmon season is expected to open as usual north of Cape Falcon, including in the Columbia River and off Washington’s coast.

    Though the closure will affect tens of thousands of jobs, few are opposed to it. Many fishers say they want to take action now to guarantee healthy stocks in the future.

    They hope the unusually wet winter in California that has mostly freed the state of drought will bring relief. An unprecedented series of powerful storms has replenished most of California’s reservoirs, dumping record amounts of rain and snow and busting a severe three-year drought. But too much water running through the rivers could kills eggs and young hatchlings.

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