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Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Race to zero: Can California’s power grid handle a 15-fold increase in electric cars?

January 18, 2023

Despite expecting 12.5 million electric cars by 2035, California officials insist that the grid can provide enough electricity. But that’s based on multiple assumptions.

State Government

California storm victims may be eligible for federal assistance. Here’s how.

January 18, 2023 | Vicki Gonzalez

Recent storms have toppled trees, forced flooding and landslides and killed at least 20 people statewide. Federal assistance may be available for those whose property was damaged in Sacramento County, here’s how to access those resources.

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Why did so many trees fall in Sacramento? What to know about damage to city’s tree canopy amid storms

January 12, 2023 | Manola Secaira

Though some trees can be more vulnerable to falling than others, storms of this magnitude — and frequency — can threaten any tree. The city estimates around 1,000 trees have fallen since New Year’s Eve.

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Ken James/California Department of Water Resources

Environment

Heavy rain is still hitting California. A few reservoirs figured out how to capture more for drought

January 12, 2023

Decades-old rules mean most reservoirs aren't allowed to fill up in the winter. A new approach using weather forecasts is helping some save more water to help with California's drought.

Courtesy Kenneth James / California Department of Water Resources

Environment

Here’s what to know about weirs and how they’re used in Sacramento

January 11, 2023 | Manola Secaira

For the first time in years, most Sacramento weirs are active due to high levels of water in area rivers. However, officials say they currently don’t have plans to open the Sacramento Weir, which was last opened in 2017.

Environment

High winds knocked down a tree at or near where you live? Here are some do’s and don’ts.

January 10, 2023 | Janelle Salanga

There have been over 1,000 reports of downed trees in the city of Sacramento since the New Year’s Day storm; some have also taken power lines with them.

Environment

Extreme weather, fueled by climate change, cost the U.S. $165 billion in 2022

January 10, 2023

The U.S. endured 18 separate billion-dollar disasters in 2022, highlighting the growing damages of human-caused climate change.

Environment

Why hospitals are struggling to meet earthquake safety deadline

January 9, 2023

It’s been close to 30 years since California enacted the bulk of its seismic safety standards, but hospitals continue to ask for more time and flexibility.

Environment

Storm updates: Governor Gavin Newsom says ‘the worst’ is ‘in front of us’

January 8, 2023

California Governor Gavin Newsom said ‘the worst’ of the storms is ‘in front of us’ after nearly 350,000 SMUD customers were without power Sunday morning in the latest powerful atmospheric river. The next is forecast to hit Sunday night into Monday.

Environment

What this series of atmospheric rivers says about California’s drought and water future

January 6, 2023 | Manola Secaira

Researchers say this storm could help boost water supplies for the summer, but also reveals weaknesses in the state’s flood-prevention infrastructure.

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California Burning: The Past, Present And Future Of Wildfires In The West

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Latest Environment News

Race to zero: Can California’s power grid handle a 15-fold increase in electric cars?

California storm victims may be eligible for federal assistance. Here’s how.

Why did so many trees fall in Sacramento? What to know about damage to city’s tree canopy amid storms

Heavy rain is still hitting California. A few reservoirs figured out how to capture more for drought

Here’s what to know about weirs and how they’re used in Sacramento

High winds knocked down a tree at or near where you live? Here are some do’s and don’ts.

Extreme weather, fueled by climate change, cost the U.S. $165 billion in 2022

Why hospitals are struggling to meet earthquake safety deadline

Storm updates: Governor Gavin Newsom says ‘the worst’ is ‘in front of us’

What this series of atmospheric rivers says about California’s drought and water future

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California Burning: The Past, Present And Future Of Wildfires In The West

Manola Secaira

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