The National Weather Service is forecasting more rain for Santa Cruz County this week as an atmospheric river that had pounded the Pacific Northwest shifts south. There’s uncertainty in next week’s forecast, but a system could bring up to 6 inches of rain Sunday through Tuesday.
Environment
Posted inLatest News
After three-week dry spell, rain is coming to Santa Cruz County
The National Weather Service is forecasting three separate weather systems — weak storms — to hit Santa Cruz County this week.
Posted inCapitola & Soquel
Capitola City Council votes to fund conceptual plan to repair crumbling Grand Avenue pathway
Capitola will spend $13,000 for a concept design and survey of the popular bluffside Grand Avenue walking path on Depot Hill, a section of which collapsed into the ocean in February.
Posted inFood & Drink
Drop in whale entanglements fuels optimism that Dungeness crab season can open Jan. 1
State wildlife officials are flying the California coast this week, counting humpback and blue whales to determine whether the commercial Dungeness crab season can safely open on Jan. 1 or should be delayed to protect whales.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California’s last nuclear power plant faces renewed scrutiny as it gains latest permit
The California Coastal Commission is requiring the state’s last nuclear power plant – Diablo Canyon, near San Luis Obispo – to conserve 4,000 acres of surrounding land to keep operating until 2030.
Posted inLatest News
PG&E drones deploy across Central Coast to identify power line problems ahead of winter storms
Pacific Gas & Electric is deploying drones to remote areas of Santa Cruz County to monitor power lines and identify problems ahead of winter storms.
Posted inLatest News
Ask Lookout: Why has Santa Cruz’s water demand dropped?
Santa Cruz’s water usage remains at its lowest since the 1960s, despite population growth in the past few decades. Officials say cultural shifts, shrinking lawns and efficient appliances have helped keep demand low.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
State health agency warns of poisoning linked to foraged death cap mushrooms
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued an urgent advisory following a recent outbreak of amatoxin poisoning linked to the consumption of wild, foraged death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides).
Posted inLatest News
Forecast is for triple threat this week: King tides, big waves and wind
The National Weather Service has issued warnings for coastal flooding, high surf and powerful offshore winds affecting Santa Cruz County this week.
Posted inLatest News
Independent study reveals heavy metals near Elkhorn Slough after Moss Landing fire
A study from researchers at San Jose State University’s Moss Landing Marine Laboratories estimates that nearly 55,000 pounds of heavy metals were dumped into soil near Elkhorn Slough following January’s Moss Landing battery fire. It’s the first independent study of the fire’s impacts published in a scientific journal.
