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VISIT CORONANEWSPRESS.COM
MONDAY, AUGUST 26- SEPTEMBER 01, 2024
NO. 186
VOL. 8,
California, tech companies agree on journalism fund By Joe Taglieri joet@beaconmedianews.com
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n an attempt to bolster local news organizations, California and Google have agreed to a nearly $250 million five-year partnership, state officials announced Wednesday. The deal is a first-in-thenation partnership with the state, news publishers, major tech companies and philanthropists, unveiling two multi-year initiatives to provide ongoing financial support to newsrooms statewide and launch a National AI Accelerator, according to a statement by Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks’ office. The Berkeley assemblywoman authored AB 886, a now defunct bill that aimed to require tech companies to compensate for the news content that is voluminously carried on platforms such as the widely used Google search engine. The deal’s nearly $250 million in public and private funding has the majority of the funding going to newsrooms over the next five years, with a first-year goal of front-loading $100 million into the program, according to Wicks’ office.
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| Photo courtesy of Spencer E Holtaway/Flickr (CC BY-ND 2.0)
The investment amount could rise over the next several years if funding from additional private or state
sources becomes available. A little more than 25% of the funding will come from California taxpayers, with
the remainder from Google and possibly other private donors. The UC Berkeley School of
Journalism will administer a News Transformation Fund that will provide money to preserve and expand
California-based news organizations, according to Wicks’ office. Emphasis will be on helping publications that operate in local news deserts or underrepresented communities and outlets that prioritize California news coverage. “This agreement represents a major breakthrough in ensuring the survival of newsrooms and bolstering local journalism across California — leveraging substantial tech industry resources without imposing new taxes on Californians,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. “The deal not only provides funding to support hundreds of new journalists but helps rebuild a robust and dynamic California press corps for years to come, reinforcing the vital role of journalism in our democracy.” Kent Walker, president of global affairs and chief legal officer for Alphabet, Google’s parent company, said in a statement: “We appreciate the thoughtSee Journalism fund Page 28
Murrieta council tentatively approves law to combat catalytic converter thefts
Animal advocates sue Riverside County over euthanasia policy
By City News Service
By City News Service
proposal intended to crack down on catalytic converter thefts in Murrieta by establishing specific regulations and penalties lacking under state law is on its way to becoming a municipal ordinance. The Murrieta City Council on Tuesday night tentatively approved Ordinance No. 606-24 during its regular meeting, scheduling the proposal for a second and final reading on Sept. 3.
“The theft of catalytic converters has been an increasing problem throughout Southern California in recent years, with the city of Murrieta experiencing at least six thefts per month,” according to a statement attached to the ordinance. “The purpose and intent of this ordinance is to curb the theft of converters through-
out the city.” The measure is identical to one approved last September by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors for application throughout unincorporated communities. The principal proponents of the county ordinance, Supervisors Kevin Jeffries and Yxstian Gutierrez, noted
See Catalytic converter thefts Page 27
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nimal welfare activists Wednesday announced a lawsuit against the Riverside County Department of Animal Services for what they allege are ongoing violations of a California law that prohibits euthanasia of impounded dogs and cats that have adoption potential, saying the county is possibly the worst nationally in carrying out pet terminations to make space in shelters. “This is a ground-
breaking case that seeks to overhaul Riverside County Department of Animal Services through comprehensive court-ordered relief consistent with the Hayden Act, as well as the substantive recommendations of local animal advocates who have fought tirelessly for change,” Rancho Mirage-based attorney Walter Clark said in See Euthanasia policy Page 28
a statement. Clark’s firm is representing four area residents who are long-time animal welfare and safety advocates. The parties were not identified but were expected to appear at his office Thursday morning for a briefing to detail the foundation for the civil action. The suit specifically names Department of