In today's newscast:
Central Coast seasonal fire restrictions
Seasonal fire restrictions on the Central Coast are set to begin on May 15.
The Bureau of Land Management said this is due to dry conditions and high wildland fire risk.
Prohibited activities include recreational target shooting and discharging fireworks on public land. There’s no date set for when the restrictions will end.
California becomes the first state to offer free diapers for newborn babies
Laura Fitzgerald with our news partner CapRadio reports that California will be the first state to provide free diapers for all newborns.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced recently that, starting this summer, every baby born in a participating California hospital will leave with 400 free diapers. Families don’t need to register or apply, they’ll automatically receive the diapers when they’re discharged.
"This is what affordability looks like," Newsom said. "It’s not a slogan, it’s a box. It’s a box of diapers."
The diapers will be provided by Baby 2 Baby, a nonprofit based in Los Angeles that manufactures and distributes essential needs for infants.
During the first year of the program, the state will prioritize hospitals that serve high numbers of Medi-Cal patients. Around half of babies born in California are on Medi-Cal.
This first phase was funded through last year’s budget. Newsom included another round of funding in his January budget proposal. Lawmakers would have to approve it.
California eliminated sales tax for diapers in 2020.
