State GovernmentMore Than 25 Percent Of California's Firefighting Budget Already Up In SmokeJuly 31, 2014 | Ben AdlerLess than a month into the new fiscal year, California has already used up more than a quarter of the money set aside in the state budget for fighting wildfires. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
State GovernmentIndependent Commission: Fix Parks System, Then Ask Voters to Pay For ItJuly 30, 2014 | Ben AdlerAn independent state commission says the California Department of Parks and Recreation must fix its broken administration, management and bureaucracy. It then recommends asking voters to pay for maintaining the parks. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentNew California Fines For Wasting Water Take EffectJuly 30, 2014New regulations that include fines up to $500 a day for residents who waste water are taking effect in California.
EnvironmentManaging Groundwater Supply Critical As Drought ContinuesJuly 28, 2014 | Ed JoyceContinued drought brings drawdown of groundwater in California, other western states.
State GovernmentCalifornia Bill Would Streamline Solar Construction PermittingJuly 28, 2014 | Max PringleA bill in the California legislature would require local jurisdictions to deal with permits for solar projects more quickly. Supporters say some projects are held up for weeks because of red tape. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentEl Portal Fire Threatening Parts of Yosemite National ParkJuly 27, 2014The El Portal Fire, which started on Saturday, has burned 1,900 acres on the Stanislaus National Forest and 200 acres in Yosemite National Park. (Photo courtesy of Edie Howe) UPDATE: 10:20 p.m.
EnvironmentFirefighters Make Progress On Sand Fire; Hundreds Still EvacuatedJuly 27, 2014The Sand Fire is holding at 3,800 acres, with 50 percent containment. Fifty-one structures have burned, including 13 residences. The fire began Friday near Highway 49 and Sand Ridge Road at the Amador-El Dorado county line. UPDATE: 10:05 p.m.
EnvironmentSand Fire Triples In Size, More Evacuations OrderedJuly 26, 2014The Sand Fire, near the Amador-El Dorado county line, more than tripled in size Saturday, and has now burned 4,000 acres. The fire has claimed 12 structures, and stands at 20 percent containment. UPDATE: 8:51 p.m.
EnvironmentSand Fire At Amador-El Dorado County Line 20 Percent Contained; Two Structures BurnedJuly 25, 2014The Sand Fire in Amador County was 20 percent contained as of late Friday. The blaze is burning near the El Dorado County line, has grown to more than 1,300 acres and burned two structures. UPDATED: 11:25 p.m.
Environment2 More Bears Captured, Released To Sierra WildJuly 24, 2014(AP) -- Wildlife officials say they expect this month to be a busy bear season.
