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Articles by Don Thompson
CA Governor Declares Monkeypox State of Emergency
By DON THOMPSON Associated Press SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California’s governor on Monday declared a state of emergency to speed efforts to combat the monkeypox outbreak, becoming the second state in three days to take the step. Gov. Gavin Newsom said the declaration will help California coordinate a government-wide response, seek more vaccines and lead outreach and education efforts on where people can get treatment and vaccination.
California Gov. Newsom pardons woman who killed pimp at age 16
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California Gov.
California governor mulls parole for Robert F. Kennedy assassin Sirhan Sirhan
SACRAMENTO, California (AP) — California’s governor must soon decide whether to free one of America’s most notorious assassins, a decision he has said evokes one of the darkest periods in the nation’s history. Governor Gavin Newsom has until sometime next month to allow or block the parole recommendation for Robert F. Kennedy assassin Sirhan Sirhan.
Even vaccinated California workers may have to keep their masks on
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California is set to fully reopen in less than two weeks and do away with virtually all mask and social distancing requirements for vaccinated people. But officials who regulate workplaces in the state aren't ready to go that far and that's angering business groups.
Even vaccinated California workers may have to keep their masks on
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California is set to fully reopen in less than two weeks and do away with virtually all mask and social distancing requirements for vaccinated people. But officials who regulate workplaces in the state aren't ready to go that far and that's angering business groups.
Even vaccinated California workers may have to keep their masks on
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California is set to fully reopen in less than two weeks and do away with virtually all mask and social distancing requirements for vaccinated people. But officials who regulate workplaces in the state aren't ready to go that far and that's angering business groups.
Even vaccinated California workers may have to keep their masks on
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California is set to fully reopen in less than two weeks and do away with virtually all mask and social distancing requirements for vaccinated people. But officials who regulate workplaces in the state aren't ready to go that far and that's angering business groups.
Even vaccinated California workers may have to keep their masks on
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California is set to fully reopen in less than two weeks and do away with virtually all mask and social distancing requirements for vaccinated people. But officials who regulate workplaces in the state aren't ready to go that far and that's angering business groups.
Even vaccinated California workers may have to keep their masks on
by DON THOMPSON, The Associated Press Thursday, June 3rd 2021 FILE - In this May 20, 2021, file photo, a bartender wears a mask while working at an outdoor bar amid the COVID-19 pandemic, at The Grove in Los Angeles.
Even vaccinated California workers may have to keep their masks on
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California is set to fully reopen in less than two weeks and do away with virtually all mask and social distancing requirements for vaccinated people. But officials who regulate workplaces in the state aren't ready to go that far and that's angering business groups.
Even vaccinated California workers may have to keep their masks on
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California is set to fully reopen in less than two weeks and do away with virtually all mask and social distancing requirements for vaccinated people. But officials who regulate workplaces in the state aren't ready to go that far and that's angering business groups.
Even vaccinated California workers may have to keep their masks on
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California is set to fully reopen in less than two weeks and do away with virtually all mask and social distancing requirements for vaccinated people. But officials who regulate workplaces in the state aren't ready to go that far and that's angering business groups.
Hopeful Signs in CA as Counties Fight for Vaccines
Health officials use wireless devices to register people with vaccine appointments at a mass COVID-19 vaccination site outside The Forum in Inglewood, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021. California has become the first state to record more than 3 million known coronavirus infections. That's according to a tally Monday by Johns Hopkins University. The grim milestone wasn't entirely unexpected in a state with 40 million residents but its speed was stunning.
Volunteer Health Corps in California Dwindles
COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and intensive care needs are spiraling out of control. FILE— In this April 18, 2020 file photo Robert Reynolds, of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, moves a bed into position as work is performed to turn Sleep Train Arena into a 400-bed emergency field hospital to help deal with the coronavirus outbreak, in Sacramento, Calif.
Hospitals say CA Officials Too Slow in Virus Crisis
Emergency medical technicians sanitize their ambulance after transporting a patient at Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center in Los Angeles Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021. Los Angeles continues to see hospitalizations rise day after day, setting a new record Tuesday with almost 8,000 hospitalized and more than a fifth of those in intensive care units.
THOMPSON: The Grand and Glorious Semi-Annual Adventure
Don Thompson (DON THOMPSON / iNFOnews.ca) October 19, 2020 - 12:00 PM I am starting this column on Thanksgiving Day. Tomorrow traditionally marks the beginning of the Grand and Glorious Semi-Annual Adventure...a 5,000-kilometre road trip from Vernon to Florida with my wife, Bonnie, two Friesian, our two Russian Wolfhounds and two cats. Of course, this is 2020...which if I’m any judge of years...means our trip isn’t going to be easy. This is our 17th diagonal traverse across America.
THOMPSON: Mask wearing sure fire way to determine bad breath
Don Thompson (DON THOMPSON / iNFOnews.ca) August 10, 2020 - 12:01 PM OPINION Five months ago, when the pandemic was just rearing its ugly head, I reasoned that people might wear masks in huge numbers by about August. The lines of sheer obstinance and fear of dying would, I assumed, intersect by then. I also reasoned that March was the perfect time to buy some Johnson & Johnson stock...you know...the folks who make Listerine.
THOMPSON: A case of mistaken identity turns into a belated apology
Don Thompson (DON THOMPSON / iNFOnews.ca) July 20, 2020 - 12:04 PM OPINION I owe Hugh Johnson an apology. It is, in fact, long overdue...some 30 years. I have never actually met the man...though I think we once attended a black-tie wine event in New York City in the 1980s. We share some interests...fine wine and dining...and we’re both writers. Otherwise, our lives couldn’t be farther apart. He’s English...born and raised in London. I’m American...born and raised in Florida.
Sisters fight apartment fire with jugs of water, garden hose in NY
RYE, N.Y. (News 12/CNN) - A 10-year-old girl from New York and her older sister prevented a house fire from becoming worse by rushing into action to quell the flames before firefighters arrived. Sisters 18-year-old Catherine Gonzales and 10-year-old Ali Gonzales are being heralded as heroes for their bravery, quick-thinking and courage in the face of a fire that started Thursday in their neighbor’s apartment in Rye, New York. “My sister saw the smoke rising up in the sky,” Ali said.
Allred Brothers hosting fireworks show in Gering Friday
SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (KNEP) - The Allred Brothers are coming back for a fireworks show in Gering this Friday. With the coronavirus pandemic in place, there are a few restrictions. The show itself will begin around 9:00pm on Friday, July 3rd at the Five Rocks Amphitheater. The show should last about an hour. Gates will open at 6:00pm with live remote and music being offered from 6:00pm to 8:30pm. The Gering Booster Club will be providing concessions.
THOMPSON: The art, science and voodoo of building a brand
Don Thompson (DON THOMPSON / iNFOnews.ca) June 22, 2020 - 12:00 PM OPINION Business and marketing people love to talk about branding. There are literally thousands of books published every year on the topic. Executives in companies - large and small - eat, drink and breathe it...and in varying degree practice the art, science and voodoo that is branding. When I was in my 20s, I worked for General Electric in Washington, DC.
Most California schools likely out until the fall, governor says
Mar 17, 2020 9:15 PM EDT SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Most California schools will likely remain closed for the rest of the school year because of the new coronavirus, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Tuesday. Nearly all the state’s schools have already shut down as the most populous state tries to stop the spread of the virus, and the rest will soon, he said.
Most California schools likely out until the fall, governor says
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Most California schools will likely remain closed for the rest of the school year because of the new coronavirus, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Tuesday. Nearly all the state’s schools have already shut down as the most populous state tries to stop the spread of the virus, and the rest will soon, he said.
THOMPSON: Here's hoping 'our songs' never go out of fashion with couples
Don Thompson (DON THOMPSON / iNFOnews.ca) March 16, 2020 - 12:00 PM OPINION Couples often have a special song – “our song” – that is emblematic of their relationship. Music is a powerful connecter - an emotional glue - for people. That song can represent what two people mean to each other, when they first met, their wedding, even a time when they were apart. Bonnie and I chose “our song” – Coles Porter’s “Night and Day” – a few years after we met.
Disneyland to close amid coronavirus concerns
1 of 14 In another coronavirus precaution, California officials cordoned off the sculpture of a bear outside the office of Gov. Gavin Newsom, at the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., Wednesday, March 11, 2020. The sculpture was purchased by former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and was quickly nicknamed "Bacteria Bear," after it became a favorite backdrop for photographs and selfies by school children and other Capitol visitors.
Disneyland to close amid coronavirus concerns
Disneyland to close amid coronavirus concerns 1 of 10 In another coronavirus precaution, California officials cordoned off the sculpture of a bear outside the office of Gov. Gavin Newsom, at the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., Wednesday, March 11, 2020. The sculpture was purchased by former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and was quickly nicknamed "Bacteria Bear," after it became a favorite backdrop for photographs and selfies by school children and other Capitol visitors.
Disneyland to close amid coronavirus concerns
Disneyland announced that it's shutting down its California theme parks on Saturday over concerns about the coronavirus outbreak.Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park will be closed through the end of the month though there have been no reported cases of the new virus, the company said in a statement Thursday.It's closing after reviewing guidelines by California Gov. Gavin Newsom that limit gatherings of more than 250 people.
Disneyland to close amid coronavirus concerns
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Sweeping guidance for Californians to avoid unnecessary gatherings to try to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus will likely extend beyond March, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Thursday, just before Disneyland announced it would close its California theme parks. The statewide guidance applies to sporting events, concerts and even smaller social gatherings in places where people can't remain at least 6 feet (2 meters) apart.
Disneyland to close amid coronavirus concerns
Disneyland announced that it's shutting down its California theme parks on Saturday over concerns about the coronavirus outbreak. Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park will be closed through the end of the month though there have been no reported cases of the new virus, the company said in a statement Thursday.
Disneyland to close amid coronavirus concerns
Disneyland to close amid coronavirus concerns 1 of 9 Children view the sculpture of a bear Thursday outside the office of Gov. Gavin Newsom at the Capitol in Sacramento. In another coronavirus precaution, California officials cordoned off the sculpture, that was purchased by former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, and was quickly nicknamed "Bacteria Bear" after it became a favorite backdrop for photographs and selfies by school children and other Capitol visitors.
Disneyland to close amid coronavirus concerns
Disneyland to close amid coronavirus concerns 1 of 9 Children view the sculpture of a bear Thursday outside the office of Gov. Gavin Newsom at the Capitol in Sacramento. In another coronavirus precaution, California officials cordoned off the sculpture, that was purchased by former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, and was quickly nicknamed "Bacteria Bear" after it became a favorite backdrop for photographs and selfies by school children and other Capitol visitors.
Disneyland to close amid coronavirus concerns
Disneyland to close amid coronavirus concerns 1 of 14 In another coronavirus precaution, California officials cordoned off the sculpture of a bear outside the office of Gov. Gavin Newsom, at the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., Wednesday, March 11, 2020. The sculpture was purchased by former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and was quickly nicknamed "Bacteria Bear," after it became a favorite backdrop for photographs and selfies by school children and other Capitol visitors.
Disneyland to close amid coronavirus concerns
Disneyland announced that it's shutting down its California theme parks on Saturday over concerns about the coronavirus outbreak. Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park will be closed through the end of the month though there have been no reported cases of the new virus, the company said in a statement Thursday.
Disneyland to close amid coronavirus concerns
1 of 9 Children view the sculpture of a bear outside the office of Gov. Gavin Newsom at the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., Thursday, March 12, 2020. In another coronavirus precaution, California officials cordoned off the sculpture, that was purchased by former governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and was quickly nicknamed "Bacteria Bear" after it became a favorite backdrop for photographs and selfies by school children and other Capitol visitors. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli) California Gov.
THOMPSON: Living with chronic pain
Don Thompson (DON THOMPSON / iNFOnews.ca) March 09, 2020 - 12:00 PM OPINION Most of us don’t live with non-stop pain, so we sometimes forget that others do. I have a friend who lives with pain…and what’s worse…she doesn’t know why. It is scary to suffer and not know why…and somewhere beyond scary to find that others - doctors and researchers - don’t know either. I talked recently with my friend…a woman less than half my age and gained some insights into what she lives with…every day.
THOMPSON: My sister Ruth, one of the people I most admire
Don Thompson (DON THOMPSON / iNFOnews.ca) January 27, 2020 - 12:00 PM Who in the entire world - other than your spouse or partner - do you admire most? I asked myself this very question recently one night. It was just after midnight…my favourite time to ruminate and write. I was alone except for Andy - our Rag Doll cat - whose favourite place to sleep late at night is next to me on a leather sofa.
THOMPSON: Canada the obvious choice for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex
Don Thompson (DON THOMPSON / iNFOnews.ca) January 20, 2020 - 12:00 PM OPINION Well, I can’t avoid writing about the latest earthshaking event. No, it’s not Trump. Not Trudeau either. It’s Megxit. Yeah, Prince Harry and Meghan are coming to Canada.
PG&E Says Blackouts Limited California Fires Despite One Likely Failure
The nation’s largest utility said Friday that its distribution lines haven’t sparked any major wildfires since it began shutting off power to Northern California customers during periods of high fire risk. However, Pacific Gas & Electric is not ruling out the possibility that failed transmission equipment may have started a fire north of San Francisco that damaged or destroyed more than 400 structures.
PG&E says blackouts limited California fires despite 1 likely failure
In this Oct. 31, 2019, file photo, smoke from the Maria Fire billows above Santa Paula, Calif. The nation's largest utility says its distribution lines have sparked no damaging wildfires since it began repeatedly shutting off power to hundreds of thousands of Northern California customers this fall. But Pacific Gas & Electric is not ruling out that failed transmission equipment may have started a fire north of San Francisco that damaged or destroyed more than 400 structures.
Safety questions still swirl in Paradise year after wildfire
Vehicles pass a sign welcoming people to Paradise, Calif., Tuesday Nov. 5, 2019. The sign also displays the slogan, "Rebuilding The Ridge," that has become the community's rallying cry since a wildfire devastated the area a year earlier. less Vehicles pass a sign welcoming people to Paradise, Calif., Tuesday Nov. 5, 2019. The sign also displays the slogan, "Rebuilding The Ridge," that has become the community's rallying cry since a wildfire ...
California Wildfires Erupt in Los Angeles, Burn in Wine Country
Firefighters battled destructive wildfires north of San Francisco and in western neighborhoods of Los Angeles on Monday, Oct. 28, trying to beat back flames that forced thousands to flee their homes. Easing winds offered a chance of improved conditions for firefighters trying to control a huge fire in Sonoma County wine country north of San Francisco, but forecasters warned that another round of strong wind gusts could hit the area on Tuesday.
‘This is apocalyptic’: Nearly 3 million without power, hundreds of thousands flee wildfires, winds
SANTA ROSA — With ferocious hurricane-like winds driving multiple wildfires through bone-dry vegetation and nearly 200,000 people ordered to leave their homes, California’s governor declared a statewide emergency Sunday. Meanwhile, millions of residents remained without power after the state’s largest utility cut electricity as a precaution to prevent more areas from igniting. Gov.
200,000 evacuated, 94 structures destroyed in N. California wildfires
SANTA ROSA, California — With ferocious winds driving multiple wildfires through bone-dry vegetation and nearly 200,000 people ordered to leave their homes, California’s governor declared a statewide emergency Sunday. Meanwhile, millions of residents remained without power after the state’s largest utility cut electricity as a precaution to prevent more areas from igniting. Gov.
California asks Trump for housing vouchers to aid homeless
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom is asking President Donald Trump to approve more housing vouchers as Trump’s administration weighs in on the most populous state’s massive homelessness problem. Members of the Trump administration visited Los Angeles last week to view the city’s sprawling homeless encampments after Trump told his staff to develop policy options to address the national crisis of people living on the streets.
California governor seeks changes to doctors' vaccine limits
State Sen. Richard Pan, D-Sacramento, smiles as he and Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, D-San Diego, watch as the votes are posted for his measure to tighten the rules on giving exemptions for vaccinations was approved by the Assembly in Sacramento, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019. The Assembly approved the bill SB276, that would give state public health officials oversight of doctors who give more than five medical exemptions annually and schools with vaccination rates less than 95%.
California governor seeks changes to doctors' vaccine limits
State Sen. Richard Pan, D-Sacramento, smiles as he and Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, D-San Diego, watch as the votes are posted for his measure to tighten the rules on giving exemptions for vaccinations was approved by the Assembly in Sacramento, Calif., ... more > By DON THOMPSON - Associated Press - Wednesday, September 4, 2019 SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Gov.
California governor seeks changes to doctors' vaccine limits
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Gov. Gavin Newsom is seeking last-minute changes to one of the most controversial bills facing California lawmakers, a measure designed to crack down on doctors who sell fraudulent medical exemptions for vaccinations. The measure would allow state public health officials to investigate doctors who grant more than five medical exemptions in a year and schools with vaccination rates of less than 95%.
California governor seeks changes to doctors' vaccine limits
State Sen. Richard Pan, D-Sacramento, smiles as he and Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, D-San Diego, watch as the votes are posted for his measure to tighten the rules on giving exemptions for vaccinations was approved by the Assembly in Sacramento, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019. The Assembly approved the bill SB276, that would give state public health officials oversight of doctors who give more than five medical exemptions annually and schools with vaccination rates less than 95%.
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