In today's newscast:
Monterey County calls for inspection of trees purchased at Costco
The County of Monterey Agricultural Commissioner is asking residents who recently bought fruit trees at Costco to contact their office. In other parts of California, invasive insects called glassy-winged sharpshooters were found on the trees. Commissioner Juan Hidalgo says they can damage crops and spread a disease that kills grapevines.
"It's very concerning for us here, not only for the impact to communities and their gardens, but also we are a significant agricultural wine-growing region in California," he said. "We have more than 40,000 acres."
His office is conducting inspections and he’s hopeful they can keep the pest at bay.
New legislation prohibits law enforcement from seizing ballots
Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation to ban law enforcement from interfering in elections ahead of the state’s primary next week. Madison Aument, from our California Newsroom partner KVCR, has reported the new law makes it a crime for law enforcement authorities to seize ballots from election officials.
It also bans them from accessing voting equipment and lists without a court order.
Newsom says the law strengthens election integrity amid challenges from local and federal officials.
"We have to clarify the rules of engagement. That's why this legislation is important," he said. "There are fines associated with this, criminal fines, and jail time—three years."
The fine for taking ballots is $1,000.
In February, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who is a Republican and running for governor, seized 650,000 ballots from a vote to redraw the state’s congressional map to favor Democrats.
