EnvironmentDespite stormy February, California snowpack levels are below averageFebruary 29, 2024 | Manola SecairaFebruary’s monthly snow survey revealed California’s snowpack is at 80% of what’s average for this time of year. Experts say warmer storms, which brought lots of rain but less snowfall, are to blame.
EnvironmentCold storm projected to bring rain and wind to Sacramento, blizzard warning to SierraFebruary 29, 2024 | Steve Milne | Vicki Gonzalez | Claire MorganThe storm is expected to drop up to 10 feet of snow in the mountains around Lake Tahoe by the end of the weekend. Forecasters are warning that snow could fall at elevations as low as 1,500 feet on Saturday. And wind gusts could be above 100 mph over
EnvironmentWildfires are killing California's ancient giants. Can seedlings save the species?February 27, 2024Extreme wildfires have destroyed about one-fifth of all giant sequoia trees. To safeguard their future, the National Park Service is planting seedlings that could better survive a hotter climate.
EnvironmentNASA is looking for people to test out its Mars simulator for a yearFebruary 23, 2024The agency is accepting applicants for the second cohort of its Mars simulator mission. Participants will live and work from a 3D-printed, 1,700-square-foot facility at NASA's Houston space center.
State GovernmentWaiting and sweltering: Why are California’s indoor heat protections for workers five years late?February 22, 2024In March, the state is finally set to approve rules to protect workers from excessive heat indoors. Officials busted a 2019 deadline — a delay that demonstrates California’s byzantine rulemaking process.
EnvironmentSaturated California gets more rain and snow, but so far escapes severe damage it saw only weeks agoFebruary 20, 2024Much of saturated California remains under threat of floods as the latest winter storm blows through, but so far the state has escaped the severity of damage spawned by a recent atmospheric river.
EnvironmentNevada County rejects controversial gold mining projectFebruary 20, 2024 | Manola SecairaRise Gold, the company interested in reopening a Grass Valley gold mine, first submitted an application to resume operations in 2019. But they were soon met with opposition. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
State GovernmentIt’s the only store for dozens of miles. PG&E’s latest rate hikes could put it out of businessFebruary 16, 2024High electric bills consumed 65% of a rural grocery store’s profit last year. Owners say they may close the store because of PG&E rate hikes.
Sacramento Region1 down, 2 to go: Trifecta of storms to hit Sacramento this weekendFebruary 15, 2024 | Manola Secaira | Claire MorganThese storms likely won’t bring winds as strong as what the region saw earlier this month, but heavy rain might cause some ponds to form in roadways or minor flooding. We’ll also likely see more snow in the mountains, which could impact travel.
EnvironmentCalifornia sea otters nearly went extinct. Now they're rescuing their coastal habitatFebruary 9, 2024California sea otter populations have rebounded in recent decades. New research finds that by feasting on shore crabs, these otters are helping to protect their coastal marsh habitat against erosion.
