As we head into the first Fourth of July celebration since the traumatic CZU fires ravaged Santa Cruz County, resentment against illegal fireworks is at all-time high. Can we celebrate the nation’s birthday without “bombs bursting in air”?
Environment
Posted inEnvironment
No such thing as ‘safe and sane’ fireworks in a bone-dry California primed to burn
Officials across the state are pleading with the public to refrain from setting off fireworks this Fourth of July weekend after one of the hottest, driest Junes in recent memory. “All it takes is a single firework or a single spark,” one fire chief said.
Posted inEnvironment
Alarmingly low rain levels prime California for fire danger in summer, fall
A worsening drought is further drying out parched vegetation, which could be fuel for a disastrous fire season. “Once June gloom comes to an end, things are gonna dry out really quick,” one researcher warned. “Then it’s just a matter of an ignition. … Fingers crossed we don’t have another lightning outbreak, like what happened last year.”
Posted inEnvironment
WATCH: Explore the depths of the ocean as MBARI researchers undertake expedition
Scientists from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute took people on an exploration of the ocean floor Wednesday as they piloted a remote-control vehicle two-thirds of a mile below the surface off Big Sur in search of ancient sponges, deep-sea corals and other rare creatures.
Posted inLatest News
‘We can’t cut corners’: Biden pledges support for firefighters on front lines in West
In a meeting with Western governors, Biden signals that Washington will be more of a partner on wildfire fighting than the Trump administration was.
Posted inEnvironment
California wildfire insurance: Should homeowners pay for climate change?
Insurance companies want to factor climate change in calculating wildfire coverage, but consumer watchdogs worry California homeowners will end up with higher premiums. Lawmakers from fire-damaged districts say they are open to change because their constituents are already losing coverage.
Posted inEnvironment
Pleasure Point saboteurs strike Portola Drive bike safety pop-up
The nonprofit partnering with Santa Cruz County said it has “never had such unfriendly and aggressive behavior from the community” on such a project but, as one resident countered, “Pleasure Point is a different animal … people are very protective of their neighborhood.”
Posted inEnvironment
As the West begins to burn, Biden to talk wildfires with Newsom and other governors
Facing his first wildfire season as president, President Joe Biden will discuss federal preparedness Wednesday with his Cabinet and Western governors, including California’s Gavin Newsom.
Posted inLatest News
Summer dreams dry up on the Russian River, a paradise whipsawed by drought, flood and fire
This part of the Sonoma wine country has endured fire, flood, intense heat and lightning bolts the last five years. Now it faces ever-more severe water restrictions.
Posted inLatest News
An entire California town was without running water — in a heat wave
A rural Central Valley community is without running water during a heat wave, prompting authorities to haul in bottles and jugs of water to more than 700 people in Teviston.