Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday asked everyone to do their part to save water amid a worsening drought. Here are the basics.
Environment
Posted inEnvironment
It’s official: Santa Cruz County now in drought state of emergency
Gov. Gavin Newsom added Santa Cruz County to the state’s drought state of emergency list Thursday; with that list now including 50 of California’s 58 counties, Newsom is encouraging all residents to voluntarily reduce water usage by 15%.
Posted inEnvironment
Some Hawaii homeowners damage beaches to protect their homes. A new law could help change that
With climate change having ever more impact on Hawaii’s shoreline, lawmakers are aiming to make sure anyone thinking about buying oceanfront property is well aware of what might be in store.
Posted inEnvironment
California is betting $61 million that new highway crossings will keep wildlife safe
Large animals cause 20 crashes a day on California highways. Experts say special bridges and tunnels — including a tunnel under Highway 17 in the Santa Cruz Mountains — can prevent them and protect endangered species.
Posted inEnvironment
Capitola Beach bummer: After popular spot gets unhealthy F, is it safe to swim there?
With Capitola Beach ranking third-worst in the state in terms of water quality ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend, here’s what you need to know about swimming at a spot long popular with visitors from Santa Cruz County and beyond.
Posted inEnvironment
No such thing as ‘safe and sane’ fireworks in a bone-dry California primed to burn
Officials across the state are pleading with the public to refrain from setting off fireworks this Fourth of July weekend after one of the hottest, driest Junes in recent memory. “All it takes is a single firework or a single spark,” one fire chief said.
Posted inEnvironment
Alarmingly low rain levels prime California for fire danger in summer, fall
A worsening drought is further drying out parched vegetation, which could be fuel for a disastrous fire season. “Once June gloom comes to an end, things are gonna dry out really quick,” one researcher warned. “Then it’s just a matter of an ignition. … Fingers crossed we don’t have another lightning outbreak, like what happened last year.”
Posted inEnvironment
Live from the Deep: Explore the coral and sponge gardens of Sur Ridge
Scientists from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute invite you along Wednesday at 11 a.m. as they pilot a remote-control vehicle two-thirds of a mile below the surface off Big Sur in search of ancient sponges, deep-sea corals and other rare creatures.
Posted inEnvironment
WATCH: Explore the depths of the ocean as MBARI researchers undertake expedition
Scientists from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute took people on an exploration of the ocean floor Wednesday as they piloted a remote-control vehicle two-thirds of a mile below the surface off Big Sur in search of ancient sponges, deep-sea corals and other rare creatures.
Posted inEnvironment
California wildfire insurance: Should homeowners pay for climate change?
Insurance companies want to factor climate change in calculating wildfire coverage, but consumer watchdogs worry California homeowners will end up with higher premiums. Lawmakers from fire-damaged districts say they are open to change because their constituents are already losing coverage.