Local News

In this week's local news roundup: another fire breaks out in Big Sur, therapy dogs help firefighters, an endurance athlete reaches the mid-way point of a historic coastal swim, a homeowner finally finishes rebuilding after the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fires, and more

Fires have burned millions of acres and destroyed hundreds of homes and buildings in the West. California has sent engines and crews to fight fires in other states—but continues to feel vulnerable.

Firefighters are facing difficult conditions as they battle the Plaskett Fire. And, a Central Coast energy company is pushes for more transparency.

The Plaskett Fire started Wednesday, east of Los Burros Road and south of the growing Timber Fire. A record-breaking endurance athlete is swimming her way down the California Coast.

The Timber Fire has burned 17,817 acres and is moving deeper into the Ventana Wilderness. And, Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill expanding privacy protections for those who provide support services for immigrants.

The Timber Fire has now crossed the Big Sur River, and firefighters are preparing for continued growth in the Ventana Wilderness. Plus, firefighters battling the fire have found support from therapy dogs at base camp.

The Big Sur Timber Fire has grown to more than 12,000 acres. Santa Cruz County Long Term Recovery Group completes its first full rebuild. And, rental assistance keeps people housed.

The Long Term Recovery Group of Santa Cruz County helps people rebuild after fires and floods. They recently completed their first ground-up build of a house that burned down in the CZU fire six years ago.

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.