While some of the promises made during the previous drought have been kept, conservation efforts are slipping as well-drilling threatens groundwater.
Wildfires
Posted inLatest News
Overworked California firefighters struggle with PTSD, suicide, fatigue, intensifying wildfires
Cal Fire faces a mental health crisis. As wildfires burn year-round, thousands of overworked California firefighters carry a heavy load of trauma, pain and grief. They leave a fire but the fire never leaves them.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Left out to dry: Sprinkler requirements the next hurdle for beleaguered CZU rebuilders
As more families in the Santa Cruz Mountains begin the rebuilding process nearly two years after losing their homes in the CZU Lightning Complex fire, another issue has become evident: a fire sprinkler requirement, and a lack of adequate water pressure for all affected families. Some say this could hinder their ability to get home more so than before: “What can I do, just move in and face possible red-tagging?”
Posted inCoast Life
Reimagining Big Basin: Following CZU fire devastation, what should the park become?
The devastating CZU Complex fire that burned 97% of Big Basin Redwoods State Park is giving way to new growth — and new plans, including tribal involvement, as the 120-year-old park comes back to life.
Posted inEnvironment
California properties at risk of wildfire expected to see sixfold increase in 30 years
The number of California properties facing severe wildfire risk is expected to grow sixfold over the next 30 years, according to new research.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
A tale of two recoveries: Rebuilding frustrates CZU families; officials say they’re ahead of the curve
With building costs up 20-30% from pre-pandemic levels, red tape, updated building codes, construction price hyperinflation and the recurring nightmare of personal loss have combined to stymie efforts to get Santa Cruz County residents back into houses in areas devastated by the 2020 CZU blaze.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County’s new CZU dashboard shows fewer than 10% have been issued rebuilding permits
Last week, the county launched a CZU recovery dashboard, providing basic data about the rebuilding process. While county spokesperson Jason Hoppin said Santa Cruz’s progress is in line with other communities’ post-fire rebuilds, some survivors said the process remains overly burdensome.
Posted inPolitics & Policy, San Lorenzo Valley
Why a Boulder Creek land purchase has conservationists so excited
The Sempervirens Fund is closing in on a purchase of a 153-acre property near Big Basin Redwoods State Park — a development that could reopen at least part of the region devastated by the CZU Lightning Complex fire in 2020.
Posted inLatest News
Colorado fire: Containment at 35%; new mapping puts Big Sur blaze at 700 acres
Firefighters made more progress Sunday on the wildfire burning south of Carmel, which was said to be 35% contained and smaller than previously estimated at 700 acres. Hundreds remained evacuated after the blaze sparked Friday night in Palo Colorado Canyon amid blustery winds, and Highway 1 was closed from the Granite Canyon Bridge to Andrew Molera State Park.
Posted inEnvironment
Judge pauses California luxury development over wildfire evacuation concerns
A court has ruled that Lake County failed to properly analyze how a Guenoc Valley development would affect evacuation routes in times of wildfire.