They’ve endured wildfires, smoke damage and mudslide fears. One more concern for residents of the Santa Cruz Mountains: the quality of their drinking water.
Environment
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Those whose work lives were affected by CZU fires can get paid for helping with recovery
$1.5 million grant will provide work for 75 unemployed or underemployed people. They will be deployed to conduct fire recovery and resiliency activities in specific park and open space locations impacted by the CZU Lightning Complex fires.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
How much will rail cost, and is it worth it? Santa Cruz County’s 4 mayors, others weigh in
Although three quarters of RTC members voted to accept a recommendation that both rail and a recreation path run along…
Posted inEnvironment
‘The landscape of fear’: Big cats pay a price for avoiding areas now inhabited by humans
Mountain lions burn a lot of extra calories when they are trying to navigate highly developed areas. To save precious energy, male lions reduce their range dramatically, according to new research from UCSC.
Posted inLatest News
Leftover August CZU embers sparked most January fires as new ‘year-round fire season’ is upon us
Climate change will create conditions for winter fires more often, but don’t rule out tiptoeing around other disasters…
Posted inCoast Life
The joyous mysteries of the mushroom hunt: ‘Part skill, part luck, part serendipity”
Foraging for mushrooms is part art, part science and 100% will to learn. For Jessica Tunis, a deeper dive into the next-level confidence and know-how surrounding what to pick and eat came more recently, with self-taught book research as well as trusted in-person outings.
Posted inFood & Drink
What role can vineyards play in conserving California’s biodiversity?
Some grape growers are committed to regenerating the land and protecting native species—and they hope wine drinkers will be willing to support their efforts.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Evacuation debrief: Does the lack of debris flow mean the threshold should change?
In the first of two town hall meetings, Santa Cruz county officials met with 70 community members who offered up questions, comment and criticism about the evacuation of 5,000 people during last week’s storm.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Rail Trail decision day: Pivotal vote will either cement or derail passenger rail’s future on coastal line
If Regtional Transportation Commissioners accept a rail-and-trail model, the RTC staff will then create a passenger rail business plan to be presented in April. If not, RTC staff will have to go back to the drawing board
Posted inUncategorized
How the tragic CZU fire destruction inspired one firefighter to capture it in song
THE HERE & NOW: Firefighter and songwriter Wes Chiller turns his experiences in Santa Cruz last summer into songs; Tuck & Patti will not be denied; Felicia Rice, exiled by fire but committed to the arts life in Santa Cruz County