EnvironmentSites Reservoir project finally gets green light, construction expected to begin in 2024November 24, 2023 | Vicki GonzalezLast week, California officials greenlit construction on the Sites Reservoir project, which would store excess surface water to release during drier years ahead. Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentAs storms arrive in California, reservoirs are in good shape. But the water forecast is murkyNovember 20, 2023Unlike a year ago, water storage is above average. Whether the year is wet or dry, though, remains uncertain despite El Niño conditions.
Environment'It feels like I'm not crazy.' Gardeners aren't surprised as USDA updates key mapNovember 20, 2023The USDA is updating an important map for gardeners and growers picking plants and flowers. The new map shows the contiguous U.S. is about 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the last map 11 years ago.
State GovernmentPG&E bills will go up by more than $32 per month next year in part to pay for wildfire protectionsNovember 16, 2023About 16 million people in California will pay higher electric and gas bills next year. The California Public Utilities Commission voted on Thursday to increase the typical bill for Pacific Gas & Electric customers by more than $32 per month.
EnvironmentThe nation’s first commercial direct air capture facility has opened in TracyNovember 16, 2023 | Manola SecairaIt’s the first in the United States to capture carbon, permanently store it and sell carbon removal credits to customers. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentWet weather returning to Sacramento region TuesdayNovember 13, 2023 | Steve Milne | Tony RodriguezNorthern California is expecting to see valley rainfall and mountain snow this week. Slick roads and commuting issues are possible in Sacramento.
EnvironmentParadise — a California town wiped off the map by wildfire — is still recovering 5 years onNovember 8, 2023Five years after of one of America's worst wildfires, slow and expensive recovery continues in Paradise, Calif., which could be a portent for what's ahead on fire-stricken Maui.
EnvironmentWith more rain and fewer fires, California forests saw more prescribed burns this yearNovember 8, 2023 | Manola SecairaThis technique, which involves the intentional and controlled burning of fuels on the forest floor, is a necessary tool to reduce fire risks in California.
EnvironmentExtreme weather has triggered over $3 billion in insurance payouts to California farmers since 2001November 3, 2023 | Manola SecairaThe Federal Crop Insurance Program, funded in large part by taxpayer money, pays farmers when their crop yields decline in an effort to keep the agricultural sector economically stable.
EnvironmentCalifornia wants swimming pools to be more energy efficient to boost grid reliabilityOctober 30, 2023 | Manola SecairaThere are more than a million swimming pools in California. Officials say more energy-efficient pool technology could be equivalent to getting 85,000 gas-powered cars off the road.
