Manola Secaira
Environment Reporter
Manola Secaira is CapRadio’s environment and climate change reporter. Before that, she worked for Crosscut in Seattle as an Indigenous Affairs reporter.
A Sacramento program aims to transition gas-reliant homes to greener energy
December 5, 2022
For years, California officials have encouraged residents to transition all parts of their lives — cars, stoves, power sources — to renewables.
Storms cause travel problems in the Sierra, but bring needed rain and snow
December 1, 2022
While the first of two expected winter storms made travel in the Sacramento region and Sierra Nevada difficult Thursday, researchers are hopeful it will bring needed snowpack to the state.
Cultural burning is key to fighting severe wildfires, Indigenous practitioners say
November 22, 2022
At the Cache Creek Nature Preserve, Indigenous practitioners have brought back cultural burning. Here’s what it looks like along the fire lines.
Wildfire smoke impacts more Californians than ever, according to a new report
November 15, 2022
Residents all over the state have felt the impacts of wildfire smoke. A new report from California’s Legislative Analyst’s Office offers suggestions for legislators to respond.
A new study finds beaver dams can boost water quality during a drought
November 14, 2022
Stanford researchers studied water quality along the Colorado River. This river is a resource for other states beyond Colorado, including California.
Researchers share what they’ve learned in the aftermath of the Mosquito Fire
November 3, 2022
The Mosquito Fire burned tens of thousands of acres, edging into a research forest just west of Lake Tahoe. Researchers are considering what to do in its aftermath.
A new UNICEF report says that children are experiencing frequent heat waves around the world
October 26, 2022
The report found that, in 2020, 90% of children in the U.S. experienced frequent heat waves, a big jump when compared to the global average during the same year, which was 24%. How is California adapting?
Oil and gas companies start signature gathering to challenge a CA law aimed at keeping drilling further from communities
October 24, 2022
A lobbying firm representing various oil and gas industry leaders – like Exxon Mobil and Chevron – launched a referendum effort to reverse a measure signed into law in September.
California law abolishes parking minimums for new developments close to public transit
October 12, 2022
Environmental groups say that removing parking requirements could result in lower vehicle emissions and boost walkability in neighborhoods.
Newsom signs a bill expanding union rights for farmworkers, shocking advocates
September 28, 2022
Advocates of the bill waited a month for the decision, setting up a vigil outside the capitol after a 335-mile march in August.