Winter Storms 2023

The construction will also continue an ongoing improvement project meant to make the wharf more stable and resilient to future storms.

The California State Legislature has passed a bill that could significantly speed up the long-awaited reconstruction of the Pajaro River levee — a project that has been talked about for nearly 60 years.

When powerful winter storms overwhelmed Pajaro’s aging levee system in March, it forced thousands to evacuate their homes. Six months later, many still struggle to return.

The aging Pajaro levee is undergoing repairs ahead of winter, but will remain vulnerable to floods. Despite hopes for an expedited upgrade, a safer levee is still likely a decade away.

The victims who suffered property damage during last winter’s storms have more time to register for federal disaster relief. The registration period, which was scheduled to end last Thursday, has now been extended to September 1st.

The announcement comes months after Gov. Gavin Newsom promised money from the state's rapid response fund to help undocumented workers who can't access FEMA assistance.

The wet winter has led to countless flowers decorating our local landscapes. Science illustrator Erin Hunter guided KAZU's Doug McKnight on a walk through a coastal superbloom, describing the species and colors along the way.

Gov. Gavin Newsom in March said state relief would soon help flood victims who don’t qualify for federal emergency relief. The state has yet to name nonprofits that will dole out the aid.

This year’s historic winter storms and floods, followed by unusually cold weather, set back crops throughout the region. The delay is rippling from farms to farmworkers and into the broader economy.

Some Pajaro flood victims will not qualify for the long-awaited federal reimbursement programs through FEMA. But local charities are filling the gap.