Moreno Valley Fire, UCLA Dominates, and Killer Whale Season

By admin

Monday, April 6, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1973, California designated April 6 as California Poppy Day, honoring the state’s official flower, first adopted in 1903 after beating out the matilija poppy and mariposa lily.

UCLA captured its first NCAA women’s basketball national title, cruising past fellow No. 1 seed South Carolina on Sunday. Details below in Southern California.

Today's edition of The California Flyover is abbreviated as our staff took time to celebrate Easter with their families. We'll be back with the full lineup tomorrow.

If you’re ready to finally take control of your weight and your health, today's sponsor, DirectMeds, makes it simple to start—with trusted GLP-1 treatments prescribed online and delivered straight to your door.

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Springs Fire Triggers Riverside Evacuations

A wind-driven brush fire burned more than 4,100 acres near Moreno Valley on Friday, threatening homes and forcing evacuations in parts of Riverside County.

The Springs Fire broke out around 11 a.m. on Gilman Springs Road as Santa Ana winds drove rapid fire growth. More than 1,000 homes fell under evacuation orders as flames crept down hillsides toward the Moreno Valley Ranch neighborhood.

Moreno Valley College evacuated all students and staff, and California State Parks closed the Lake Perris State Recreation Area as the fire pushed toward campgrounds near the lake.

Hundreds of personnel fought the blaze with engines, helicopters, and air tankers. A second fire, the Crown Fire, broke out later Friday in Acton under the same conditions.

By Saturday evening, both fires reached 95% containment, and all evacuation orders were lifted. The causes remain under investigation.

Trump Seeks $152M for Alcatraz

President Trump's 2027 budget proposal includes $152 million to begin rebuilding Alcatraz as a federal prison for what he has called the nation's "most ruthless and violent offenders."

The funding is part of a $1.7 billion prison spending request that includes money for the first year of rebuilding Alcatraz. Trump has portrayed the project as a symbol of a tougher approach to crime.

Some California officials opposed the plan. A Newsom spokesperson called it "stupid and a waste of taxpayer money."

The former prison closed in 1963 because its island location made it far more expensive to operate than mainland facilities. It is a National Park Service site, drawing about 1.2 million visitors a year.

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➤ Folsom: Incarcerated participants at Folsom State Prison purchased 2,605 boxes of Girl Scout cookies this spring, totaling $18,235 for Girl Scouts Heart of Central California. The annual sale, organized by the prison's Men of Character service group, has now raised more than $78,000 over the last four years. (More)

➤ San Francisco: The Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival returns to Japantown April 11-12 and 18-19, featuring cultural programs, food vendors, and a Grand Parade at one of the largest celebrations of its kind outside Washington, D.C. (See Details)

➤ Monterey: April marks peak killer whale season in Monterey Bay, with orcas most frequently spotted during the spring gray whale migration. Sightings typically occur two to seven times per week, with additional chances to see humpback whales, dolphins, and other marine life. (More)

➤ Visalia: A new “Central to the Valley” campaign launched in Ivanhoe to help Central Valley farmers connect with local buyers. Led by nonprofit F3 Local, the effort aims to boost local food use by creating a unifying regional brand. (More)

➤ UCLA never trailed en route to its first NCAA women’s basketball national title, beating South Carolina 79-51 as Gabriela Jaquez scored 21 points and Lauren Betts posted a double-double. (More)

➤ San Diego: A new economic impact report found Petco Park generated about $913 million in new economic impact in 2024 and supported roughly 15,000 jobs. The ballpark hosted 183 events, contributing to broader economic activity totaling about $1.48 billion. (More)

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