A measure to require Caltrans, in consultation with the Department of Public Health, or CDPH, to identify best practices that may be used as countermeasures to deter suicide attempts on bridges and overpasses was sent to the governor on Tuesday by the Assembly on an overwhelming supportive bipartisan vote. 

Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) introduced the bill, AB 440.

AB 440 builds on Ramos’s broader commitment to improving mental health care in California. In 2020, he authored AB 2112, which established the Office of Suicide Prevention as the state’s lead agency for coordinating and streamlining suicide prevention efforts and resources.

“California must do more to confront the great tragedy of suicide in our communities,” Ramos said. “Many times, individuals in distress need just a pause to reconsider their actions that can lead to irreversible harm to themselves and loved ones. Barriers and other interventions can stop that pain. Caltrans and CDPH must work together to identify and implement best practices to prevent future sorrow.”

The Assembly floor analysis noted that last year the Journal of Preventive Medicine reported that physical barriers are effective at reducing suicides by jumping from high risk areas and that physical deterrents did not result in individuals substituting a place or method for following through in a suicide attempt. 

The analysis also reported that suicide were reduced on the Golden Gate Bridge by 73% since installation of a barrier in 2024 and attempts were reduced by 34%.

“Didi Hirsch is thrilled to learn that AB 440 has successfully passed both Senate and Assembly floor votes this week and is on its way to the governor,” said Lyn Morris, CEO, Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, a sponsor of AB 440. “We are profoundly grateful to Assemblymember Ramos for his steadfast leadership on efforts to reduce suicides in our state. AB 440 demonstrates that there is an unwavering commitment and belief that collectively, we can prevent suicide."  

Supporters include the Bridge Rail Association, California Alliance of Child and Family Services, California Association of Social Rehabilitation Agencies, California Hospital Association, California Police Chiefs Association, County Behavioral Health Directors, California State Association of Psychiatrists, Children Now, National Alliance on Mental Illness/California, County of San Bernardino, City of Rancho Cucamonga, United Domestic Workers/AFSCME Local 3930, Wayfinder Family Services, Hillsides Pasadena, Helpline Youth Counseling, and Sycamores.

NORTH COAST, Calif. — The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office needs the public’s help to locate a missing McKinleyville man.

On Aug. 24, a concerned citizen contacted the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office to report a friend, Jesse Bill Austin, 80, had left a concerning note at their residence. 

The note stated Austin had left his silver and gold 2001 GMC van at the airport in McKinleyville. 

Deputies responded to the airport and located Austin’s van parked in long term parking. Deputies viewed the airport security video where Austin parked the van and walked towards the terminal. He entered an area which was not recorded and was not seen leaving. At about the same time a silver sedan, possibly Toyota, is seen leaving from the same location. 

During the initial investigation, deputies checked with the airlines and rental car companies which had no record of Austin making a purchase. Austin’s cell phone information provided his most recent activity was near Railroad Dr. in McKinleyville. The reporting party also stated that Austin had been a white-water rafting guide. 

On Tuesday afternoon, a friend of Austin’s contacted the sheriff’s office to report he had given Austin a ride.  The friend stated he picked Austin up from the airport on Aug. 24 and transported him to the Cedar Flat Rest area on Highway 299.

According to the friend, Austin stated he was meeting a family member and was last seen sitting at a picnic table. Austin was in possession of a backpack, possibly gray in color, a blue waterproof bag, a gallon of water and some food.

He is described as a white male, with gray hair and blue eyes, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall, is about 180 pounds and is known to walk with a cane.

Anyone with information on Austin’s whereabouts is asked to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251 or Investigator Mike Fridley at 707-441-3024. 

At the direction of Gov. Gavin Newsom, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, or Cal OES, on Monday approved the predeployment of five fire engines to Trinity County ahead of expected high temperatures, low humidity and dry lightning.

This is in addition to resources predeployed last week in response to elevated heat and critical fire weather forecast to impact California.

A total of 78 fire engines, 20 water tenders, nine bulldozers, five helicopters, 10 hand crews, 16 dispatchers, and two Incident Management Teams have been approved for predeployment to 12 counties including Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Sierra, Nevada, Plumas, Placer, Calaveras and Trinity counties. 

Local fire agencies identify when conditions in their community may require additional resources and submit a request to the state for support. 

The staging locations and response assignments are coordinated by local officials.

These efforts ensure that resources are ready to respond quickly, minimizing the potential impact of new fires. 

This proactive approach has proven to be a critical component of California’s wildfire response strategy, reducing response times and containing fires before they escalate into major incidents. 

The preposition program is in addition to California’s Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System, which remains available for emergency response support throughout the state where resources are needed.

With extreme heat forecast for much of the state, California entered Phase 2 of its extreme temperature response plan on Wednesday — ramping up state and local coordination of resources to prepare for extreme heat. 

At the governor’s direction, the State Operations Center at the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is on an enhanced watch for both heat and fire conditions. Cooling centers to protect vulnerable residents are also open in communities across the state.

Residents are urged to stay vigilant during this heightened heat and fire weather period. Californians are reminded to:

• Prepare a wildfire action plan, including planning evacuation routes and packing a go-bag with essentials.
• Sign up for local emergency alerts to stay informed about changing conditions.
• Visit CalHeatScore.CalEPA.ca.gov to find heat safety information specific to your area.

For more information on fire safety and general preparedness, visit Ready.ca.gov. 

At the direction of Gov. Gavin Newsom, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, or Cal OES, on Saturday approved the predeployment of eight additional fire engines and three additional water tenders to Placer and Calaveras counties through Tuesday ahead of expected high temperatures, low humidity, and dry lightning. 

This is on top of resources predeployed earlier this week in response to elevated heat and critical fire weather forecast to impact Southern California lasting through Sunday. 

A total of 73 fire engines, 20 water tenders, nine bulldozers, five helicopters, 10 hand crews, 16 dispatchers, and two Incident Management Teams, have been approved for predeployment to 12 counties including Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Sierra, Nevada, Plumas, Placer, and Calaveras counties. 

Local fire agencies identify when conditions in their community may require additional resources and submit a request to the state for support. The staging locations and response assignments are coordinated by local officials.

These efforts ensure that resources are ready to respond quickly, minimizing the potential impact of new fires. 

This proactive approach has proven to be a critical component of California’s wildfire response strategy, reducing response times and containing fires before they escalate into major incidents. 

The preposition program is in addition to California’s Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System, which remains available for emergency response support throughout the state where resources are needed.

With extreme heat forecast for much of the state, California entered Phase 2 of its extreme temperature response plan on Wednesday — ramping up state and local coordination of resources to prepare for extreme heat. At the Governor’s direction, the State Operations Center at the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is on an enhanced watch for both heat and fire conditions. Cooling centers to protect vulnerable residents are also open in communities across the state.

Residents are urged to stay vigilant during this heightened heat and fire weather period. Californians are reminded to:

• Prepare a wildfire action plan, including planning evacuation routes and packing a go-bag with essentials.
• Sign up for local emergency alerts to stay informed about changing conditions.
• Visit CalHeatScore.CalEPA.ca.gov to find heat safety information specific to your area.
• For more information on fire safety and general preparedness, visit Ready.ca.gov. 

At the direction of Gov. Gavin Newsom, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, or Cal OES, on Friday approved the predeployment of 13 fire engines, seven water tenders and two dispatchers in Sierra, Nevada and Plumas counties through Tuesday ahead of expected high temperatures, low humidity and dry lightning.

This is on top of resources predeployed earlier this week  in response to elevated heat and critical fire weather forecast to impact Southern California lasting through Sunday. 

A total of 64 fire engines, 17 water tenders, nine bulldozers, five helicopters, 10 hand crews, 16 dispatchers, and two Incident Management Teams, are predeployed to 10 counties including Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Sierra, Nevada and Plumas counties. 

Local fire agencies identify when conditions in their community may require additional resources and submit a request to the state for support. The staging locations and response assignments are coordinated by local officials.

These efforts ensure that resources are ready to respond quickly, minimizing the potential impact of new fires. This proactive approach has proven to be a critical component of California’s wildfire response strategy, reducing response times and containing fires before they escalate into major incidents. 

The preposition program is in addition to California’s Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System, which remains available for emergency response support throughout the state where resources are needed.

With extreme heat forecast for much of the state, California entered Phase 2 of its extreme temperature response plan on Wednesday — ramping up state and local coordination of resources to prepare for extreme heat. 

At the governor’s direction, the State Operations Center at the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is on an enhanced watch for both heat and fire conditions. Cooling centers to protect vulnerable residents are also open in communities across the state.

“I've directed the state to mobilize resources to communities to help protect against catastrophic wildfire and potentially record-high temperatures. Please continue to check your local forecast and follow the guidance of local authorities,” said Newsom.

Aggressive statewide fire response

Aggressive aerial firefighting operations have helped firefighters with initial attack on several fires in the last few days, including the Pickett Fire in Napa County, the Coyote Fire in El Dorado County and many others across the state. 

In the 24-hour period ending on Friday, Cal Fire aircraft have flown more than 175 hours combined, including 19 hours of helicopter night operations. 

Cal Fire helicopters have dropped over 380,000 gallons of water and fixed-wing aircraft more than 151,000 gallons of retardant. 

Across the state, Cal Fire reported 23 new wildfires in the last 24 hours, bringing the 2025 year-to-date total to 5,673 fires and 374,023 acres burned, slightly above the five-year average for incidents but below typical acreage totals for this time of year. 

Cal Fire remains committed to its goal of containing 95% of wildfires at 10 acres or less and encourages the public to do their part too.

Residents are urged to stay vigilant during this heightened heat and fire weather period. Californians are reminded to:

• Prepare a wildfire action plan, including planning evacuation routes and packing a go-bag with essentials.
• Sign up for local emergency alerts to stay informed about changing conditions.
• Visit CalHeatScore.CalEPA.ca.gov to find heat safety information specific to your area.
• For more information on fire safety and general preparedness, visit Ready.ca.gov. 

As part of the ongoing investigation into the July 1 fireworks facility explosion in Esparto, Cal Fire – Office of the State Fire Marshal has taken action to revoke the various pyrotechnic licenses of the individuals and companies involved with the facility. 

Following a thorough administrative investigation, the State Fire Marshal determined there was evidence that Kenneth Chee, his company Devastating Pyrotechnics Inc., and Craig Cutright, and his company Blackstar Fireworks had violated California’s firework laws and regulations. 

“Since the explosion, our arson and bomb investigators and deputy state fire marshals have been laser focused on not only determining the circumstances leading up to the incident, but also whether or not the operators were working with their state issued licenses,” said Chief Daniel Berlant, California state fire marshal. “While this concludes our administrative license investigation, we continue to make progress in the post blast investigation.”

The decision to revoke the operator’s licenses was based on the Office’s determination that several fireworks laws and regulations were violated including not filing proper importation documents to the office, not reporting lost fireworks, possession of fireworks without a local fire permit, and numerous additional allegations that remain part of the criminal investigation still underway.

This week’s action follows the recent announcement that the State Fire Marshal will be convening a Public Safety Fireworks Enforcement Task Force to thoroughly review existing fireworks enforcement efforts and state fireworks regulations. 

The Task Force will be asked to provide proposed amendments to the state’s regulations to enhance compliance and public safety. 

The group will also be tasked with creating a plan aimed to improve coordination among local, state, and federal agencies, increase public awareness and education, and strengthen penalties for violations. 

The Task Force’s work will be sent to Cal Fire – Office of the State Fire Marshal General Fireworks Advisory Committee to get industry and stakeholder feedback.