In today's newscast:
How wildfires impact bird populations
Scientists are studying how wildfires affect birds.
Morgan Tingley is an ecology professor at UCLA. He says wildfires can be helpful for birds.
"After the fire occurs, there is regeneration and there's regrowth and many species actually take advantage of that," said Tingley.
But that only works if there’s unburned habitat nearby. And the birds have to survive the fire, which can be challenging for larger or more territorial species.
"Condors or owls or things like that, that might not actually be able to really escape a forest fire and aren't small enough to find someplace to hide," said Tingley.
He worries about the critically endangered California condors.
"The population in Big Sur, which is one of the longest and strongest populations for the whole species, is, in my opinion, at risk due to increased fire frequency," Tingley said.
But, he added, condor conservation efforts are working overall.
Watsonville Community Hospital possible service cuts
On Wednesday, the board that oversees Watsonville Community Hospital will consider a resolution that could authorize the closure of obstetric services.
According to a board report submitted ahead of the Oct. 28 meeting, 80% of maternity patients seen at Watsonville have Medi-Cal, which reimburses below the cost of coverage.
Dr. Andrew Harkins has worked at the hospital for seven years.
"We know that Dominican can support their own labor and delivery unit and their NICU on the same volume," said Harkins. "So then you have to ask, 'What is the difference between us and them?' And it really is the insurance."
The resolution requires 120 days notice before a closure can occur. And, even if it passes, it leaves the door open for the board to reconsider.
