EnvironmentAtmospheric river brings rain, wind and snow to Northern CaliforniaDecember 13, 2021 | Steve Milne | Chris HaganA wind advisory is in effect Monday and officials are advising against mountain travel as an atmospheric river rolls over the Sacramento region and much of Northern California through Tuesday, bringing heavy rain and snow.
EnvironmentLandmark California smog rules target lawn equipment, big rig trucksDecember 12, 2021California’s air board enacted two first-of-their-kind smog rules for trucks and lawn equipment. They’ll cost billions but cut tons of emissions.
EnvironmentFather, son arrested for allegedly starting Caldor Fire have been under investigation since August, attorney saysDecember 8, 2021 | Scott RoddDavid Scott Smith, 66, and Travis Shane Smith, 32, are accused of reckless arson related to the Caldor Fire, which burned for 67 days In El Dorado and Amador counties and destroyed more than 1,000 structures.
State GovernmentAfter long delay, California lawmakers hold wildfire oversight hearingDecember 7, 2021 | Scott RoddState lawmakers held an oversight hearing Tuesday to discuss wildfires and how the state plans to spend this year’s record-setting investment to prevent them.
Health CareCalifornia failed to protect outdoor workers from wildfire smoke under Biden's new OSHA chiefDecember 2, 2021The state rarely penalized employers for breaking the rules under Douglas Parker, who now leads the federal agency charged with ensuring worker safety, according to an investigation by KQED and The California Newsroom.
EnvironmentThe butterflies are back! Annual migration of monarchs shows highest numbers in yearsNovember 26, 2021The annual winter monarch butterfly migration, which has seen steep declines in recent years, seems to be making a comeback. Biologists are encouraged and confused by the trend.
State GovernmentA 50% coupon for one tool? Gardeners call California’s subsidy inadequateNovember 26, 2021California will ban most new gas-powered lawn equipment starting in 2024, but landscapers and gardeners warn the transition will cost them money and jobs.
EnvironmentFour San Joaquin Valley groundwater plans deemed inadequateNovember 20, 2021State officials warn some of the state’s most powerful and largest agricultural districts that their plans fail to address how over-pumping could harm local communities’ drinking water supplies.
State GovernmentCal Fire chief to retire in December after leading agency through record wildfire seasons November 15, 2021 | Scott RoddPorter steered Cal Fire through record-setting wildfire seasons driven by decades of poor forest management and climate change. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentCars and trucks: How international climate promises compare to California’s mandatesNovember 13, 2021Nations addressing climate change took on gasoline and diesel vehicles in pledges that mirror California’s mandates and plans — and in some cases, go even further.