Newsom and legislative leaders unveiled a proposal to boost firefighting and prevention, including vegetation management and building fire-resistant structures.
Environment
Posted inEnvironment
Will climate change make water unaffordable in Santa Cruz? The city’s water director weighs in
Lookout sat down with Rosemary Menard, the longtime water director for the city of Santa Cruz, for a discussion on climate change and the need for investment in water infrastructure here and throughout the state.
Posted inEnvironment
New Leaf Community Markets to ban single-use water bottles, beginning on Earth Day
‘By committing to using reusable bottles, we can remove almost 70,000 single-use plastic, aluminum and glass bottles a year,’ Athena Petty, senior sustainability manager at New Leaf Community Markets, says.
Posted inEnvironment
Art returns to walls of Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History for first in-person exhibit there since 2020
Combining art and science, the Museum of Natural History will open its doors in mid-April for its 33rd annual Art of Nature exhibit, showcasing local artists inspired by California’s natural beauty. There will be a virtual component that kicks off this week, too.
Posted inRecreation & Sports
‘A little space to unwind’: Santa Cruz County parks see surge in popularity during the pandemic
Visitation to some parks in Santa Cruz County has doubled during the pandemic. Taking advantage of outside recreation is good for everyone’s physical and mental health, but it has also been a stressor on park infrastructure.
Posted inEnvironment
Tapped for California fish and game commission, UCSC ecologist wants to invite more voices to the table
If her appointment is approved by the state Senate, UC Santa Cruz ecologist Erika Zavaleta would become the campus’ only faculty member actively serving on a state government commission.
Posted inFood & Drink
Can California’s organic vegetable farmers unlock the secrets of no-till farming?
Reducing tillage—which often relies on herbicides—has long been out of reach on organic farms. Now, a group of veteran growers are undertaking a soil health experiment with implications for California and beyond.
Posted inLatest News
Newsom green lights more firefighting resources: What that means for fire-ravaged Santa Cruz County
In Santa Cruz County, the funding announced by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday will supplement current staffing levels by adding a Watsonville-based seasonal crew from the California Conservation Corps
Posted inCoast Life
Monterey Bay Aquarium releases reopening plan, day after Boardwalk news
The aquarium will reopen May 15 with masks required and limited capacity. Some play areas, scheduled feedings, and other activities that would encourage congregation will remain closed.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County might delay 25-cent charge for disposable cups until 2022, eyes potential ballot measure
Originally, the cup charge was supposed to take effect on July 1, 2020. But then the pandemic hit, prompting the county to delay the launch until the start of 2021. Now, with the pandemic still ongoing, another delay is being pitched.