Environment

Sixty-seven acres of restored natural habitat in the heart of Salinas is now open to the public. And, an executive order aims to speed up oversight of artificial intelligence in California and study new rules.

An invasive beetle known for burrowing into native trees leaves behind a fungus that eventually kills them. And, President Donald Trump is using the Defense Production Act to expand federal authority over energy projects.

In this week's local news roundup: evacuation orders downgraded to warning in parts of a Timber Fire zone, a meeting between President Donald Trump and two local families, and CSUMB has a new interim president.

The Salinas City Council approved funding for planting more trees this week.

Firefighters are making progress on the Timber Fire, but Big Sur will need ongoing support. And, lawmakers want to protect climate programs but cap and invest auctions are bringing in less revenue.

Our weekly news roundup includes the most recent count of people experiencing homelessness in Monterey County, pushback on data center development, and the relaunch of the River Stewards program.

Monterey County has released the numbers from its most recent count of people experiencing homelessness. And, a final report addressing some impacts of the Moss Landing battery plant fire is now public.

Project Open Hand delivered its 30 millionth meal this week. And, the Coastal Watershed Council and People First of Santa Cruz County have relaunched their River Stewards program.

Our weekly news roundup includes an update on the cyclospora outbreak, stream health monitoring, new housing development in Monterey, and more.

UC Santa Cruz scientists are using bits of DNA shed over time to monitor stream health. And, a donation from the president of Open A-I pushes a fundraiser to buy land near Big Bear’s famous bald eagle nest beyond its goal.