EnvironmentEl Niño Is Here. Here’s what it could mean for the Bay Area this winterJune 12, 2026Federal officials report that there’s a 63% chance of a very strong El Niño this year. As a result, Sacramento, the Bay Area and the Central Valley may experience a wetter, riskier winter.
Sacramento RegionWhat’s really going on with Tahoe’s power situation?June 11, 2026 | Sarit LaschinskyThousands of California customers in the Lake Tahoe region will need a new power supplier next year. This is raising concerns from residents over potential rate hikes, representation issues and the role of data centers. Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentSouthern California officials lift all evacuation orders for residents near damaged chemical tankMay 27, 2026Officials have lifted evacuation orders for final 16,000 residents near a damaged chemical tank in California.
Sacramento RegionSurvivor’s statement, no 911 calls: Sheriff’s reports reveal new details around Lake Tahoe boat accidentMay 26, 2026 | Sarit LaschinskyRecently-released reports from the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office shed new light on the final hours before the recreational boat capsized during a sudden storm, killing eight of the 10 people aboard.
EnvironmentThousands still evacuated near Southern California chemical tank despite eased explosion fearsMay 26, 2026Thousands of people who live near a damaged hazardous chemical tank in Southern California still can't return home, even as officials say the risk of a catastrophic explosion had largely passed.
Sacramento RegionLooking to go electric? Here’s what to know about EV’s in SacramentoMay 19, 2026 | Ruth FinchThe price tag and change of pace can be daunting, but enthusiasts say it’s worth it.
EnvironmentMore than 17,000 under evacuation orders as Southern California wildfire threatens homesMay 19, 2026More than 17,000 people are under evacuation orders as a wildfire continues to threaten suburban homes in Southern California. The Sandy Fire in hills above Simi Valley, northwest of Los Angeles, had consumed more than two square miles of dry brush.
EnvironmentDelivering the future: Zipline tests drones high above historic Yolo county cattle ranchMay 19, 2026 | Chris NicholsZipline’s drones fly thousands of test missions each week above the ranch’s rolling hills near Esparto. The Bay Area company’s goal is to fly consumer goods directly to your home.
EnvironmentData centers are guzzling California’s water. We have no idea how muchMay 18, 2026Data centers are expanding into water-stressed California communities. Lax disclosure rules keep the public in the dark about actual water usage.
EnvironmentCalifornia now faces a ‘fire year.’ How is the state preparing?May 14, 2026 | Sarit Laschinsky | Andrew GarciaThe Golden State could face a potentially wildfire-prone summer amid a lack of snowfall and warming weather, and emergency services are gearing up to combat what has become the “fire year.” Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
