Gallagher Presses FBI on Pot Grows

Congressman James Gallagher is asking the FBI to investigate the criminal networks behind thousands of illegal marijuana grows across Shasta and Siskiyou counties.

In a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel, he asked the bureau’s Sacramento and Redding offices to join local sheriffs and Homeland Security Investigations in dismantling them. A 2022 county grand jury estimated 5,000 large-scale sites, while newer reports suggest up to 7,000 illegal growers in the Mount Shasta Vista subdivision alone.

The letter raises concerns that Chinese organized-crime networks may be financing some operations. Illegal grows have also been linked to banned pesticides and depleted water supplies. Siskiyou County declared a local emergency over the grows in July 2025.

Siskiyou Sheriff Jeremiah LaRue and Shasta Sheriff Michael Johnson both back the request. LaRue said deputies have made more than 800 arrests and eradicated over 2 million contaminated plants in five years.

Powder Letters Hit California Offices

Rep. Jim Costa’s Visalia office received a letter containing suspicious white powder on Monday, the latest California target in a nationwide wave of such mailings.

At least five Bay Area congressional offices received suspicious letters between Friday and Monday, including those of Reps. Zoe Lofgren, Jimmy Panetta, Ro Khanna, Mark DeSaulnier, and Mike Thompson. The powder in Panetta’s Santa Cruz office turned out to be sugar and flour.

Law enforcement sources say more than 100 suspicious letters may be circulating nationwide, targeting lawmakers and election offices, with Sen. Alex Padilla among the Californians targeted. The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating.

Powders tested in several offices have been non-hazardous, and authorities are working to identify those responsible. Costa said neither he nor his staff would be intimidated by threats.

Strong October Storm Soaks California

An unusually strong October storm is pushing through California, with flood watches along the Central Coast and in parts of Southern California through Thursday afternoon.

Forecasters expect 1 to 2 inches of rain across much of Southern California, with up to 3 inches possible in some foothills and mountains. Peak rates could reach three-quarters of an inch an hour, with the heaviest downpours expected early Thursday.

Along the Central and Southern California coast, the National Weather Service warns of possible thunderstorms, small hail, and even an isolated tornado or waterspout, plus debris flows near recent burn scars. Santa Barbara County told residents to be ready but said Tuesday that no evacuations had been ordered.

Snow levels in Southern California are expected to remain above 8,000 feet, limiting snowfall to higher elevations.

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➤ San Jose: The city is installing 33 speed cameras after recording 41 traffic deaths this year. Tickets begin in February, with fines ranging from $50 to $500. A similar program in San Francisco reportedly cut dangerous speeding by 84%. (More)

➤ Moraga: Officials closed a sinking roadway near a shopping center over fears of another sinkhole. The area experienced similar collapses in 2016 and 2019, with repairs expected to have started this week. (See Video)

➤ San Francisco: Officials selected “Las Campesinas,” meaning women farmworkers, as the proposed replacement name for Cesar Chavez Street following sexual abuse allegations against the late labor leader. (See Details)

➤ Humboldt County: The county jail has switched to digital mail to keep drugs and contraband out. Personal letters and photos will be scanned and delivered to inmates on tablets, while legal mail remains unchanged. (More)

➤ Natomas: Residents are raising money for private security as their Halloween-decorated neighborhood prepares for larger crowds. Rockmont Circle drew an estimated 20,000 visitors last year, with even more expected this Halloween. (Read Story)

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➤ Central Valley: Rep. David Valadao and challenger Randy Villegas have raised over $11.5 million in California’s closely watched 22nd District race, with Valadao holding a cash advantage ahead of Election Day. (See Details)

➤ Kerman: Mayor Maria Pacheco faces stalking allegations after a Fresno man accused her of following and confronting him because she mistakenly believed he was an ICE agent. A formal complaint has been filed with police and prosecutors.(More)

➤ Friant: Fresno County supervisors approved the 2,500-home Friant Ranch development, mostly for residents 55 and older. The project still needs court clearance after years of environmental challenges. (See Details)

➤ Goleta: Invasive “ankle biter” mosquitoes capable of spreading dengue and Zika have been detected in the Goleta Valley. Health officials urge residents to eliminate standing water to prevent the aggressive, daytime-biting insects from spreading. (More)

➤ Santa Barbara: UC Santa Barbara researchers developed Oceandatr, a free tool that simplifies ocean mapping by combining data from multiple sources. The software aims to improve marine research, conservation, and habitat protection. (Read Story)

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➤ Orange County: Caltrans secured $4 million to repair a 360-foot crack beneath Pacific Coast Highway near Laguna Beach. A southbound lane remains closed, with further closures possible and no timeline for repairs. (More)

➤ San Diego: Flight delays are increasing at San Diego International Airport, the nation’s busiest single-runway airport. Officials blame limited runway capacity, weather, crowded flight schedules, and air traffic control upgrades. (More)

➤ Corona: Two 15-year-old girls were arrested for allegedly plotting a shooting at Corona High School. Police say the teens researched school shootings and discussed obtaining weapons. No weapons were found, and both face conspiracy to commit murder charges. (See Details)

➤ Garden Grove: Parents of a 13-year-old boy killed in a May electric motorcycle crash face child endangerment charges. Prosecutors say they allowed him to ride the high-powered bike despite previous accidents and injuries. (More)

➤ Ocean Beach: San Diego’s iconic Ocean Beach Pier has been closed for three years, with nearby businesses reporting a 30% drop in sales. The city hopes to begin demolition and rebuilding by 2030, pending environmental reviews and funding. (See Details)

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➤ U2 will headline the NFL’s first Thanksgiving Eve halftime show when the Los Angeles Rams host the Green Bay Packers at SoFi Stadium on Nov. 25. (More)

➤ Meanwhile, the Rams placed receiver Davante Adams on injured reserve with a ruptured hamstring expected to sideline him six to 10 weeks. (More)

➤ A record audience watched the Golden State Valkyries beat the Atlanta Dream 68-64 in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals, with viewership reportedly peaking at 3 million. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NCAAF | NBA | WNBA | NHL | Soccer

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➤ California state workers staged a one-day strike Wednesday, demanding higher pay, affordable healthcare, and remote-work flexibility. The union, representing over 100,000 employees, is seeking a 20% raise over three years and opposing Gov. Gavin Newsom’s return-to-office mandate. (See Details)

➤ Sbarro, the iconic pizza chain, plans to return to San Francisco’s Stonestown Galleria in early 2027, reclaiming its former food court location. The chain has rebounded from bankruptcy to more than 850 locations worldwide. (Read Story)

➤ Archer Aviation, a San Jose-based air taxi company, is acquiring three Boeing-owned aerospace businesses, expanding into drone surveillance and defense while battling rival Joby Aviation in court. (See Details)

➤ Resort Life Carts, a Madera County golf cart business that grew from a garage startup into a multimillion-dollar operation in four years, is competing for national small business honors in Washington, D.C., including a $25,000 grand prize. (More)

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➤ The San Diego Zoo welcomed a baby two-toed sloth born Aug. 16 to mother Xena, announcing the arrival Tuesday for International Sloth Day. Visitors may soon spot the pair during wildlife presentations as the pup grows. (See Photos)

➤ A Madera County man reeled in a massive 48-pound striped bass during his first fishing trip to San Luis Reservoir on Oct. 14. The 47.5-inch fish was among the largest caught there in recent years and was released back into the water. (Read Story)

➤ The California Seaweed Festival kicked off Wednesday across the Monterey Peninsula with several days of activities. The main event is Saturday at Custom House Plaza, featuring mermaids, underwater robots, marine science exhibits, and live music. (See Details)

➤ A Redding pizza maker placed fifth among 26 competitors at a national pizza competition in Ohio despite a last-minute sauce change. Augie Collins of Noni’s Pizzeria now has his sights set on an international competition in Las Vegas. (Read Story)

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The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes. 

➤ Expiration dates on your groceries are mostly guesses, except for the one you should never ignore. (Listen Now)

➤ An Australian lawmaker lost both of her legs after a car was deliberately driven into her outside her office. (Hear Story)

➤ Passengers began vomiting mid-flight, forcing a priority landing and a hazmat response in Germany. (Hear Details)

Would you use a golf cart for short trips around town?

1. Absolutely, love them
2. Sure, for quick errands
3. Only in the right community
4. I’ll keep my car, thanks

Yesterday’s Results:

How do you feel about buying food from a street vendor?

1. I prefer restaurants: 39%
2. Depends on the spot: 26%
3. Only if it looks clean: 19%
4. Love it, best food around: 11%
5. Other: 5%

Striped bass are one of California’s most popular game fish, but they aren’t actually native to the state. How did they get here?

Show me the answer