Rachel Becker
CalMatters-
Even after legalization, illicit cannabis grows continue to pollute California’s public lands. And the contamination, new research shows, lingers. -
Social Security and Medicare benefits will keep flowing in a government shutdown, but federal employees will be working without pay and delays likely will occur across many services. -
When lightning strikes are abundant, so are wildfires – some in remote places across the state. Scientists warn there may be more in the future. -
Major changes to the California Environmental Quality Act include an exemption for high-tech industrial plants and other projects. The move, fast-tracked under pressure from Gov. Gavin Newsom, sparked fierce pushback from environmental, community and labor groups. -
Siskiyou County ranchers who defied a state water order in 2022 were fined only about $50 each. Under new legislation headed to the governor, some daily fines for water scofflaws can increase 20-fold. -
The chemical, used for decades, can harm babies’ developing brains. Farmworkers and people living near fields are most at risk. The EPA issued a rare emergency order. -
The fire is moving into areas where salmon are waiting to spawn. Already in dire shape, experts worry that the Park Fire could be the deathblow to these fish. -
The measures are substantially weaker than a previous proposal after an onslaught of criticism. But they will still save enough water through 2050 to supply the state’s entire population for a year, at a cost of $4.7 billion. -
Failing water systems span the state — from tiny Del Norte County on the Oregon state line to San Diego and Imperial counties near the border with Mexico. -
Federal officials moved to cancel commercial and recreational salmon fishing off California as the fish still aren’t thriving. -
California farms could use 93% less water but less-thirsty crops, such as grains and hay, are much less lucrative than nuts and fruits. Fallowing a small fraction of the thirstiest crops would save 9%. -
The revised proposal grants water providers an extra five years for reducing outdoor irrigation. Cities and water agencies are relieved, while critics say Californians will keep wasting water.
