EnvironmentGeneral Sherman passes health check but world's largest trees face growing climate threatsMay 24, 2024Researchers climbed the world’s largest tree to inspect for bark beetles and descended the giant sequoia with good news this week.
EnvironmentWildfire smoke is sticking around for longer in California, impacting lake ecosystemsMay 22, 2024 | Manola SecairaA new study from UC Davis found that the amount of time wildfire smoke lingers and the space it covers has increased dramatically since 2006. That can cool lake temperatures and impact how ecosystems function. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentStanislaus County declares emergency over tomato pestMay 21, 2024 | Rich IbarraThe beet leafhopper transmits a disease called curly top virus as it feeds on a variety of crops, including melons, cucumbers and tomatoes. Emergency proclamations have been declared in several Central Valley counties. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentWhen sea otters lose their favorite foods, they can use tools to go after new onesMay 20, 2024Some otters rely on tools to bust open hard-shelled prey items like snails, and a new study suggests this tool use is helping them to survive as their favorite, easier-to-eat foods disappear.
State GovernmentAfter a child’s death, California weighs rules for phys ed during extreme weatherMay 20, 2024A bill in California would require the state Department of Education to create guidelines that govern physical activity at public schools during extreme weather, including setting threshold temperatures for when students should exercise outside.
EnvironmentLa Familia Counseling Center is Sacramento’s first federally-recognized climate resilience hubMay 17, 2024 | Manola SecairaThe hubs are meant to provide resources and shelter for community members during extreme weather events. It’s only the fifth to be recognized by federal officials in California.
Environment$20 billion: The Delta tunnel’s new price tagMay 16, 2024The centerpiece of California’s water wars pits Gov. Newsom against local communities and environmentalists. A new report says the benefits of the tunnel exceed the cost since other water supplies would cost more.
Sacramento RegionSacramento City Council OKs plan to replace gas appliances — without stove requirementsMay 15, 2024 | Kristin LamThe plan focuses on retrofitting space and water heating appliances, but doesn’t recommend any requirements for stoves in homes or restaurants.
State GovernmentCalifornia moves closer to requiring new pollutant-warning labels for gas stovesMay 15, 2024The California Assembly has approved legislation that would require new gas stoves to carry a label warning users about pollutants that have been linked to respiratory illnesses.
Sacramento RegionSan Joaquin, Sacramento officials prepare for mosquito seasonMay 14, 2024 | Rich IbarraCalifornia saw 428 human cases of West Nile Virus last season, and officials are taking precautions against the spread of disease by setting up mosquito traps and doing outreach as warmer weather returns.
