Here are the morning’s top stories on Thursday, July 11, 2024…
- The California State Fair kicks off Friday in Sacramento, and it’ll have all those traditional state fair attractions like carnival rides and games, exhibits of farm animals and agricultural products, and lots of food options. The more deep fried, the better. But this year’s State Fair will also have something new that no state fair in the U.S. has ever had – the legal sale and consumption of cannabis.
- With more hot, dry, windy conditions ahead – and lightning strikes possible in the Sierra Nevada this weekend, emergency officials are bracing for more wildfires, and asking Californians to do the same.
- A new law will mandate California high schools teach students about the dangers of fentanyl. Governor Newsom signed the law this month mandating California school districts, charter, and private schools with existing health classes to teach high school students about the risks associated with fentanyl. The courses will be introduced in 2026 and will be mandatory for graduation.
Cannabis A New Feature At California State Fair
A first for the California State Fair, which starts Friday in Sacramento. The two week event at Cal Expo will have many traditional summer fair activities. But fairgoers will also be able to legally purchase and consume cannabis on the fair’s grounds.
James Leitz, Executive Producer of the Cannabis Competition and Exhibit at the State Fair, said it’s a logical move. “It’s really important because cannabis is agriculture and California has a huge agricultural history and cannabis is part of that,” he said.
Speaking to CapRadio, California State Fair Media Manager Darla Givens runs down how things will operate. “Cannabis cannot be consumed all around the fairgrounds. There is one designated spot [for consumption] where it’s going to be closely guarded and you have to be 21 years of age,” she said. “There’s an area where you can purchase [cannabis]. It’s at the Expo building where the cannabis exhibit is going to be located. So you purchase it there and then a security guard will walk you to the consumption area — and the consumption area has been put on by [cannabis company] Embarc, and they have done this type of exhibit across other festivals.”
Newsom Warns Californians To Prepare For Busy Fire Season And Heat Waves
With more hot, dry, windy conditions ahead, Governor Gavin Newsom and emergency officials are bracing for the possibility of bad fires and asking that Californians do the same.