Monday’s outages were largely triggered by high winds, with the Santa Cruz Mountains under red flag warnings and expecting to see gusts from 35 to 50 mph through the afternoon.
Climate
Posted inFood & Drink
‘Overjoyed at this fruit’: A year after being devastated by heat, smoke, this harvest has winemakers smiling
Compared to the 2020 harvest, one vintner calls this year’s harvest “a blessing.” “It’s black and white. With the smoke last year, it was pretty much a 100% loss for most clients. The fact that there’s no smoke this year makes it 100% better. Last year, some clients actually paid me to not pick.”
Posted inLatest News
Climate change is supercharging California heat waves, and the state isn’t ready
California’s worst heat waves arrive in a one-two punch — high temperatures combined with humid air from Baja.
Posted inEnvironment
California and the West can see small glimmers of hope in weather outlooks for October
Drought-stricken California has equal chances of normal temperatures and precipitation. “Any change in the atmospheric pattern that has us locked in this drought would be welcome,” one climatologist said.
Posted inLatest News
‘Your responsibility, your duty’: Board makes covenant tweaks; homeowners, realty experts still concerned
On Tuesday, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors evaluated the findings from the Atkins Debris Flow-Flood Hazard study, addressing how the findings could affect the CZU Rebuild Directive as presented on Sept. 14 and the options for CZU families in the rebuilding process.
Posted inLatest News
A ‘thirsty’ atmosphere is propelling Northern California’s drought into the record books
Increasing evaporative demand is escalating summertime drought severity in California and the West, according to climate researchers.
Posted inLatest News
A crowded park, worsening fire danger sparks battle: ‘I don’t feel safe there anymore’
A wildfire-prone state park has been inundated with visitors as people flee urban areas. Now, California wants to build campsites there, infuriating nearby residents who say the plan puts them at risk.
Posted inLatest News
PG&E charged with manslaughter in Shasta County fire that killed four
The charges include 11 felonies and 20 misdemeanors, as well as multiple enhancements, District Attorney Stephanie Bridgett said, stemming from the 2020 Zogg fire, which killed four people and destroyed more than 200 buildings.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
‘Art and science’: In aftermath of the CZU fire, restoring our beloved trail systems is no easy task
Of the 175 miles of trails in Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties affected by last summer’s blaze, only 7.5 miles have reopened so far. As the public anxiously waits to regain access to places like Big Basin and parts of Henry Cowell, crews from around the state and county are hard at work removing hazards and making trails safe for use.
Posted inEnvironment
Hikers shut out as climate change, fires kept California forests off-limits
A temporary closure of California’s national forests canceled long-planned trips and local hikes. Will it become the new normal?