Convenience Big Store: Are some EDD reps pretending to fix unemployment claims?

Some on unemployment say EDD reps tell them their issue is resolved, when that is not the case – After David Petty’s unemployment payments from the EDD stopped suddenly, he verified his identity like thousands of other Californians and continued to certify for benefits. He thought his problem was solved. “A specialist told me that she was going to release my funds,” Petty said. But he didn't get his money. Petty called the EDD again only to be told by another representative that nothing had changed: his claim was still waiting to be verified. “...She went ahead and just told me what I wanted to hear, basically to get me off the phone,” he said. State Sen. Melissa Melendez, (R - 28th State Senate District), says Petty's story isn’t unique. (Mike Bunnell, ABC10)

Sacramento's Big Day of Giving: How to help local charities and non-profits – Sacramento's Big Day of Giving has kicked off on May 6 with an incredible start. Funds officially hit $6 million at roughly 11:00 a.m., and the day is just beginning. With the ongoing pandemic, participating non-profits are hoping for a big turnout. Hundreds of organizations are participating — 688, according to the Big Day of Giving website. Information on who is participating and how you can donate can be found here. (Samantha Solomon, ABC10)

California's fire season is off to a fast start as people try to clear defensible space – Wildfire season is already kicking into high gear. The number of acres burned so far in 2021 is about 700% higher than 2020 at this time, according to Cal Fire. As always, it's a good reminder to focus on clearing defensible space as safely as possible. The U.S. Forest Service reports many of these early season fires have started from people trying to clear defensible space on their property. Mow and weed before 10 a.m. when temperatures are lower and humidity is higher. Never mow in dry grass. (Monica Woods, ABC10)

TIP OF THE DAY

Eviction moratorium update The CDC overturned its eviction moratorium, raising eyebrows across the country and leaving many with questions. California has a separate eviction moratorium that lasts through June, but that means renters may have to start paying down their back-rent sooner than they'd like. (Eric Escalante, ABC10)

SMILE

Acres of Hope This Big Day of Giving, 8-year-old Peanut is urging you to GIVE! Peanut was homeless, but now helps other kids in similar situations have fun again and feel at home at Acres of Hope, a transitional housing non-profit. Check out Peanut's story, and an incredible surprise from Mark S. Allen. (Mark S. Allen, ABC10)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is expected to authorize Pfizer's two-dose COVID-19 vaccine for children between 12 and 15. This could happen next week, maybe sooner.

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ROB CARLMARK'S WEATHER FORECAST

ABC10 launched the Race and Culture Content team Sunday, April 25, with a mission is to consistently serve people who have been historically overlooked or underrepresented in the media.

During the month of May, ABC10 will produce a series of stories to highlight AAPI communities across our Northern California, you can watch these stories starting May 3rd on the ABC10 news at 6:30pm.

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