Providing about a third of the state’s water supply, the Sierra Nevada snowpack is a vital source of spring and summer runoff that refills reservoirs when the state needs the water most. But a warm, wet storm followed February’s snow, and now, March temperatures are shattering records — prompting warnings of rapid snowmelt and swift rivers.
Environment
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Letter to the editor: Let salmon populations heal
In a letter to the editor, a representative of the PETA Foundation takes issue with California’s decision to open salmon fisheries this spring.
Posted inLatest News
Conservation groups to host cleanup along San Lorenzo River this weekend
The Coastal Watershed Council and the Watershed Stewards Program are hosting a volunteer event on Saturday focused on cleaning the San Lorenzo River watershed.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California is spending hundreds of millions on heat. Will it ever be a public health priority?
As heat becomes a year-round reality, California is often still responding like it’s an emergency.
Posted inLatest News
A contentious project to raise California’s Shasta Dam just got a funding boost from Trump
The Trump administration Tuesday announced $40 million for “planning and preconstruction activities associated with raising Shasta Dam.” Opponents say the project could swamp sacred sites and harm a protected river.
Posted inFood & Drink
After years of closure, California salmon fishing set to reopen this spring — with tight limits
After several years of closures due to low populations, California will reopen limited commercial and recreational salmon fishing this spring as stocks rebound. Local fishers welcome the return but say the short, highly restricted season might not be enough to revive the struggling fleet.
Posted inLatest News
Salmon survival: Betting on the right fish
By studying salmon bones, scientists have uncovered that for thousands of years, Chinook salmon returned to California rivers at a range of ages. Today, habitat loss, overharvesting and conventional hatcheries have narrowed the age diversity of returning fish, a critical factor in efforts to save the species in Santa Cruz County and beyond. They are working with tribal partners to restore that diversity, protecting wild stocks and the rhythms that keep rivers alive.
Posted inHousing & Development
New housing along San Lorenzo finally opens, connected to the river for first time in decades
City leaders and Santa Cruz community members celebrated the grand opening of the RiverRow apartments, located along the San Lorenzo River. The downtown development is unique because it opens onto the river, instead of facing away.
Posted inLatest News
Bird flu outbreak at Año Nuevo State Park has spread from elephant seals to a sea otter and a sea lion
The H5N1 bird flu outbreak in California elephant seals has spread to other marine mammals, including a sea otter and sea lion. But wildlife officials are hopeful the outbreak will remain contained.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Westside startup’s innovative, self-serve soap dispensers aim to reduce single-use plastics
Wonderfil has partnered with UC Santa Cruz, Whole Foods and others to allow customers to refill bottles of soap, detergent and shampoo in their containers of choice in a fully automated process.