In today's newscast:
Residents worry over ICE facility plans
Local county supervisors are expressing concerns over a possible Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility on Holsclaw Road near Gilroy.
The Monterey County Board of Supervisors will send opposition letters to federal and state lawmakers. The county will also join any litigation efforts against the facility and review its own zoning laws.
At a meeting this week, Supervisor Luis Alejo said the matter is urgent.
"Apparently, work on demolition has already begun as of two weeks ago on the property," he said.
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors will also consider supporting legal action. Supervisor Felipe Hernandez said at a different meeting the proposed facility is spreading panic.
" Fear of family separation is deeply profound in our community, with reports of children avoiding school, workers fleeing workplaces," he said.
Santa Cruz County reaffirmed the sheriff’s office will not assist immigration enforcement.
Data centers don't have to report water use
Data centers are expanding into water-stressed communities, including Gilroy.
A new report from Santa Clara University and the think tank Next10 shows operators are using loopholes to hide how much water these facilities are using.
The report found data center projects can slip through with little environmental review if they stay under a certain size or water-use thresholds.
Two bills in the state Legislature could add oversight. San Mateo Assemblymember Diane Papan is behind them.
"If a basin is already in crisis, we shouldn't add major new demand without a very careful review," she said.
One bill would require operators to disclose water use when seeking or renewing a business license.
With reporting from our newsroom partner CalMatters.
