Gregory Yee, Author at Lookout Santa Cruz

Firefighters work a controlled burn Aug. 28 near Strawberry during their battle against the Caldor fire.

Prosecutors charge father and son suspected of starting Caldor fire in the Sierra

by Gregory Yee December 10, 2021

After David Scott Smith and his son, Travis Shane Smith, were arrested a day earlier, prosecutors filed several felony charges against them Thursday.

COVID Today

Five Omicron variant cases identified in Alameda County coronavirus outbreak — all were vaccinated

by Gregory Yee and Rong-Gong Lin II / Los Angeles Times December 4, 2021

The five patients had mild symptoms and were among 12 known coronavirus cases linked to a wedding in Wisconsin late last month.

Vaccine Watch

A second Northern California In-N-Out is forced to close for violating COVID-19 rules

by Gregory Yee October 27, 2021

An In-N-Out Burger in Pleasant Hill was ordered to close Tuesday by Contra Costa County public health officials after refusing to comply with rules requiring restaurants to check indoor dining patrons for proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test.

Business & Technology

In-N-Out Burger’s fight over COVID vaccination rules could be start of bigger battle

by Gregory Yee, Luke Money and Rong-Gong Lin II / Los Angeles Times October 20, 2021December 17, 2023

As more California cities require proof of COVID-19 vaccinations in public places, a cherished burger chain has become an unlikely flashpoint.

GOLETA, CALIF. - OCT.13, 2021. The sun is partially obscured by smoke as a firefighting helicopter prepares to make a water drop on the Alisal fire near Goleta on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Environment

Alisal fire threatens homes, burning 8,000 acres and closing Highway 101, amid gusty winds

by Lila Seidman, Hayley Smith, Luis Sinco and Gregory Yee October 12, 2021October 22, 2023

Fueled by bone-dry vegetation, flames from the Alisal fire in Santa Barbara County prompted officials to shut down the 101 between Pacific Coast Highway and Winchester Canyon/Cathedral Oaks Road. It remained closed in both directions on Tuesday morning after flames jumped the freeway in several spots.

The temperature is expected to reach 92 degrees on Wednesday in downtown San Diego

California grid operator issues flex alert ahead of high heat expected Wednesday

by Gregory Yee September 8, 2021December 17, 2023

Officials have issued a flex alert for California from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday citing high temperatures forecast for the Golden State and much of the West.