The Legislative Analyst’s Office warns California lawmakers to prepare to dispatch emergency drinking water to vulnerable communities, particularly in the Central Valley.
Environment
Posted inEnvironment
Drought explainer: Why isn’t Santa Cruz included in the state’s newly released emergency plan?
Santa Cruz County is in “extreme” drought, yet the county wasn’t included in the Governor’s drought emergency declaration. Why not?
Posted inEnvironment
California proposal embraces all-electric buildings but stops short of gas ban
Environmental advocates had hoped that California would become the first state to require all-electric housing in new construction. Instead, they got an incremental step toward the use of electric heat.
Posted inEnvironment
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is now open: How to schedule, and what to expect from, a visit
The Monterey Bay Aquarium has reopened, and visits there are almost back to normal, with a few key differences. The Seymour Marine Discovery Center also is beginning to resume operations but in a more limited way.
Posted inEnvironment
Santa Cruz explores new bike share program, with plans for countywide coverage
Last year, Santa Cruz’s popular electric JUMP bikes disappeared? But a new bike share program could be in Santa Cruz by early 2022 — and its reach could go well beyond the city limits.
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Santa Cruz drought intensifies from ‘severe’ to ‘extreme’
The drought in Santa Cruz has quickly advanced, moving from the least severe classification, D0, to D3 in just the last three months.
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Pajaro Valley water rates to increase to fund efforts to fight saltwater intrusion, increase water supply
Rural residents and farmers are expected to pay more for water in five yearly rate increases to pay for capital projects to supplement water supply.
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 inEnvironment
Surprising tsunami triggers may lurk off California’s coast, scientists say
Earthquakes along strike-slip faults can cause tsunamis in certain contexts, a new model shows — and such faults exist right off parts of California.
Posted inEnvironment
Drones show California’s great white sharks are closer — and more common — than you think
This Malibu photographer captures images of great white sharks along the Southern California coast, many just feet from unknowing swimmers and surfers.