fires

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 County has updates on cleanup efforts following the January battery plant fire. But residents and some supervisors remain frustrated by the lack of information about possible human and environmental health impacts. Ongoing research from Moss Landing Marine Labs may help answer their questions.

Central Coast State Sen. John Laird's bill requiring more robust emergency action plans and fire hazard inspections for battery energy storage systems is headed to Governor Gavin Newsom's desk. And, water pumps and sprinklers have kept giant sequoias within the Sierra National Forest safe from the ongoing Garnet Fire.

Congressional legislation introduced this week aims to provide relief to people with federally backed housing loans following climate disaster. And state legislation banning the sale of new Glock handguns could reach Gov. Newsom's desk by late August.

Structure demolition at the site of the Moss Landing battery fire could begin this month, and owner Vistra Energy will be responsible for compiling a health risk assessment. Plus, paternity leave rates are increasing in California.

The percentage of homeless students in Monterey County is the highest in California. And, the county says it has corrected its online dashboard of test results following the Vistra fire.

The City of Santa Cruz is getting $30 million for a new behavioral health treatment center. And, the National Weather Service warns that June could bring above average fire danger to California.

A new dashboard combines data about the Moss Landing Vistra fire from multiple agencies into one interactive map. And, San Benito County explores new affordable housing options.

In today's newscast, a Monterey supervisor says weak California laws allow PG&E to propose a June 1 reopening despite not submitting a new fire emergency plan. And, a middle schooler in Santa Cruz has organized this evening's We Will Not Be Erased march.