The California Coastal Commission will get the final say on the proposal from the Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County, which aims to streamline the permitting process for local projects like prescribed burns and trimming undergrowth. Cal Fire leadership, meanwhile, favors a more uniform statewide approach.
Environment
Posted inLatest News
California’s biggest heat wave of the year heightens drought and fire fears
‘Early heat waves and more frequent heat waves this summer will exacerbate an already serious situation,’ one climatologist said.
Posted inLatest News
Dry fuels, drought and slashed inmate crews: ‘Concerning’ picture for fire season in Santa Cruz County
With inmate crews that supplement other agencies’ firefighting units cut drastically and extremely dry conditions amid the ongoing drought, a Cal Fire chief sounded a warning about what might be ahead for Santa Cruz County.
Posted inEnvironment
It’s World Oceans Day — and the Rio Theater has an actual in-person way to celebrate it
The Rio Theatre was set to host both in-person and virtual screenings of the Ocean Film Festival World Tour on Tuesday, which is designated World Oceans Day by the United Nations.
Posted inPandemic Life
Humpback health in the crosshairs: UCSC scientists used pandemic calm to compare, contrast whale stress
Collecting whale blubber and studying the levels of stress hormones the giant mammals are facing now, compared to this time last year, gives scientists a clearer picture of how noise in the bay affects their well-being.
Posted inLatest News
Crews to mop up 11.75-acre Sandy Fire in CZU Lightning Complex burn scar Tuesday
The Sandy Fire grew to an estimated 7-10 acres Monday afternoon in the Big Basin area, per a Cal Fire update, with water drops on the way.
Posted inCoast Life
As wildfires decimate the giant sequoia, California faces unprecedented loss
Researchers now believe a wildfire last year killed 10% to 14% of the world’s natural sequoia population.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
‘Interim’ rail trail? Commission could open saga’s next chapter Thursday
The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission is slated to vote Thursday on whether to study the option of creating a temporary path for bikers and pedestrians along the rail corridor, which could involve removing existing railroad tracks.
Posted inEnvironment
Taking a tour of ‘Shark Park’: What to know and how to see our local great whites up close
Between Capitola and Aptos lies a spot with the warm water and prey that juvenile great whites crave, and Santa Cruz whale-watching outfits have been quick to add shark cruises to their offerings. Lookout’s Mallory Pickett went along for a look.
Posted inEnvironment
Memorial Day fires keep crews busy in Santa Cruz Mountains
Cal Fire reported 60% containment on the Hihn Fire, near Gazos Creek and North Escape roads in Big Basin Redwoods State Park, with the blaze at 3.41 acres in an update around 6:15 p.m. Monday. Earlier in the day, firefighters contained the Grade Fire fire, which grew to 7.5 acres near China Grade Road.