Collecting whale blubber and studying the levels of stress hormones the giant mammals are facing now, compared to this time last year, gives scientists a clearer picture of how noise in the bay affects their well-being.
Cypress Hansen
Posted inLatest News
Holiday weekend heat: Enhanced fire risk as mountains expected to hit mid-90s; wind projections low
Mountain residents will have a hot Memorial day with highs in the mid-90s, while coastal communities will stay cool thanks to mild onshore breezes. Though this heatwave will be short and mild, it’s a reminder of the hotter, windier weather that is likely to occur in late summer.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Reflecting after tragedy: Honor and remember George Floyd at these memorial events in Santa Cruz County
One year after the tragic and brutal death of George Floyd by police officers in Minneapolis, Santa Cruz community organizers have a host of events you can attend to honor the man who sparked the most recent racial reckoning in the country.
Posted inLatest News
Wildfire Resource Center Part 3: What to do during a wildfire
DURING A WILDFIRE: This section of Lookout’s Wildfire Resource Center covers how to deal with wildfire when it happens. Topics include monitoring weather and air quality, ensuring you’re ready for an evacuation, and how you can volunteer or donate to those in need.
Posted inLatest News
Wildfire Resource Center Part 2: What to do during the dry season, when fire risk is high
MAY 1 — NOV. 30, “FIRE SEASON”: This section of Lookout’s Wildfire Resource Center covers wildfire preparedness during the warm, dry months of the year. Tips include creating an evacuation plan for your family, pets and neighbors, signing up for official alerts, and how to be a responsible camper.
Posted inLatest News
Wildfire Resource Center Part 1: Everything you need to get ready for wildfire season
DEC. 1 — APRIL 30, “THE OFFSEASON”: This section of Lookout’s Wildfire Resource Center covers wildfire preparedness topics that are best taken care of during the cool, wet months of the year, such as clearing dead vegetation from your property, getting set up with fire insurance, and retrofitting your home with fireproof materials.
Posted inLatest News
Caltrans begins cleanup of Highway 1/9 homeless encampment as eviction notices take effect
Seventy-two hours after notices went up, police and clean-up crews began the final stages of clearing out the homeless encampment at Highways 1 and 9 in Santa Cruz. Most occupants left over the weekend, but with shelters full, it’s unclear where many of them went.
Posted inEnvironment
‘Tis the season for stranded seal pups. Here’s what to do if you see one
Seals and sea lions along the Santa Cruz coast are birthing and raising their pups this time of year. When pups get separated from mom, they often wash up on beaches where humans and their dogs play. Here’s what to do — and what not to do — if you find a marine mammal in distress.
Posted inRecreation & Sports
The evolution of Santa Cruz’s Bike Month: Joy rides, street smarts, eco-commutes and cash prizes
Santa Cruz County’s third annual Bike Month begins Saturday, May 1, with workshops, guided rides, safety tours and cash prizes are all en route. Here’s how it all came together — and how it’s changed some participants’ lives.
Posted inEnvironment
Removal of 100-year-old dam in Santa Cruz Mountains a ‘win-win’ for coho salmon and Davenport residents
The Sempervirens Fund has secured a grant to remove a defunct dam in the mountains above Davenport. The removal will benefit Coho salmon spawning grounds in Mill Creek, as well as improve water quality for residents downstream.