In today's newscast:
Santa Cruz ballot measure could bolster offshore drilling protections
The Santa Cruz County Board of supervisors is pushing back against the Trump Administration’s plans to expand offshore drilling and seabed mining, including off the Central Coast.
On Tuesday, marine scientist George Leonard with Save Our Shores told county supervisors drilling and mining would increase air pollution, accelerate climate change and threaten local ecosystems and economies.
“The administration has not ruled out drilling in our national marine sanctuaries, including the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary off our coast," he said. "What this means is that Santa Cruz really can't sit back and simply rely on existing protections to counter what is essentially a rogue federal government.”
Local governments can't control what happens in federal waters, just three miles offshore, but they can deny permits to develop onshore support.
The board voted unanimously to put a measure before voters this fall to strengthen and update current protections. It doesn’t outlaw facilities, but it requires voter approval for any new development.
California State Parks Week begins
California State Parks week begins Wednesday with the goal of getting more people out to enjoy nature.
Santa Cruz district interpreter Rhiannon Sims views the role of state parks as bringing the community together.
"There's something for everyone," she said. "We can highlight all of the many different natural, cultural, and recreational resources in each park."
In Monterey County, parks interpreter Richard Fletcher says often people don’t realize everything the parks have to offer.
"It is a great way for people to fall in love with parks all over again," he said.
California State Parks week runs through June 14.
