Artist and naturalist Obi Kaufmann, whose illustrated books explore California’s landscapes and ecosystems, takes a philosophical turn in his new book, “California Inside Out: Mapping an Ecology of Mind.” He argues that the state’s identity is rooted less in its political boundaries than in its ecological systems and the Indigenous stewardship that helped shape them. Kaufmann will discuss the book at Bookshop Santa Cruz on Thursday.
Wildfires
Posted inVisual Story
Cal Fire conducts 48-acre prescribed burn at Swanton Pacific Ranch to reduce wildfire risk
Cal Fire’s CZU unit conducted a prescribed burn Thursday morning at Swanton Pacific Ranch near Highway 1 in northern Santa Cruz County, burning approximately 48 acres in partnership with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to improve forest health, enhance wildlife habitat and reduce wildfire risk.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
New California law aims to stop ‘predatory’ developers from moving in on wildfire-ravaged community
As many as 200 to 300 new structures have been permitted in Altadena, but homeowners who survived the Eaton fire are struggling to rebuild.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Insurers say they’re starting to write new California homeowner policies, but how many?
Insurance companies are starting to write new policies in California again after years of holding back as wildfire risk climbed higher. The state Insurance Department says that means new regulations, intended to boost insurance availability, are working. Consumer Watchdog, the advocacy group that often butts heads with the department, says the numbers are low.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
New California law sets first-in-nation standards for smoke damage in homes
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed laws that detail insurers’ responsibilities in addressing smoke damage in homes. Some survivors from the Los Angeles County fires have yet to return home because of insurance disputes.
Posted inLatest News
Felton voters bet $1.7 million a year on a new era for the fire department
Felton voters approved a major investment in their fire department, paving the way for paid firefighters alongside volunteers. The move comes after years of staffing challenges and slow response times that left the mountain community questioning whether its traditional volunteer model was sustainable.
Posted inLatest News
Monterey County blazes: Timber fire passes 25,000 acres, containment up to 23%; Plaskett fire now 29,000 acres, still 1% contained
Crews are trying to make progress on the Timber and Plaskett fires, which continue to burn near Big Sur in Monterey County. Containment of the Timber fire inched up to 23% as it had scorched roughly 25,226 acres as of Wednesday night. Farther south, the Plaskett fire was up to 29,123 acres, with containment still only 1%.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California Assembly backs off voting on bill that would aid wildfire victims
The California Assembly opted not to vote Tuesday on legislation meant to help wildfire victims, deciding at the last minute to push back a decision on a bill that some Democrats, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, said wouldn’t meaningfully address the financial challenges caused by catastrophic blazes.
Posted inLatest News
Central Coast issued red flag warning Friday with thunderstorms, lightning in forecast
Lightning strikes could result in fires and winds that could gust up to 50 mph may cause rapid fire spread. The National Weather Service also warns of an increased risk for power outages as the winds could bring tree limbs down onto power lines.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
With clock ticking, California lawmakers reject key parts of Newsom’s wildfire plan
Gov. Gavin Newsom is rushing a plan to provide financial relief to utilities facing massive lawsuit payouts because of California wildfires. Some lawmakers are fighting it.
