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).
Environment
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.
Posted inLatest News
State Parks burning brush piles in mountain parks until April to reduce fire risk
About 400 piles are scheduled to be burned throughout Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Castle Rock State Park and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, including the Fall Creek Unit, between now and April.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
California’s coastal ‘Blue Wall’ must rise again to stop new offshore drilling
Updating and expanding laws blocking offshore oil drilling and seabed mining is the most powerful tool communities have to protect California’s coast in the face of the federal government’s new drilling plans. Katie Thompson and Dan Haifley urge the public to get involved.
Posted inLatest News
Entangled pelican rescued by high school surfer off Cowell Beach
A pelican trapped in fishing line was rescued after a woman spotted it off Santa Cruz’s Cowell Beach and two Santa Cruz High School surfers helped cut the bird free. Two other entangled birds died.
Posted inLatest News
Dead gray fox found in illegal wildlife trap in Glenwood Open Space Preserve
State and local officials are investigating after a gray fox was found dead in an illegal tube trap at Glenwood Open Space in Scotts Valley. Local land stewards say they might increase patrols to protect native wildlife.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County officials mobilize resistance as Trump administration opens California coast to offshore oil drilling
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.
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.
