EnvironmentStates across the wildfire-prone Western US are using AI for early detectionMay 4, 2026Another severe wildfire season is forecast for the Western U.S. due to record-breaking heat and an abysmal snowpack. Some states and utilities are trying to get ahead of that threat using AI.
Environment‘This is where you live’: California adds three new state parksApril 29, 2026 | Jen Picard | Vicki GonzalezThe new public spaces in Yuba, Fresno, Madera and Kern counties are being touted as the largest expansion of the state parks system in decades. Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Housing and HomelessnessClimate disaster victims are rebuilding using prefab homes from boxy to bespokeApril 28, 2026The spate of wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes and floods fueled by man-made climate change that have plagued vast swaths of the country in recent years is changing the housing industry.
Sacramento RegionNew delay in Sacramento County vote on controversial Natomas housing projectApril 27, 2026 | Tony RodriguezSacramento County supervisors are set to vote on a controversial plan to build nearly 9,400 homes near Natomas. City officials warn it violates a nature preservation agreement. Supporters say it’s needed to address the housing crisis.
EnvironmentCalifornia's fight over pipeline tests state's right to push back against Washington during warApril 27, 2026California continues to fight the Trump administration after it defied state officials to restart oil drilling off the Santa Barbara coast in the name of national security. State officials call it trespassing.
EnvironmentThrowing shade? Why not plant itApril 21, 2026 | Sally LongeneckerThe Sacramento Tree Foundation offers all SMUD customers 10 free shade trees. Some community members are helping their neighbors get involved. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Sacramento RegionCapitol Park has trees from all over the world. Here are some native to CaliforniaApril 20, 2026 | Keyshawn DavisThere are over 800 trees planted in Capital Park in Downtown Sacramento. Trees include Coastal Redwoods, Giant Sequoias, Palms, a tree from the Civil War and a “Moon Tree.” Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentFirst Northern California condor egg laid in more than a century ‘appears to be unsuccessful’April 20, 2026 | Chris Felts | Sarit LaschinskyResearchers with the Yurok Tribe announced in March that a pair of free-flying condors had likely built their first nest and laid their first egg. But now, biologists say it’s increasingly likely the egg failed or the chick did not survive.
EnvironmentSparse snowpack in California fuels concern over fast-approaching fire seasonApril 1, 2026With reservoirs brimming — but snowpack abysmal — experts warn of a potentially early fire season. Local fire officials are already making recommendations for what residents can do to stay safer.
Sacramento RegionAs temperatures rise, is California doing enough to keep its farmworkers safe?March 30, 2026 | Sarit Laschinsky | Andrew GarciaCalifornia was the first state in the country to pass heat regulations to protect agricultural workers in 2005. But a lack of resources to enforce these protections means many workers may not be informed, or know how or where to file a complaint. Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
