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.
State GovernmentPain at the pump turns political as CA governor candidates offer competing solutionsMarch 25, 2026 | Gerardo ZavalaCalifornians are feeling the squeeze at the pump and candidates for governor are offering sharply different ideas to bring relief.
EnvironmentWhat are the impacts of California’s unseasonably hot March?March 24, 2026 | Sarit Laschinsky | Laura FitzgeraldWestern states have been feeling the heat for more than a week, which has broken temperature records and raised longer-term concerns as California’s snowpack continues to melt. Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentSpring wildflowers arrive early across Northern CaliforniaMarch 23, 2026 | Andrew Garcia | Laura FitzgeraldWildflower season is already peaking across Northern California as warmer weather speeds up blooms. A Jepson Prairie docent explains where to go now before they’re gone. Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentA contentious project to raise California’s Shasta Dam just got a funding boost from TrumpMarch 18, 2026The Trump administration Tuesday announced $40 million for “planning and preconstruction activities associated with raising Shasta Dam."
EnvironmentCould grizzly bears make a return to California after a century-long absence?March 13, 2026 | Chris FeltsA new bill in the state Legislature could be key in returning the grizzly bear to California. It would require the Department of Fish and Wildlife to create a ‘roadmap’ for reintroduction by June 2028.
EnvironmentFirst in a century: Northern California condors could be caring for a historic eggMarch 11, 2026 | Sarit Laschinsky | Chris FeltsThe Yurok Tribe says it believes a pair of condors released in 2022 have built the first nest in their ancestral lands in more than 100 years, and could be incubating their first egg.
Sacramento RegionGreat horned owlet makes Sac State debut. Experts say owls are common in SacramentoMarch 9, 2026 | Keyshawn DavisA great horned owl fledgling was seen at Sacramento State late February. Experts at Sac State and the Wildlife Care Association say it’s not uncommon to see these types of birds in the wild during the day.
Sacramento RegionNew Colgate Powerhouse breach: What do the longer-term impacts look like?March 5, 2026 | Sarit Laschinsky | Vicki GonzalezThe Feb. 13 penstock rupture flooded the Yuba County hydroelectric facility, and triggered a landslide that put sediment, debris and oil in the Yuba River. Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
