California IN BRIEF : REDDING : Abortion Clinic Damaged in Arson

A women’s health clinic that has been the target of anti-abortion protests was damaged in an arson, authorities said. A flammable liquid was used to set the office ablaze, causing about $70,000 in damage, said Redding Fire Marshal Roy Del Carlo. About 20 abortions are performed each week at the clinic, which has been opened for nine years, said Dido Hasper, executive director of four Feminist Women’s Health Centers in Northern California. The clinic had been damaged by two other fires in less than three years, one of which was arson. Hasper said the clinic will be closed, at least temporarily. “Without the help of the Redding community, it won’t (open) again,” she said.