Environment

The latest sampling report on the Vistra battery fire in Moss Landing last January. And, the Trump administration is trying to halt billions of dollars in childcare funding for California and other Democrat-led states.

Newly published research confirms the January battery fire in Moss Landing released toxic metals into a protected marine estuary. And, an investigation into “Protect Salinas Renters” did not find evidence of wrongdoing in the group’s efforts to gather signatures for a petition earlier this year.

A paper published in November confirms that the Vistra battery fire in Moss Landing in January released heavy metal deposits into Elkhorn Slough Reserve. Researchers are now trying to understand what that means for the ecosystem.

Monterey and Santa Cruz counties are at the center of a power struggle with the state over a key part of the clean energy transition—battery storage.

How local homeless service providers are preparing for a sharp reduction in federal funding for permanent housing. And, Santa Cruz County takes a baby step toward regulating new battery energy storage facilities.

Local food pantries say they're seeing more people in food lines as CalFresh benefits are on hold. And, a UC Davis study found over 80% of elementary schools in California experienced some loss of trees between 2018 and 2022.

Almost 1,300 volunteers collected trash from beaches, rivers and parks on the Central Coast over the weekend in 58 local cleanups organized by the nonprofit Save Our Shores.

More than 14,000 people on the Central Coast face contaminated drinking water from nitrates in agricultural fertilizers. The regional water quality control board is searching for alternative water solutions.

The Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board discusses providing alternative clean water to residents with water contaminated by agricultural fertilizers. And, a new study from UC Irvine shows that California doesn't follow global wildfire trends.

Monterey County deputy superintendent of schools confirmed that federal funds that had previously been impounded have been released to schools for programs that support migrant and low income families.And, Governor Gavin Newsom will likely soon advance a proposal that eases permitting requirements for drilling new oil wells in California.