California has been battling an oil spill. The Governor of the state Gavin Newsom took a stalk of the cleanup work and pushed for clean energy.

California Governor pushes for clean energy amid oil spill

A 13-inch tear in a pipe might be reason behind California oil spill

A massive oil spill off the Orange County coast in Southern California has prompted the closure of a long beachfront area; investigators probe into leak reason.

California oil spill: Corpses of fish and birds reach shore

The most prominent visible sign on Monday of the major offshore oil spill that threatened some of Southern California’s most popular beaches was a single strip of yellow caution tape blocking the water.

Not far offshore was a 13-square-mile slick that was first spotted Saturday after a pipeline failure caused at least 126,000 gallons of oil to spill into the Pacific Ocean. It was California’s largest offshore leak since 2015, when Refugio State Beach near Santa Barbara was fouled by oil after a similar pipeline break.

Dead fish and birds washed ashore in some places over the weekend as cleanup crews raced to try to contain the spill, which resulted from a failure in a 17.5-mile pipeline three miles off Newport Beach, officials said. The spill prompted fresh calls for a permanent end to offshore oil production in California, once a major oil-producing state.

The pipeline transported oil from offshore platforms owned by Amplify Energy, a Houston company that was already in a financially precarious condition.

More than 40 years old, the pipeline connects to a pumping station in Long Beach. Such pipelines are usually designed for a 25-year life, so investigators will probably examine how Amplify maintained and repaired its pipes.

Despite rising oil and gas prices, the company lost $35 million in the second quarter on revenues of $80.4 million. It has attempted to improve its performance in part by investing in its offshore operations in California, which are now suspended because of the leak.

Martyn Willsher, Amplify’s CEO, said Monday that the company believed it had found the location of the leak after inspecting 8,000 feet of pipe.

“There is no active leak that we’re aware of,” Willsher said at a news conference. “We are deeply concerned about what we’re seeing environmentally. Whatever needs to be done, we will take care of it.”

Willsher said workers from his company first saw the oil sheen on Saturday morning and began work to contain the leak. But some energy experts said the company ought to have learned of the leak before oil was visible because gauges that monitor the pressure in the pipeline should have alerted officials.

The most prominent visible sign on Monday of the major offshore oil spill that threatened some of Southern California’s most popular beaches was a single strip of yellow caution tape blocking the water.

The most prominent visible sign on Monday of the major offshore oil spill that threatened some of Southern California’s most popular beaches was a single strip of yellow caution tape blocking the water. Not far offshore was a 13-square-mile slick that was first spotted Saturday after a pipeline failure caused at least 126,000 gallons of oil to spill into the Pacific Ocean. It was California’s largest offshore leak since 2015, when Refugio State Beach near Santa Barbara was fouled by oil after a similar pipeline break. Dead fish and birds washed ashore in some places over the weekend as cleanup crews raced to try to contain the spill, which resulted from a failure in a 17.5-mile pipeline three miles off Newport Beach, officials said. The spill prompted fresh calls for a permanent end to offshore oil production in California, once a major oil-producing state. The pipeline transported oil from offshore platforms owned by Amplify Energy, a Houston company that was already in a financially precarious condition. More than 40 years old, the pipeline connects to a pumping station in Long Beach. Such pipelines are usually designed for a 25-year life, so investigators will probably examine how Amplify maintained and repaired its pipes. Despite rising oil and gas prices, the company lost $35 million in the second quarter on revenues of $80.4 million. It has attempted to improve its performance in part by investing in its offshore operations in California, which are now suspended because of the leak. Martyn Willsher, Amplify’s CEO, said Monday that the company believed it had found the location of the leak after inspecting 8,000 feet of pipe. “There is no active leak that we’re aware of,” Willsher said at a news conference. “We are deeply concerned about what we’re seeing environmentally. Whatever needs to be done, we will take care of it.” Willsher said workers from his company first saw the oil sheen on Saturday morning and began work to contain the leak. But some energy experts said the company ought to have learned of the leak before oil was visible because gauges that monitor the pressure in the pipeline should have alerted officials.

California oil spill closes beaches and renews call for drilling ban

California deployed National Guard medical units in some&nbsp;areas to help hospitals hit with staff&nbsp;shortages.&nbsp;The Delta virus has hit rural areas in California with several hospitals being overwhelmed with patients.

California's governor had earlier declared that coronavirus vaccines will be made compulsory for all students.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-the-coronavirus-getting-better-at-airborne-transmission-417911">Also Read:&nbsp;Is the coronavirus getting better at airborne transmission?</a>

Governor Gavin Newsom had declared that kids would require vaccines in order to attend school&nbsp;as he emphasised&nbsp;getting over vaccine hesitancy.

The US has allowed Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children 16 and over, however, Newsom announced that once the Food and Drug Administration(FDA) regulators grant approval to vaccinate kids in the 12 and above category the vaccine requirement will come into place.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/coronavirus-vaccines-are-helping-prevent-long-covid-study-410188">Also Read:&nbsp;Coronavirus vaccines are helping prevent long Covid</a>

Newsom conceded that people were "exhausted" by the pandemic even as the US recorded over 700,000 COVID-19&nbsp;fatalities recently.

Pfizer has submitted its data to the FDA to inoculate children aged five to 11 as the country continues to battle the virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-coronavirus-hospitalisations-hit-eight-month-high-over-100000-408696">Also Read:&nbsp;United States coronavirus hospitalisations hit eight-month high over 100,000</a>

Reports say the United States is averaging 106,400 coronavirus cases daily and 1,476 deaths over a seven day period even as it has scaled up virus tests.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 55 per cent of Americans have been fully vaccinated even as it faces a resurgence of the Delta variant.

Reports&nbsp;say vaccination campaigns which were at its peak earlier in the year has slowed even as Republican governors in Texas and Florida have sought to ban mandatory mask-wearing in their states.

(With inputs from Agencies)

California deployed National Guard medical units in some areas to help hospitals hit with staff shortages. The Delta virus has hit rural areas in California with several hospitals being overwhelmed with patients.

California deployed National Guard medical units in some areas to help hospitals hit with staff shortages. The Delta virus has hit rural areas in California with several hospitals being overwhelmed with patients. California's governor had earlier declared that coronavirus vaccines will be made compulsory for all students. Also Read: Is the coronavirus getting better at airborne transmission? Governor Gavin Newsom had declared that kids would require vaccines in order to attend school as he emphasised getting over vaccine hesitancy. The US has allowed Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children 16 and over, however, Newsom announced that once the Food and Drug Administration(FDA) regulators grant approval to vaccinate kids in the 12 and above category the vaccine requirement will come into place. Also Read: Coronavirus vaccines are helping prevent long Covid Newsom conceded that people were "exhausted" by the pandemic even as the US recorded over 700,000 COVID-19 fatalities recently. Pfizer has submitted its data to the FDA to inoculate children aged five to 11 as the country continues to battle the virus. Also Read: United States coronavirus hospitalisations hit eight-month high over 100,000 Reports say the United States is averaging 106,400 coronavirus cases daily and 1,476 deaths over a seven day period even as it has scaled up virus tests. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 55 per cent of Americans have been fully vaccinated even as it faces a resurgence of the Delta variant. Reports say vaccination campaigns which were at its peak earlier in the year has slowed even as Republican governors in Texas and Florida have sought to ban mandatory mask-wearing in their states. (With inputs from Agencies)

US National Guard medical teams deployed in some areas in California amid virus surge

A breach of oil rig pipeline caused a large oil spill off southern California coast and was described as an "environmental catastrophe" by the mayor of Huttington Beach. The oil spill left dead fish and birds strewn on the sand and offshore wetlands were clogged with oil. Beaches are now empty and an airshow has been cancelled.

An estimated 126,000 gallons, or 3,000 barrels, had spread into an oil slick covering about 13 square miles of the Pacific Ocean since it was first reported on Saturday morning. The beachside city, about 40 miles south of Los Angeles, was bearing the brunt of the spill.

The spill was caused by a breach connected to the Elly oil rig and stretched from the Huntington Beach Pier down to Newport Beach, a stretch of coast popular with surfers and sunbathers.

The oil rig is opearted by Beta Offshore a California subsidiary of Houston-based Amplify Energy Corporation .

Amplify Energy CEO Martyn Willsher said at a press conference in Long Beach that the pipeline had now been shut off and remaining oil suctioned out. He said divers were still trying to determine where and why the spill occurred.

Oceana, an ocean conservation group, called for an end to offshore oil and gas drilling.

Jacqueline Savitz, Oceana's chief policy officer, said in a statement: "This is just the latest tragedy of the oil industry. It's well past time to prevent future oil spills by permanently protecting our coasts from offshore drilling."

The US Coast Guard, working with local and state agencies, flew airplanes to assess the spill and had hired contractors to clean it up.

Officials said they were investigating the cause of the spill and the type of oil involved.

(With inputs from agencies)

A breach of oil rig pipeline caused a large oil spill off southern California coast and was described as an "environmental catastrophe" by the mayor of Huttington Beach.

A breach of oil rig pipeline caused a large oil spill off southern California coast and was described as an "environmental catastrophe" by the mayor of Huttington Beach. The oil spill left dead fish and birds strewn on the sand and offshore wetlands were clogged with oil. Beaches are now empty and an airshow has been cancelled. An estimated 126,000 gallons, or 3,000 barrels, had spread into an oil slick covering about 13 square miles of the Pacific Ocean since it was first reported on Saturday morning. The beachside city, about 40 miles south of Los Angeles, was bearing the brunt of the spill. The spill was caused by a breach connected to the Elly oil rig and stretched from the Huntington Beach Pier down to Newport Beach, a stretch of coast popular with surfers and sunbathers. The oil rig is opearted by Beta Offshore a California subsidiary of Houston-based Amplify Energy Corporation . Amplify Energy CEO Martyn Willsher said at a press conference in Long Beach that the pipeline had now been shut off and remaining oil suctioned out. He said divers were still trying to determine where and why the spill occurred. Oceana, an ocean conservation group, called for an end to offshore oil and gas drilling. Jacqueline Savitz, Oceana's chief policy officer, said in a statement: "This is just the latest tragedy of the oil industry. It's well past time to prevent future oil spills by permanently protecting our coasts from offshore drilling." The US Coast Guard, working with local and state agencies, flew airplanes to assess the spill and had hired contractors to clean it up. Officials said they were investigating the cause of the spill and the type of oil involved. (With inputs from agencies)

Oil spill due to pipeline leak hits California shores

A large oil spill off the southern California coast left fish dead, birds mired in petroleum and wetlands contaminated, prompting local officials to call it an environmental catastrophe. Watch this report for more details.

California: Oil spill an environmental catastrophe

As drought continues to grip California some home owners are investing in technology that can extract water from the air. But Johnson is the proud owner of an air-to-water system, which works like an air conditioner by using coils to chill air, then collect water drops in a basin to purify it.

Climate change mitigation Producing water from air

A man was killed and a woman injured during a shooting incident in California`s Oakland city, local police said.

Police on Saturday responded to reports of a shooting found a man and a woman who had been shot in the city`s maxwell neighbourhood, reports xinhua news agency.

The man was treated on the scene but pronounced dead, while the woman was taken to the hospital.

Her condition was not disclosed, according to a report by the San Francisco Chronicle on Saturday.

The name, age and other identifying information of the deceased victim have not been released pending notification of relatives, police said.

Homicide investigators are looking into the shooting.

The deadly shooting brought the number of homicides investigated in Oakland to 105 this year, a 132 per cent increase compared with the same period last year and a 70 per cent increase compared with 2019.

So far this year, the areas with the most homicides are Area 3, the region encompassing Fruitvale and Central Oakland, and Area 5, Oakland`s easternmost section, the report said.

Oakland`s homicide record was 165 in 1992.

Since then, the homicides have mostly fallen with 70 in 2018, and 78 in 2019.

A man was killed and a woman injured during a shooting incident in California`s Oakland city, local police said. Police on Saturday responded to reports of a shooting found a man and a woman who had been shot in the city`s maxwell neighbourhood, reports xinhua news agency.

A man was killed and a woman injured during a shooting incident in California`s Oakland city, local police said. Police on Saturday responded to reports of a shooting found a man and a woman who had been shot in the city`s maxwell neighbourhood, reports xinhua news agency. The man was treated on the scene but pronounced dead, while the woman was taken to the hospital. Her condition was not disclosed, according to a report by the San Francisco Chronicle on Saturday. The name, age and other identifying information of the deceased victim have not been released pending notification of relatives, police said. Homicide investigators are looking into the shooting. The deadly shooting brought the number of homicides investigated in Oakland to 105 this year, a 132 per cent increase compared with the same period last year and a 70 per cent increase compared with 2019. So far this year, the areas with the most homicides are Area 3, the region encompassing Fruitvale and Central Oakland, and Area 5, Oakland`s easternmost section, the report said. Oakland`s homicide record was 165 in 1992. Since then, the homicides have mostly fallen with 70 in 2018, and 78 in 2019.

Man killed, woman injured in California shooting

Coronavirus deaths have crossed the alarming limit of 700,000 in the US on Friday as an average of 1,000 people are dying because of the virus on a daily basis in the country.<o:p></o:p>

The United States still continues to be recording the highest death toll in the country, followed by Brazil and India. The fatalities are continuing to rise even as nearly 55.7 per cent of the total population of the US is now fully vaccinated.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-counter-to-uk-british-nationals-to-undergo-10-day-mandatory-quarantine-on-arrival-417417">India's counter to UK: Britishers to undergo 10-day quarantine on arrival</a></o:p>

This increase in cases has been a result of the insurgent of Delta variant in the country. This variant has been dubbed as ‘variant of concern’ by the authorities and is also touted to be one of the most contagious variants of the deadly coronavirus.<o:p></o:p>

The government is urging locals to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible. Medical experts are also issuing same directive for the eligible population as they are worried the Delta variant might infect the children of the country, who are not yet eligible for vaccination.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, the US has also launched booster campaign. The older and more vulnerable population is being injected a third shot of the Pfizer vaccine to protect them against the Delta variant. However, WHO has not yet backed the use of booster shot as experts are urging countries to prioritise these shots for the vulnerable unvaccinated population of the third-world countries.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-bidens-administration-urges-judge-to-block-texas-anti-abortion-law-417517">Joe Biden's administration urges judge to block Texas anti-abortion law</a></o:p>

Compulsory jabs<o:p></o:p>

As the US crossed this deadly threshold, the state of California has decided that Covid vaccinations will be compulsory for all students returning to schools.<o:p></o:p>

Vaccine hesitancy has slowed down the efforts of the government to bring the virus under control in the state of California. To make sure students can resume physical classes in a safe environment, vaccines will now be compulsory for all students aged 12 and above.<o:p></o:p>

"Our schools already require vaccines for measles, mumps and more. Why? Because vaccines work. This is about keeping our kids safe and healthy," said the California Governor Gavin Newsom. Once the FDA approves the vaccination in different cohorts, starting with 12 and above — grade seven to 12 — we will begin to apply that requirement in the next term."<o:p></o:p>

Coronavirus deaths have crossed the alarming limit of 700,000 in the US on Friday as an average of 1,000 people are dying because of the virus on a daily basis in the country.

Coronavirus deaths have crossed the alarming limit of 700,000 in the US on Friday as an average of 1,000 people are dying because of the virus on a daily basis in the country. The United States still continues to be recording the highest death toll in the country, followed by Brazil and India. The fatalities are continuing to rise even as nearly 55.7 per cent of the total population of the US is now fully vaccinated. Also read | India's counter to UK: Britishers to undergo 10-day quarantine on arrival This increase in cases has been a result of the insurgent of Delta variant in the country. This variant has been dubbed as ‘variant of concern’ by the authorities and is also touted to be one of the most contagious variants of the deadly coronavirus. The government is urging locals to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible. Medical experts are also issuing same directive for the eligible population as they are worried the Delta variant might infect the children of the country, who are not yet eligible for vaccination. Meanwhile, the US has also launched booster campaign. The older and more vulnerable population is being injected a third shot of the Pfizer vaccine to protect them against the Delta variant. However, WHO has not yet backed the use of booster shot as experts are urging countries to prioritise these shots for the vulnerable unvaccinated population of the third-world countries. Also read | Joe Biden's administration urges judge to block Texas anti-abortion law Compulsory jabs As the US crossed this deadly threshold, the state of California has decided that Covid vaccinations will be compulsory for all students returning to schools. Vaccine hesitancy has slowed down the efforts of the government to bring the virus under control in the state of California. To make sure students can resume physical classes in a safe environment, vaccines will now be compulsory for all students aged 12 and above. "Our schools already require vaccines for measles, mumps and more. Why? Because vaccines work. This is about keeping our kids safe and healthy," said the California Governor Gavin Newsom. Once the FDA approves the vaccination in different cohorts, starting with 12 and above — grade seven to 12 — we will begin to apply that requirement in the next term."

US surpasses 700,000 Covid deaths as California schools make vaccines compulsory

In Pics | Firefighters try and protect giant sequoias amid California fires

A wildfire in Northern California has destroyed nearly 6,000 acres of land. Local authorities have arrested one woman on suspicion of arson. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas US Edition: Wildfire in Northern California destroys nearly 6,000 acres of land

Somewhere between a childhood vacation to Sequoia National Park and a college biology class, I latched on to a single fact about California’s giant sequoias: They’re immune to wildfires.

These ancient trees have survived for so long because they had found a way to coexist with a deadly threat. Or so I thought.

In summer 2020, a single fire killed tens of thousands of sequoias in the Sierra Nevada. And this month, blazes in and around Sequoia National Park are lapping at the bases of these massive trees, worrying the firefighters who are scrambling to protect them.

The ever-increasing intensity of fires in California has become too much even for the sequoias, which evolved to survive — even thrive — in fires. The dangers prompted firefighters last week to wrap General Sherman, believed to be the largest tree in the world, in flame-retardant foil in a bid to save it from flames.

Experts say the fires that sequoias endured for centuries were mostly low grade. Thick bark and sky-high crowns protected the trees from serious damage. Heat from the flames even helped them reproduce by releasing seeds from their cones.

But now, California’s sequoia groves are dealing with the consequences of a century of fire suppression that has left forests dense with flammable vegetation. Drought and rising temperatures have killed other plants and turned them into kindling.

This has led to fires burning on an unprecedented scale. From 2015 to 2020, two-thirds of the giant sequoia groves across the Sierra Nevada were scorched in wildfires, compared with a quarter in the previous century, according to the National Park Service.

Sequoias may have adapted to fires, “but not to the confluence of changes that have occurred over the past 100 years,” Joan Dudney, a forest ecologist who has worked in Sequoia National Park, told me.

In summer 2020, the Castle fire killed off as many as 10,600 large sequoias, or 14% of the population, according to the National Park Service. Some of the trees, which grow only in California, were charred from their trunk to their crown.

That has firefighters working to avoid a repeat of last year. They have been clearing brush from the bases of trees and swaddling them in reflective fire-resistant blankets that are also used to protect homes in California.

As of Monday evening, the most well-known trees in Sequoia National Park remained safe, including General Sherman. Firefighters and tree-lovers will nervously wait to see what Tuesday brings.

Somewhere between a childhood vacation to Sequoia National Park and a college biology class, I latched on to a single fact about California’s giant sequoias: They’re immune to wildfires.

Somewhere between a childhood vacation to Sequoia National Park and a college biology class, I latched on to a single fact about California’s giant sequoias: They’re immune to wildfires. These ancient trees have survived for so long because they had found a way to coexist with a deadly threat. Or so I thought. In summer 2020, a single fire killed tens of thousands of sequoias in the Sierra Nevada. And this month, blazes in and around Sequoia National Park are lapping at the bases of these massive trees, worrying the firefighters who are scrambling to protect them. The ever-increasing intensity of fires in California has become too much even for the sequoias, which evolved to survive — even thrive — in fires. The dangers prompted firefighters last week to wrap General Sherman, believed to be the largest tree in the world, in flame-retardant foil in a bid to save it from flames. Experts say the fires that sequoias endured for centuries were mostly low grade. Thick bark and sky-high crowns protected the trees from serious damage. Heat from the flames even helped them reproduce by releasing seeds from their cones. But now, California’s sequoia groves are dealing with the consequences of a century of fire suppression that has left forests dense with flammable vegetation. Drought and rising temperatures have killed other plants and turned them into kindling. This has led to fires burning on an unprecedented scale. From 2015 to 2020, two-thirds of the giant sequoia groves across the Sierra Nevada were scorched in wildfires, compared with a quarter in the previous century, according to the National Park Service. Sequoias may have adapted to fires, “but not to the confluence of changes that have occurred over the past 100 years,” Joan Dudney, a forest ecologist who has worked in Sequoia National Park, told me. In summer 2020, the Castle fire killed off as many as 10,600 large sequoias, or 14% of the population, according to the National Park Service. Some of the trees, which grow only in California, were charred from their trunk to their crown. That has firefighters working to avoid a repeat of last year. They have been clearing brush from the bases of trees and swaddling them in reflective fire-resistant blankets that are also used to protect homes in California. As of Monday evening, the most well-known trees in Sequoia National Park remained safe, including General Sherman. Firefighters and tree-lovers will nervously wait to see what Tuesday brings.

In California, even fire-resistant trees need to be protected from flames

Two lightning-sparked wildfires in California have now merged and made a run to the edge of a grove of ancient sequoias. This happened as they tried to protect the world’s largest tree by wrapping its base in protective foil.

As per the National Park Service, a shift in the weather fanned flames in the Sequoia national park in the Sierra Nevada on Friday.

The flames reached the westernmost tip of the Giant Forest, where it scorched a grouping of sequoias known as the Four Guardsmen.&nbsp;This further led to&nbsp;entrance to the grove of 2,000 sequoias.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-panel-recommends-pfizers-covid-booster-shot-for-65-and-above-rejects-for-16-year-olds-413903">Also read | US panel recommends Pfizer's Covid booster shot for 65 and above, rejects for 16 year-olds</a>

The firefighters wrapped the base of the General Sherman tree in fire-resistant aluminium of the type used in wild land firefighter emergency shelters and to protect historic wooden buildings.&nbsp;

Fire spokeswoman Katy Hooper said that it was not immediately known how the Four guardsmen, which received the same treatment.&nbsp;

According to the National Park Service, the General Sherman Tree is the largest in the world by volume, at 52,508 cubic ft. It is 275ft high and has a circumference of 103ft at ground level.

Two lightning-sparked wildfires in California have now merged and made a run to the edge of a grove of ancient sequoias. This happened as they tried to protect the world’s largest tree by wrapping its base in protective foil.

Two lightning-sparked wildfires in California have now merged and made a run to the edge of a grove of ancient sequoias. This happened as they tried to protect the world’s largest tree by wrapping its base in protective foil. As per the National Park Service, a shift in the weather fanned flames in the Sequoia national park in the Sierra Nevada on Friday. The flames reached the westernmost tip of the Giant Forest, where it scorched a grouping of sequoias known as the Four Guardsmen. This further led to entrance to the grove of 2,000 sequoias. Also read | US panel recommends Pfizer's Covid booster shot for 65 and above, rejects for 16 year-olds The firefighters wrapped the base of the General Sherman tree in fire-resistant aluminium of the type used in wild land firefighter emergency shelters and to protect historic wooden buildings. Fire spokeswoman Katy Hooper said that it was not immediately known how the Four guardsmen, which received the same treatment. According to the National Park Service, the General Sherman Tree is the largest in the world by volume, at 52,508 cubic ft. It is 275ft high and has a circumference of 103ft at ground level.

California wildfires reach edge of sequoia grove, home to world's largest tree

General Sherman, the 275-foot (83 metres) Sequoia tree that's considered world's largest tree by volume was wrapped in a fire-proof blanket on Thursday to protect it from California wildfires. The tree is more than 2000 years old. Wildfires are engulfing drought-stricken areas in western United States. Other huge and ancient trees in the area are also being protected in this manner by fire brigade officials.

Firefighters are also clearing brush and keeping fire-engines ready among the 2000 ancient trees in Sequoia National Park.

<img alt="Seuqia trees" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="54e9bc2c-ca18-48e1-b4a4-a7240c0a3ae1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9MZ4TB.jpg" />

"They are taking extraordinary measures to protect these trees," said park resource manager Christy Brigham, according to The Mercury News.

"We just really want to do everything we can to protect these 2,000- and 3,000-year-old trees."

<img alt="Sequoia " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ca1766b6-fe97-4262-96a0-e6dd5467d676" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9MZ627.jpg" />

Millions of acres (hundreds of thousands of hectares) of California's forests have burned in this year's ferocious fire season.

Scientists say man-made global warming is behind the yearslong drought and rising temperatures that have left the region highly vulnerable to wildfires.

On Thursday, two fires were looming on the park's Giant Forest home to five of the world's largest trees, including the General Sherman.

Around 500 personnel were engaged in battling the Paradise Fire and the Colony Fire, which together have already consumed 9,365 acres of woodland since they erupted from lightning strikes on September 10.

General Sherman, the 275-foot (83 metres) Sequoia tree that's considered world's largest tree by volume was wrapped in a fire-proof blanket on Thursday to protect it from California wildfires.

General Sherman, the 275-foot (83 metres) Sequoia tree that's considered world's largest tree by volume was wrapped in a fire-proof blanket on Thursday to protect it from California wildfires. The tree is more than 2000 years old. Wildfires are engulfing drought-stricken areas in western United States. Other huge and ancient trees in the area are also being protected in this manner by fire brigade officials. Firefighters are also clearing brush and keeping fire-engines ready among the 2000 ancient trees in Sequoia National Park. "They are taking extraordinary measures to protect these trees," said park resource manager Christy Brigham, according to The Mercury News. "We just really want to do everything we can to protect these 2,000- and 3,000-year-old trees." Millions of acres (hundreds of thousands of hectares) of California's forests have burned in this year's ferocious fire season. Scientists say man-made global warming is behind the yearslong drought and rising temperatures that have left the region highly vulnerable to wildfires. On Thursday, two fires were looming on the park's Giant Forest home to five of the world's largest trees, including the General Sherman. Around 500 personnel were engaged in battling the Paradise Fire and the Colony Fire, which together have already consumed 9,365 acres of woodland since they erupted from lightning strikes on September 10.

California wildfires: World's largest tree wrapped in fire-proof blanket

US California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom has successfully retained office. Newsom overcame a republican campaign to unseat him over his policies on immigration, high rising costs, homelessness, as well as crime.

California: Governor Newsom fends off recall attempt

On the eve of a vote which could remove the California governor from office, US President Joe Biden has thrown his support behind Gov Gavin Newsom. &nbsp;

This recall vote will decide the future for Newsom. If the Californians decide to approve Newsom, he stays and if not, then someone else will replace him. &nbsp;

In a rally in Long Beach, Biden said the result would "reverberate around the world". &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;US President Joe Biden to host Quad summit

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The polls show a comfortable lead for the Democrat. Newsom’s main rival, Larry Elder, is a conservative radio host. &nbsp;

In 2019, Newsom was democratically elected and took office, but Republicans hope to unseat him early. It is only the second-ever recall vote for a governor to appear on the ballots of the Democratic state. &nbsp;

"The eyes of the nation are on you," Biden said, while urging the Long Beach crowd to vote "no" to the recall.

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"You either keep Gavin Newsom as your governor or you'll get Donald Trump," Biden added, while signifying Elder to be a "clone" of the former president. &nbsp;

After he took office in 2019, the governor has cemented California's status as progressive and free-spending state in the US. But frustration over the handling of the pandemic and rise in partisanship in politics has fuelled a Republican-led effort to supplant him before his term ends.&nbsp;

On the eve of a vote which could remove the California governor from office, US President Joe Biden has thrown his support behind Gov Gavin Newsom. This recall vote will decide the future for Newsom.

On the eve of a vote which could remove the California governor from office, US President Joe Biden has thrown his support behind Gov Gavin Newsom. This recall vote will decide the future for Newsom. If the Californians decide to approve Newsom, he stays and if not, then someone else will replace him. In a rally in Long Beach, Biden said the result would "reverberate around the world". Watch: US President Joe Biden to host Quad summit × The polls show a comfortable lead for the Democrat. Newsom’s main rival, Larry Elder, is a conservative radio host. In 2019, Newsom was democratically elected and took office, but Republicans hope to unseat him early. It is only the second-ever recall vote for a governor to appear on the ballots of the Democratic state. "The eyes of the nation are on you," Biden said, while urging the Long Beach crowd to vote "no" to the recall. Also Read: Hurricane Nicholas makes landfall on Texas coast, may unleash flash floods "You either keep Gavin Newsom as your governor or you'll get Donald Trump," Biden added, while signifying Elder to be a "clone" of the former president. After he took office in 2019, the governor has cemented California's status as progressive and free-spending state in the US. But frustration over the handling of the pandemic and rise in partisanship in politics has fuelled a Republican-led effort to supplant him before his term ends.

Biden supports California Governor Gavin Newsom on eve of crucial vote

A fresh wildfire has broken out in California. This is one of the series of blazes to have hit the state in recent times.

Fresh wildfire breaks out in Los Angeles county in California

Hurricane Olaf weakened to a Category One storm on Friday as it swept through Mexico's Baja California peninsula and as the disaster-prone country recovered from a 7.1-magnitude earthquake and major flooding.

But Olaf still threatened more damage, causing "hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall" over the Baja California Sur, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in its latest report.

Olaf made landfall near the city of San Jose del Cabo late Thursday as a Category Two storm near the beach resorts of Los Cabos before it dropped to the lowest on the five-level Saffir-Simpson scale.

A hurricane warning was in effect for a stretch of Baja California coastline from Los Barriles to Cabo San Lazaro.

"Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion," the NHC said earlier as the storm approached.

A dangerous storm surge was expected to be accompanied by large and damaging waves near the coast, the NHC said, warning that heavy rainfall may trigger "significant and life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides."

Authorities set up storm shelters and school children in the state of Baja California Sur were told to stay home on Friday.

Ports were closed for smaller boats and flights were cancelled at the Los Cabos and La Paz airports.

The storm was forecast to churn over the southern coast of Baja California before heading west out over sea again late Friday or early Saturday.

"Gradual weakening is expected through Friday as Olaf interacts with land. Further weakening is likely over the weekend after Olaf moves away from Baja California Sur," the NHC said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-says-biden-jinping-hold-first-phone-call-in-seven-months-411977">Also read |&nbsp;White House says Biden, Jinping hold first phone call in seven months</a>

The hurricane comes as when Mexico recovers from a 7.1-magnitude earthquake and major flooding in the disaster-prone country.

Fourteen patients at a hospital in the town of Tula in the central state of Hidalgo died this week after flooding disrupted the power supply and life-sustaining oxygen treatment.

Tens of thousands of residents were affected after a river in the town burst its banks, forcing people to leave their homes.

Jenny Casillas, a housewife in her 40s, told AFP on Thursday that the water reached the roof of her house in less than 10 minutes&nbsp;

"From one moment to the next, everything got out of control," she said.

Then came the earthquake that left at least one person dead on Tuesday in the southern state of Guerrero, damaged buildings and was felt hundreds of kilometers away.

"The rain didn't let up and then to top it all came the earthquake," said Marisela Maya, 31, who works at a clinic in Tula.

"It will be difficult for us to climb out of this situation," she said.

Hurricane Olaf weakened to a Category One storm on Friday as it swept through Mexico's Baja California peninsula and as the disaster-prone country recovered from a 7.

Hurricane Olaf weakened to a Category One storm on Friday as it swept through Mexico's Baja California peninsula and as the disaster-prone country recovered from a 7.1-magnitude earthquake and major flooding. But Olaf still threatened more damage, causing "hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall" over the Baja California Sur, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in its latest report. Olaf made landfall near the city of San Jose del Cabo late Thursday as a Category Two storm near the beach resorts of Los Cabos before it dropped to the lowest on the five-level Saffir-Simpson scale. A hurricane warning was in effect for a stretch of Baja California coastline from Los Barriles to Cabo San Lazaro. "Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion," the NHC said earlier as the storm approached. A dangerous storm surge was expected to be accompanied by large and damaging waves near the coast, the NHC said, warning that heavy rainfall may trigger "significant and life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides." Authorities set up storm shelters and school children in the state of Baja California Sur were told to stay home on Friday. Ports were closed for smaller boats and flights were cancelled at the Los Cabos and La Paz airports. The storm was forecast to churn over the southern coast of Baja California before heading west out over sea again late Friday or early Saturday. "Gradual weakening is expected through Friday as Olaf interacts with land. Further weakening is likely over the weekend after Olaf moves away from Baja California Sur," the NHC said. Also read | White House says Biden, Jinping hold first phone call in seven months The hurricane comes as when Mexico recovers from a 7.1-magnitude earthquake and major flooding in the disaster-prone country. Fourteen patients at a hospital in the town of Tula in the central state of Hidalgo died this week after flooding disrupted the power supply and life-sustaining oxygen treatment. Tens of thousands of residents were affected after a river in the town burst its banks, forcing people to leave their homes. Jenny Casillas, a housewife in her 40s, told AFP on Thursday that the water reached the roof of her house in less than 10 minutes "From one moment to the next, everything got out of control," she said. Then came the earthquake that left at least one person dead on Tuesday in the southern state of Guerrero, damaged buildings and was felt hundreds of kilometers away. "The rain didn't let up and then to top it all came the earthquake," said Marisela Maya, 31, who works at a clinic in Tula. "It will be difficult for us to climb out of this situation," she said.

Hurricane Olaf weakens over Mexico's Baja California peninsula

In a shocking incident, a family of three who were found dead on a hiking trail in California may have been killed by poison algae. The investigators have confirmed the cause of death.

In a shocking incident, a family of three who were found dead on a hiking trail in California may have been killed by poison algae. The investigators have confirmed the cause of death. John Gerrish along with his wife, Ellen Chung, their one-year-old daughter, Muji, and their dog were found dead on a hiking trail in Mariposa county. The family was reported missing by a family friend on Monday evening. After the family friend was reported missing, the local police started a search and rescue mission to find the California family. Their vehicle was located near a gate of the Sierra national forest on Tuesday. Also read | Tissue paper used by Lionel Messi during Barcelona farewell is up for sale; check out the whopping price tag A little later the dead bodies of the family were found a mile away. The area the family was found in did not have any cellphone service and there was no obvious reason behind their death. Gerrish is known to be a software designer who "fell in love with the Mariposa area" and had also bought several homes in that area, said his friend. The couple loved hiking and were "a loving couple, they loved each other quite a bit".

Police reveals poison algae may have killed California family

A judge in California has declared unconstitutional a referendum moved by the California voters which exempted ride-hailing platforms like Uber, Lyft from adhering to a state law requiring drivers to be classified as employees to enjoy job protection benefits.

Alameda county superior court Judge Frank Roesch ruled that Proposition 22, a ballot measure approved in November last year, "infringes on the power of the legislature explicitly granted by the state constitution to regulate compensation for workers'&nbsp;injuries."

The voters had approved the measure Uber,&nbsp;Lyft and other services spent nearly $200m in its favour, making it the most expensive ballot measure in state history, reported the Guardian.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/over-70000-uber-drivers-in-uk-now-entitled-to-minimum-wage-other-workers-rights-371005#:~:text=More%20than%2070%2C000%20Uber%20drivers,the%20Supreme%20Court%20last%20months.&amp;text=Last%20year%2C%20Uber%20won%20a%20similar%20compromise%20in%20California.">Also&nbsp;read |&nbsp;Over 70,000 Uber drivers in UK now entitled to minimum wage, other workers' rights&nbsp;</a>

Meanwhile, Uber has expressed displeasure over the order and said it would challenge the judgement.

"This ruling ignores the will of the overwhelming majority of California voters and defies both logic and the law. You don't have to take our word for it: California's attorney general strongly defended Proposition 22's constitutionality in this very case,"&nbsp;the company’s spokesman Noah Edwardsen was quoted as saying by the Guardian.

He said the measure will remain in force pending the appeal.

Proposition 22 shielded the app-based ride-hailing firms from a labour law that required such services to treat drivers as employees and not independent contractors or "gig workers", who don’t enjoy benefits such as paid sick leave or unemployment insurance.

Uber and Lyft threatened to leave the state if voters rejected the measure.

A judge in California has declared unconstitutional a referendum moved by the California voters which exempted ride-hailing platforms like Uber, Lyft from adhering to a state law requiring drivers to be classified as employees to enjoy job protection benefits.

A judge in California has declared unconstitutional a referendum moved by the California voters which exempted ride-hailing platforms like Uber, Lyft from adhering to a state law requiring drivers to be classified as employees to enjoy job protection benefits. Alameda county superior court Judge Frank Roesch ruled that Proposition 22, a ballot measure approved in November last year, "infringes on the power of the legislature explicitly granted by the state constitution to regulate compensation for workers' injuries." The voters had approved the measure Uber, Lyft and other services spent nearly $200m in its favour, making it the most expensive ballot measure in state history, reported the Guardian. Also read | Over 70,000 Uber drivers in UK now entitled to minimum wage, other workers' rights Meanwhile, Uber has expressed displeasure over the order and said it would challenge the judgement. "This ruling ignores the will of the overwhelming majority of California voters and defies both logic and the law. You don't have to take our word for it: California's attorney general strongly defended Proposition 22's constitutionality in this very case," the company’s spokesman Noah Edwardsen was quoted as saying by the Guardian. He said the measure will remain in force pending the appeal. Proposition 22 shielded the app-based ride-hailing firms from a labour law that required such services to treat drivers as employees and not independent contractors or "gig workers", who don’t enjoy benefits such as paid sick leave or unemployment insurance. Uber and Lyft threatened to leave the state if voters rejected the measure.

Setback for Uber, Lyft as California judge declares gig worker initiative unconstitutional

Investigators are confused and worried about the unexplained deaths of a California family who were found dead on a hiking trail.<o:p></o:p>

John Gerrish along with his wife, Ellen Chung, their one-year-old daughter, Muji, and their dog were found dead on a hiking trail in Mariposa county. The family was reported missing by a family friend on Monday evening.

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<o:p></o:p>

After the family friend was reported missing, the local police started a search and rescue mission to find the California family. Their vehicle was located near a gate of the Sierra national forest on Tuesday.<o:p></o:p>

A little later the dead bodies of the family were found a mile away. The area the family was found in did not have any cellphone service and there was no obvious reason behind their death.

As of now, the experts have said there is a possibility that the nearby toxic algae could have been responsible for the sad demise of the family. There is also a possibility that this incident might have been due to exposure to carbon monoxide or to gas from mines in the area.

<o:p></o:p>

Also&nbsp;watch-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-hail-satan-news-channel-mistakenly-plays-satanic-ritual-during-live-telecast-407242">'Hail Satan': News channel mistakenly plays satanic ritual during live telecast</a><o:p></o:p>

"We haven’t ruled anything out yet," Kristie Mitchell, a spokesperson with the Mariposa county sheriff’s office, told the Guardian.<o:p></o:p>

Gerrish is known to be a software designer who "fell in love with the Mariposa area" and had also bought several homes in that area, said his friend.<o:p></o:p>

The couple loved hiking and were "a loving couple, they loved each other quite a bit".<o:p></o:p>

Investigators are confused and worried about the unexplained deaths of a California family who were found dead on a hiking trail. John Gerrish along with his wife, Ellen Chung, their one-year-old daughter, Muji, and their dog were found dead on a hiking trail in Mariposa county.

Investigators are confused and worried about the unexplained deaths of a California family who were found dead on a hiking trail. John Gerrish along with his wife, Ellen Chung, their one-year-old daughter, Muji, and their dog were found dead on a hiking trail in Mariposa county. The family was reported missing by a family friend on Monday evening. Also read : Russian spy faces investigation after she falls in love with her subject After the family friend was reported missing, the local police started a search and rescue mission to find the California family. Their vehicle was located near a gate of the Sierra national forest on Tuesday. A little later the dead bodies of the family were found a mile away. The area the family was found in did not have any cellphone service and there was no obvious reason behind their death. As of now, the experts have said there is a possibility that the nearby toxic algae could have been responsible for the sad demise of the family. There is also a possibility that this incident might have been due to exposure to carbon monoxide or to gas from mines in the area. Also watch- 'Hail Satan': News channel mistakenly plays satanic ritual during live telecast "We haven’t ruled anything out yet," Kristie Mitchell, a spokesperson with the Mariposa county sheriff’s office, told the Guardian. Gerrish is known to be a software designer who "fell in love with the Mariposa area" and had also bought several homes in that area, said his friend. The couple loved hiking and were "a loving couple, they loved each other quite a bit".

Experts look at toxic algae after California family is found dead on hiking trail

A&nbsp;wildfire&nbsp;that erupted outside&nbsp;California's&nbsp;state&nbsp;capital&nbsp;just a few days ago had exploded to cover 54,000 acres by Wednesday, an eight-fold increase in 24 hours.

At least two people had to be airlifted to hospital as the Caldor Fire tore through a small town around 80 kilometres (50 miles) from Sacramento.

Thousands of people have been told to seek safety, with the blaze raging uncontrolled through the Eldorado National Forest.

"Please, please heed the warnings, and then when you're asked to get out, get out," Fire Chief Thom Porter said, according to the Sacramento Bee newspaper.

"We need you out of the way so we can protect your homes from these fires."

In a stunning demonstration of the way these blazes transform, the Caldor Fire, which began on Saturday, grew from around 6,500 acres on Tuesday morning, fanned by strong winds and huge reserves of tinder-dry fuel.

The Caldor Fire is one of scores raging across the desiccated western United States, as man-made climate change alters weather patterns and brings chronic drought to the region.

On Wednesday, the Lake County Sheriff's Office issued evacuation orders for parts of the town of Lower Lake, including two schools and a mobile home park, after a&nbsp;new&nbsp;blaze erupted there.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-news-agency-targetted-by-police-amid-crackdown-406629">Also read |&nbsp;Belarus: News agency targetted by police amid crackdown</a>

"If you're in Lower Lake, you should probably get out of here," Sheriff Brian Martin said in a Facebook video.

"We've got some pretty sticky situations going on. This is a very, very serious event."

The Lake County News said firefighters had seen RVs ablaze, with reports that authorities were going door-to-door to urge people to flee the quickly developing Cache Fire.

Dixie Fire still burning

Further north, the huge Dixie Fire continued to burn.

It has now scorched more than 600,000 acres in the month since it started, and is the second biggest blaze in&nbsp;California's history.

Photos taken by an AFP journalist show towering flames consuming the trees along the side of a highway, as firefighters try to set containment lines.

In the town of Janesville, the burned out hulks of cars sit among the still-smoking undergrowth; elsewhere, mailboxes exposed to the ferocious heat of the flames have melted out of shape.

The acrid smoke created by wildfires sparked an air quality advisory Wednesday for residents in and around San Francisco.

Utility PG&amp;E on Tuesday began shutting off power supply to more than 50,000 customers.

The company, which has acknowledged that its equipment may have started the Dixie Fire, said the shut-offs were to avoid the danger of live lines falling on dry vegetation.

The last decade has seen a huge rise in the number of wildfires in the west of the United States.

Climate change linked to the burning of fossil fuels has made the region dryer and hotter for longer, creating ideal conditions for the blazes to rage.

A wildfire that erupted outside California's state capital just a few days ago had exploded to cover 54,000 acres by Wednesday, an eight-fold increase in 24 hours.

A wildfire that erupted outside California's state capital just a few days ago had exploded to cover 54,000 acres by Wednesday, an eight-fold increase in 24 hours. At least two people had to be airlifted to hospital as the Caldor Fire tore through a small town around 80 kilometres (50 miles) from Sacramento. Thousands of people have been told to seek safety, with the blaze raging uncontrolled through the Eldorado National Forest. "Please, please heed the warnings, and then when you're asked to get out, get out," Fire Chief Thom Porter said, according to the Sacramento Bee newspaper. "We need you out of the way so we can protect your homes from these fires." In a stunning demonstration of the way these blazes transform, the Caldor Fire, which began on Saturday, grew from around 6,500 acres on Tuesday morning, fanned by strong winds and huge reserves of tinder-dry fuel. The Caldor Fire is one of scores raging across the desiccated western United States, as man-made climate change alters weather patterns and brings chronic drought to the region. On Wednesday, the Lake County Sheriff's Office issued evacuation orders for parts of the town of Lower Lake, including two schools and a mobile home park, after a new blaze erupted there. Also read | Belarus: News agency targetted by police amid crackdown "If you're in Lower Lake, you should probably get out of here," Sheriff Brian Martin said in a Facebook video. "We've got some pretty sticky situations going on. This is a very, very serious event." The Lake County News said firefighters had seen RVs ablaze, with reports that authorities were going door-to-door to urge people to flee the quickly developing Cache Fire. Dixie Fire still burning Further north, the huge Dixie Fire continued to burn. It has now scorched more than 600,000 acres in the month since it started, and is the second biggest blaze in California's history. Photos taken by an AFP journalist show towering flames consuming the trees along the side of a highway, as firefighters try to set containment lines. In the town of Janesville, the burned out hulks of cars sit among the still-smoking undergrowth; elsewhere, mailboxes exposed to the ferocious heat of the flames have melted out of shape. The acrid smoke created by wildfires sparked an air quality advisory Wednesday for residents in and around San Francisco. Utility PG&E on Tuesday began shutting off power supply to more than 50,000 customers. The company, which has acknowledged that its equipment may have started the Dixie Fire, said the shut-offs were to avoid the danger of live lines falling on dry vegetation. The last decade has seen a huge rise in the number of wildfires in the west of the United States. Climate change linked to the burning of fossil fuels has made the region dryer and hotter for longer, creating ideal conditions for the blazes to rage.

New wildfire explodes near California state capital

California is the world's largest producer of Almonds, but this year the industry is struggling to fulfill the basic domestic demand amid a historic drought. Almonds are California's top agricultural export.

California: Climate change is threatening world's largest Almond producer

A nearly seven-year-old civil lawsuit alleging Bill Cosby sexually assaulted a teen girl will move forward, a judge ruled Friday.

The lawsuit, filed in December 2014, says the disgraced comedian -- who was freed from prison in Pennsylvania in June -- sexually assaulted Judy Huth in 1974 when she was 15 years old. Huth alleges Cosby assaulted her at the Playboy Mansion and that she suffered "psychological damage and mental anguish" as a result.

The case had been on hold as Cosby, 84, was facing aggravated indecent assault charges in Pennsylvania.&nbsp; After being convicted for drugging and sexually assaulting a woman 17 years ago, Cosby was freed from his prison sentence after the state's supreme court ruled he had been denied a fair trial.

Now, a Los Angeles judge says the civil case against Cosby should proceed. The court lifted the stay on Friday, except regarding whether Cosby must give a deposition, according to Huth's legal team.

The stay on the deposition will remain in effect until September 30, as lawyers wait to see if the US Supreme Court will review the Pennsylvania decision vacating Cosby's criminal conviction, attorney John West told AFP.

Huth's legal team said a trial date of April 18 had been set.&nbsp; "We look forward to continuing battling for our very brave client," attorney Gloria Allred told reporters.

Cosby's legal team did not respond to an AFP request for comment. The case is understood to be the last pending legislation against Cosby.

Dozens of women have said they suffered sexual assault at the hands of the celebrity, but only Constand's allegations were tried criminally, due to expiring statutes of limitations.

Cosby's release from prison -- he had served more than two years of his three-to-ten year sentence -- infuriated many advocates of the #MeToo movement. His conviction was the first guilty verdict for sexual assault against a celebrity since the advent of the worldwide reckoning against sexual violence and abuse of power.

But the court did not exonerate him, rather overturning the conviction on a technicality.&nbsp; Judges wrote that a non-prosecution agreement between a former district attorney and Cosby over evidence he gave in a different civil case meant the actor shouldn't have been criminally charged for the Constand case in the first place.

A nearly seven-year-old civil lawsuit alleging Bill Cosby sexually assaulted a teen girl will move forward, a judge ruled Friday. The lawsuit, filed in December 2014, says the disgraced comedian -- who was freed from prison in Pennsylvania in June -- sexually assaulted Judy Huth in 1974 when she was 15 years old.

A nearly seven-year-old civil lawsuit alleging Bill Cosby sexually assaulted a teen girl will move forward, a judge ruled Friday. The lawsuit, filed in December 2014, says the disgraced comedian -- who was freed from prison in Pennsylvania in June -- sexually assaulted Judy Huth in 1974 when she was 15 years old. Huth alleges Cosby assaulted her at the Playboy Mansion and that she suffered "psychological damage and mental anguish" as a result. The case had been on hold as Cosby, 84, was facing aggravated indecent assault charges in Pennsylvania. After being convicted for drugging and sexually assaulting a woman 17 years ago, Cosby was freed from his prison sentence after the state's supreme court ruled he had been denied a fair trial. Now, a Los Angeles judge says the civil case against Cosby should proceed. The court lifted the stay on Friday, except regarding whether Cosby must give a deposition, according to Huth's legal team. The stay on the deposition will remain in effect until September 30, as lawyers wait to see if the US Supreme Court will review the Pennsylvania decision vacating Cosby's criminal conviction, attorney John West told AFP. Huth's legal team said a trial date of April 18 had been set. "We look forward to continuing battling for our very brave client," attorney Gloria Allred told reporters. Cosby's legal team did not respond to an AFP request for comment. The case is understood to be the last pending legislation against Cosby. Dozens of women have said they suffered sexual assault at the hands of the celebrity, but only Constand's allegations were tried criminally, due to expiring statutes of limitations. Cosby's release from prison -- he had served more than two years of his three-to-ten year sentence -- infuriated many advocates of the #MeToo movement. His conviction was the first guilty verdict for sexual assault against a celebrity since the advent of the worldwide reckoning against sexual violence and abuse of power. But the court did not exonerate him, rather overturning the conviction on a technicality. Judges wrote that a non-prosecution agreement between a former district attorney and Cosby over evidence he gave in a different civil case meant the actor shouldn't have been criminally charged for the Constand case in the first place.

Bill Cosby sex assault case to move forward in California

The new policy applies to both public and private schools and will affect more than 800,000 employees, including about 320,000 public school teachers.

California becomes 1st state to require vaccination for all school staff

The monstrous&nbsp;Dixie&nbsp;Fire&nbsp;in northern California has grown to become the second-largest wildfire in state history, authorities said Sunday, with three people reported missing and thousands fleeing the advancing flames.

As of Sunday, the&nbsp;fire&nbsp;had destroyed 489,287 acres (198,007 hectares), authorities said, up from the previous day's 447,723 acres. It now covers an area larger than Los Angeles.

The&nbsp;Dixie&nbsp;blaze is the largest active wildfire in the United States, but only one of 11 major wildfires in California.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/dixie-blaze-california-wildfire-becomes-second-worst-in-states-history-404173">Dixie blaze: California wildfire becomes second-worst in state's history</a>

Over the weekend, it surpassed the 2018 Mendocino Complex&nbsp;Fire&nbsp;to make it the second-worst&nbsp;fire&nbsp;in state history.

"It was like driving out of a war zone that you see in a movie," Tami Kugler told AFP, sitting beside her tent at an evacuation station after fleeing the historic town of Greenville before it burned down.

"My neighbourhood is gone -- I mean gone, gone. Everybody I care and love about that's in that neighbourhood, their homes are gone," she said, adding: "I didn't have insurance."

On Saturday, Governor Gavin Newsom visited the charred remains of Greenville, expressing his "deep gratitude" to the teams fighting the flames.

He said authorities had to devote more resources to managing forests and preventing fires.

But he added that "the dries are getting a lot drier, it is hotter than it has ever been... we need to acknowledge just straight up these are climate-induced wildfires."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dixie-fire-becomes-third-largest-in-california-history-403598">Dixie fire becomes third-largest in California history</a>

Climate change amplifies droughts, creating ideal conditions for wildfires to spread out of control and inflict unprecedented material and environmental damage.

The&nbsp;Dixie&nbsp;blaze, which on Saturday left three firefighters injured, remained 21 per cent contained Sunday, unchanged from the day before, the CalFire website reported.

Crews estimate the&nbsp;fire, which began July 13, will not be fully extinguished for two weeks.

Higher temperatures forecast&nbsp;

Weak winds and higher humidity have provided some succour to firefighters, but they are bracing for higher temperatures expected to exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) in the coming days.

Heavy smoke was making driving hazardous for&nbsp;fire&nbsp;crews in some areas, and steep trails also made access difficult.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/dixie-wildfire-largest-single-blaze-in-california-history-404174/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The state's eight largest wildfires have all come since December 2017. The still-blackened scars of previous fires have aided&nbsp;Dixie&nbsp;Fire&nbsp;crews at times, reducing available fuel.

Thousands of residents have fled the area, many forced to find temporary housing -- even living in tents, and often unsure whether their homes have survived.

At an evacuation site under smoky skies in Susanville, exhausted families sat in folding chairs beside tents and vehicles packed with belongings grabbed from their abandoned homes.

The Plumas County sheriff's office said it was still searching for three people listed as missing after two others were found over the weekend.

The&nbsp;Dixie&nbsp;Fire&nbsp;has already destroyed about 400 structures -- gutting Greenville -- and CalFire said workers and equipment were being deployed to save homes in the small town of Crescent Mills, three miles (five kilometres) southeast of Greenville.

More than 5,000 personnel are now battling the&nbsp;Dixie&nbsp;blaze.

Despite repeated evacuation orders from the authorities, some residents have refused to flee, preferring to try to fight the&nbsp;fire&nbsp;on their own rather than leave their property.

By late July, the number of acres burned in California was up more than 250 per cent from 2020, itself the worst year of wildfires in the state's modern history.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-report-warns-more-vicious-floods-heatwaves-worsening-droughts-and-rise-in-sea-levels-404186">UN report warns more vicious floods, heatwaves, worsening droughts and rise in sea levels</a>

A long-term drought that scientists say is driven by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/climate-change">climate change</a> has left much of the western United States and Canada parched, and vulnerable to explosive and highly destructive fires.

A preliminary investigation has suggested the&nbsp;Dixie&nbsp;Fire&nbsp;was started when a tree fell on a power cable owned by regional utility Pacific Gas &amp; Company (PG&amp;E), a private operator that was earlier blamed for the Camp&nbsp;Fire&nbsp;in 2018, which killed 86 people.

The monstrous Dixie Fire in northern California has grown to become the second-largest wildfire in state history, authorities said Sunday, with three people reported missing and thousands fleeing the advancing flames.

The monstrous Dixie Fire in northern California has grown to become the second-largest wildfire in state history, authorities said Sunday, with three people reported missing and thousands fleeing the advancing flames. As of Sunday, the fire had destroyed 489,287 acres (198,007 hectares), authorities said, up from the previous day's 447,723 acres. It now covers an area larger than Los Angeles. The Dixie blaze is the largest active wildfire in the United States, but only one of 11 major wildfires in California. Also read | Dixie blaze: California wildfire becomes second-worst in state's history Over the weekend, it surpassed the 2018 Mendocino Complex Fire to make it the second-worst fire in state history. "It was like driving out of a war zone that you see in a movie," Tami Kugler told AFP, sitting beside her tent at an evacuation station after fleeing the historic town of Greenville before it burned down. "My neighbourhood is gone -- I mean gone, gone. Everybody I care and love about that's in that neighbourhood, their homes are gone," she said, adding: "I didn't have insurance." On Saturday, Governor Gavin Newsom visited the charred remains of Greenville, expressing his "deep gratitude" to the teams fighting the flames. He said authorities had to devote more resources to managing forests and preventing fires. But he added that "the dries are getting a lot drier, it is hotter than it has ever been... we need to acknowledge just straight up these are climate-induced wildfires." Also read | Dixie fire becomes third-largest in California history Climate change amplifies droughts, creating ideal conditions for wildfires to spread out of control and inflict unprecedented material and environmental damage. The Dixie blaze, which on Saturday left three firefighters injured, remained 21 per cent contained Sunday, unchanged from the day before, the CalFire website reported. Crews estimate the fire, which began July 13, will not be fully extinguished for two weeks. Higher temperatures forecast Weak winds and higher humidity have provided some succour to firefighters, but they are bracing for higher temperatures expected to exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) in the coming days. Heavy smoke was making driving hazardous for fire crews in some areas, and steep trails also made access difficult. The state's eight largest wildfires have all come since December 2017. The still-blackened scars of previous fires have aided Dixie Fire crews at times, reducing available fuel. Thousands of residents have fled the area, many forced to find temporary housing -- even living in tents, and often unsure whether their homes have survived. At an evacuation site under smoky skies in Susanville, exhausted families sat in folding chairs beside tents and vehicles packed with belongings grabbed from their abandoned homes. The Plumas County sheriff's office said it was still searching for three people listed as missing after two others were found over the weekend. The Dixie Fire has already destroyed about 400 structures -- gutting Greenville -- and CalFire said workers and equipment were being deployed to save homes in the small town of Crescent Mills, three miles (five kilometres) southeast of Greenville. More than 5,000 personnel are now battling the Dixie blaze. Despite repeated evacuation orders from the authorities, some residents have refused to flee, preferring to try to fight the fire on their own rather than leave their property. By late July, the number of acres burned in California was up more than 250 per cent from 2020, itself the worst year of wildfires in the state's modern history. Also read | UN report warns more vicious floods, heatwaves, worsening droughts and rise in sea levels A long-term drought that scientists say is driven by climate change has left much of the western United States and Canada parched, and vulnerable to explosive and highly destructive fires. A preliminary investigation has suggested the Dixie Fire was started when a tree fell on a power cable owned by regional utility Pacific Gas & Company (PG&E), a private operator that was earlier blamed for the Camp Fire in 2018, which killed 86 people.

California Dixie wildfire now second-worst in state history

A huge wildfire tearing through northern California became the third-largest in the state's history Friday, and looked set to continue growing.

A long-term drought that scientists say is driven by climate change has left the western United States parched&nbsp;and vulnerable to explosive and highly destructive fires.

The Dixie Fire, which this week razed the Gold Rush town of Greenville, has torched more than 1,700 square kilometers&nbsp;since it erupted in mid-July.&nbsp;

Plumas County Sheriff Todd Johns, who is helping to coordinate the fight against the fire, said the destruction was&nbsp;devastating.

"I am a lifelong resident of Greenville. My heart is crushed by what has occurred there," he told a briefing on Thursday.

"To the folks that have lost residences and businesses... their life is now forever changed.

"All I can tell you is: I'm sorry."

The town of Greenville stood charred and in ruins Friday, with timber structures gone completely and some stone buildings reduced to rubble.

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Johns said there were no injuries so far from the huge blaze, but stressed it was vital that people in the path of the fire heed evacuation warnings.

"This fire is not over. If that plume is anywhere near your direction... you need to prepare. Wherever the wind blows this fire, that's where it's going to go."

Gusting winds

More than 5,000 personnel are battling the blaze, which is sending enormous clouds of smoke into the air that are easily visible from space.

Incident managers said Friday they were expecting gusting winds would fan the blaze.

Those winds, coupled with steep terrain and an abundance of very dry vegetation, were fueling the flames and making the work of firefighters more difficult.

The Dixie Fire grew overnight by a fifth, to more than 430,000 acres, making it larger than the Bootleg Fire that has laid waste to a swathe of Oregon over the last month.

Thousands of square kilometers of the western United States have burned this year, an alarming result of the warming planet that has affected weather patterns.

By late July, the number of acres burned in California was up more than 250 percent from 2020, itself the worst year of wildfires in the state's modern history.

The Dixie Fire has evoked painful memories of the Paradise Fire, the deadliest blaze in California's recent history.

Faulty power lines sparked that inferno, which swept through the northern town of Paradise in 2018, killing 86 people. Pacific Gas and Electric, California's largest energy utility firm, was deemed responsible.

PG&amp;E equipment is again being blamed for the Dixie Fire, after a tree fell on a power conductor the day the blaze began.

The utility announced in late July it will bury 10,000 miles&nbsp; of power lines in a massive bid to prevent its equipment from igniting more deadly wildfires.

Greenville itself is no stranger to fire disasters. A catastrophic blaze destroyed much of the town in 1881, and several major infernos have threatened residents in the intervening 140 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A huge wildfire tearing through northern California became the third-largest in the state's history Friday, and looked set to continue growing. A long-term drought that scientists say is driven by climate change has left the western United States parched and vulnerable to explosive and highly destructive fires.

A huge wildfire tearing through northern California became the third-largest in the state's history Friday, and looked set to continue growing. A long-term drought that scientists say is driven by climate change has left the western United States parched and vulnerable to explosive and highly destructive fires. The Dixie Fire, which this week razed the Gold Rush town of Greenville, has torched more than 1,700 square kilometers since it erupted in mid-July. Plumas County Sheriff Todd Johns, who is helping to coordinate the fight against the fire, said the destruction was devastating. "I am a lifelong resident of Greenville. My heart is crushed by what has occurred there," he told a briefing on Thursday. "To the folks that have lost residences and businesses... their life is now forever changed. "All I can tell you is: I'm sorry." The town of Greenville stood charred and in ruins Friday, with timber structures gone completely and some stone buildings reduced to rubble. Also read | In search of COVID-19 origin, US intel agencies scour massive genetic data from Wuhan lab Johns said there were no injuries so far from the huge blaze, but stressed it was vital that people in the path of the fire heed evacuation warnings. "This fire is not over. If that plume is anywhere near your direction... you need to prepare. Wherever the wind blows this fire, that's where it's going to go." Gusting winds More than 5,000 personnel are battling the blaze, which is sending enormous clouds of smoke into the air that are easily visible from space. Incident managers said Friday they were expecting gusting winds would fan the blaze. Those winds, coupled with steep terrain and an abundance of very dry vegetation, were fueling the flames and making the work of firefighters more difficult. The Dixie Fire grew overnight by a fifth, to more than 430,000 acres, making it larger than the Bootleg Fire that has laid waste to a swathe of Oregon over the last month. Thousands of square kilometers of the western United States have burned this year, an alarming result of the warming planet that has affected weather patterns. By late July, the number of acres burned in California was up more than 250 percent from 2020, itself the worst year of wildfires in the state's modern history. The Dixie Fire has evoked painful memories of the Paradise Fire, the deadliest blaze in California's recent history. Faulty power lines sparked that inferno, which swept through the northern town of Paradise in 2018, killing 86 people. Pacific Gas and Electric, California's largest energy utility firm, was deemed responsible. PG&E equipment is again being blamed for the Dixie Fire, after a tree fell on a power conductor the day the blaze began. The utility announced in late July it will bury 10,000 miles of power lines in a massive bid to prevent its equipment from igniting more deadly wildfires. Greenville itself is no stranger to fire disasters. A catastrophic blaze destroyed much of the town in 1881, and several major infernos have threatened residents in the intervening 140 years.

Dixie fire becomes third-largest in California history

In Pics | California's Dixie Fire explodes to 'megafire'

Environmentalists say desalination decimates ocean life, costs too much money and energy. But as Western states face an epic drought, regulators appear ready to approve a desalination plant in Huntington Beach, California.

California approves desalination plant as western states face an epic drought

The Western United States is battling multiple wildfires and record-breaking heat for the past few days. At least 70 large wildfires burning across the drought-hit western US have engulfed more than one million acres in flames.

Firefighters battle at least 70 wildfires burning across Western US

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