News Archive

The Sites Reservoir — a $4.4 billion project to add dams and store more water that’ll be sent south — is still years away from completion. The final environmental report is expected this year.

Environment

How planting California natives helps bring back monarch butterflies, and other pollinators

February 28, 2023 | Manola Secaira

In Vallejo, residents hope to restore habitat to an area that once attracted thousands of monarchs each winter.

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Environment

Blizzard concerns in the Sierra, wind warning in Sacramento area from another powerful storm

February 27, 2023 | Steve Milne

Mountain travel could be extremely dangerous over the coming days as a new storm system hits Northern California, also bringing rain and wind to the Sacramento region. Clearer skies are expected Wednesday.

Environment

Winter storm sending heavy snow where California rarely sees it

February 23, 2023

The winter storm that's pummeling nearly half the United States means snow in parts of California that often don't see it

Environment

Water board waives Delta rules that protect salmon

February 23, 2023

Angering environmentalists, the water board decided that cities and farmers would get more Delta water while restricting flows for endangered salmon and other fish. The move came after Gov. Gavin Newsom suspended key environmental laws.

Environment

Sacramento Valley could see low-elevation snow as cold winter storm hits Northern California

February 21, 2023 | Claire Morgan

Forecasters say snow could fall in some foothill and northern Sacramento Valley areas. Here’s what to know about this week’s winter storm.

Environment

Steelhead surveys happening now in Sacramento will help future generations of fish survive

February 21, 2023 | Manola Secaira

Both Chinook and steelhead populations have struggled for decades throughout California. Researchers tracking them in the American River say their work informs efforts to boost their numbers.

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Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Environment

Floods, fires, droughts show California needs bigger safety net for farmworkers, advocates say

February 17, 2023

January’s rains flooded farm fields and orchards. Many California farmworkers lost weeks of pay. Advocates say the state should help them weather such crises. A leading proposal would pay $300 a week to undocumented workers.

Environment

Newsom suspends environmental laws to store more Delta water

February 15, 2023

Facing criticism that stormwater flowed out to sea, the governor asked the water board to waive rules designed to protect salmon and other endangered fish. Environmentalists call it “a breakdown of law and order” while growers laud it.

Environment

Frequent wildfires more likely to hit low-income communities, new report finds

February 15, 2023 | Manola Secaira

In the past, studies have suggested that areas where wealthier communities live face higher risks from wildfires in California. But a new report paints a different picture of who’s most impacted.

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