Although April’s rain and snow have been impressive, nearly all of the state remains under significant drought conditions, officials said.
Climate
Posted inEnvironment
‘We’ve turned our backs on the river’: Laurie Egan works to revive, transform the San Lorenzo River
As she takes over as executive director of the Coastal Watershed Council, Laurie Egan wants to integrate the San Lorenzo River into city life — and wants the community to embrace the river’s possibilities.
Posted inEnvironment
California could shrink water use in cities by 30% or more, study finds
Researchers say California’s cities have big potential to use water more efficiently while taking advantage of stormwater and recycled wastewater.
Posted inCoast Life
Man convicted of setting Big Sur wildfire that killed 12 endangered condors
Ivan Gomez found guilty of arson in the 125,000-acre Dolan fire near Big Sur and cruelty to animals for killing multiple condors, prosecutors said.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Newsom urged Californians to cut water use by 15%. In February they saved less than 1%
Californians reduced urban water use by half a percent in February, a far cry from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s voluntary conservation goal of 15%.
Posted inEnvironment
Report to California Legislature: Prepare for sweeping effects of climate change
From housing and health to transportation and education, the Legislative Analyst’s Office report provides a litany of sobering climate change impacts for California legislators to address as they enact policies and set budgets.
Posted inEnvironment
Sierra snowpack worsens, falls to lowest level in 7 years
The April snowpack, key to how much water flows into reservoirs, is 39% of average statewide, proving that drought hasn’t relaxed its grip on California.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Newsom imposes new California water restrictions — but the governor leaves the details to locals
As a dry summer looms, California Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered water suppliers across California to step up their local drought responses, but fell short of requiring water rationing or setting a statewide conservation target.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
State unveils long-awaited standard for drinking water contaminant
California’s proposed limit for hexavalent chromium — the first in the nation — would raise water rates in many cities. The contaminant, linked to cancer, was made infamous by Erin Brockovich.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California slashes State Water Project allocation as year begins with record dryness
After a record-dry start to 2022, California water officials have slashed State Water Project allocations from 15% to 5%.