Sacramento RegionAn unusual summer: Why was Sacramento’s July so cool?August 6, 2025 | Sarit Laschinsky | Chris NicholsLast summer saw record-breaking heat bake the region for days on end, including the hottest month in Sacramento’s history. But this July brought surprisingly cooler weather, though temperatures and averages still fell short of historical records.
Sacramento Region‘A dumping ground’: How, and why, did the Delta become a home for abandoned ships?August 5, 2025 | Sarit Laschinsky | Vicki GonzalezA recent state report found dozens of abandoned vessels littering the waterways of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, some of which have been sitting for decades. These ships can pose serious environmental and navigational threats.
EnvironmentCal Fire adds final Firehawk helicopters to fleetAugust 1, 2025 | Gerardo ZavalaCalifornia just completed its Firehawk helicopter fleet — faster, stronger aircraft with high-flying capability. Cal Fire and Governor Gavin Newsom say it’s a crucial upgrade as wildfires intensify.
Environment‘It's hard to put myself in their shoes’: Local leaders, fire officials reflect on rebuilding after the Park FireAugust 1, 2025 | Vicki Gonzalez | Sarit LaschinskyThe Park Fire started in Chico’s Bidwell Park in July 2024 and quickly grew into one of the largest wildfires in California history. One year later, local communities like the small town of Cohasset are still deep in the recovery process.
EnvironmentA ‘living fossil’ at risk: California’s white sturgeon population continues to declineJuly 30, 2025 | Vicki Gonzalez | Sarit LaschinskyPopulations of the ancient bony fish have continued to decline across California, according to a new report. The sturgeon’s long life span makes it difficult to study, with researchers having to wait years before the fish begin to spawn.
EnvironmentA new invader threatens California water supplies. Can the state stop its spread?July 21, 2025Officials are shoring up water systems infiltrated by the golden mussel. Dogs and human inspectors are checking boats at some lakes, but a patchwork of oversight leaves many lakes unprotected.
Sacramento RegionLevee project could transform Sacramento stretch of the American River. Some community members want it changedJuly 17, 2025 | Sally LongeneckerA proposed levee project would take out hundreds of trees along the American River near Watt Avenue. American River Trees is urging the Army Corps of Engineers to consider alternatives. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentCalifornia’s red line of fire defense faces growing scrutinyJuly 8, 2025 | Greg MicekCalifornia relies heavily on PHOS-CHEK fire retardant to battle wildfires. But as toxic metals are found in the drops, and lawsuits mount, questions are being asked about what’s really in the red mist.
EnvironmentHere’s how to help boost bee populations in the Sacramento regionJune 26, 2025 | Manola SecairaAngela Laws, an endangered species conservation biologist, helps take care of a community-led garden dedicated to attracting pollinators in Sacramento’s South Natomas neighborhood. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Sacramento RegionCalifornia’s first Black-led conservancy group works to make nature more inclusiveJune 25, 2025 | Tyler Webb | Vicki Gonzalez40 Acre Conservation League, California’s first Black-led conservancy group, acquired hundreds of acres of land near Emigrant Gap in Placer County. The organization plans to make the land open for public recreation within a few years.
