The Trump administration confirmed Thursday that it plans to open the California coast to oil drilling, with two possible leases along the Central Coast. Local officials tell Lookout they’re organizing to fight offshore oil extraction with lawsuits.
Environment
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Don’t rush the trails: Conservation must come before recreation
Retired geologist David Rubin takes issue with Mickey Rush’s Lookout op-ed urging Santa Cruz County to immediately open damaged trails for recreation. Land managers have a responsibility to protect ecosystems, not just provide access, and their intentional, science-driven approach deserves support.
Posted inLatest News
Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency seeking well-owner alternate representatives
The Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency, which serves the San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley, is accepting applications for well-owner representative alternates.
Posted inLatest News
Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks’ holiday sale happening the first weekend of December
Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks is kicking off the holiday season by hosting its annual ParkStore holiday sale at four separate locations on Dec. 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Posted inLatest News
Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency considers whether its use of groundwater is sustainable
The Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency, which serves the San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley, is undergoing a review to make sure it’s not depleting its groundwater, as required by state water regulations.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Battery storage developer backs Santa Cruz County’s proposed new rules ahead of Tuesday vote
New Leaf Energy, the developer behind the proposed battery storage facility near Watsonville, tells Lookout that the company is hopeful the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors will move ahead on new regulations for battery plants on Tuesday.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Bruce McPherson: I support a battery energy storage ordinance that addresses climate change and ensures local safety
Former supervisor Bruce McPherson urges the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors to move forward with a new battery energy storage system ordinance on Tuesday. He argues it is essential for climate action and local safety. He says the rules directly respond to the Moss Landing fire by banning volatile battery chemistries, requiring fire-safe containers and mandating strict inspections. McPherson argues that battery storage is critical to cutting fossil fuels, preventing power outages and keeping local control over projects like the one proposed on Minto Road outside Watsonville.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
An oil company running into rough waters off the California coast is looking to Trump for help
A vote by Santa Barbara County supervisors to deny Sable Offshore permits to restart production builds on a series of lawsuits and an accusation of insider trading, but the CEO wants President Donald Trump to help it overcome its setbacks.
Posted inLatest News
Changing tides in Santa Cruz water management seek to support fish populations in the San Lorenzo
Salmon and trout populations in Santa Cruz’s watersheds, such as the San Lorenzo River, have taken a hit in recent decades. Now, officials at the city’s water department hope that retooling water regulations will help reestablish fish — and build sustainability in Santa Cruz’s water systems.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
County holds public hearing on increasing rodent, mosquito control services
Without discussion, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors held a brief procedural hearing Tuesday to allow the public to comment on a proposed rate increase to fund expanded mosquito and rodent control services.