State Supreme Court won’t hear Delta appeal:

In California water news this weekend, State Supreme Court won’t hear Delta appeal; State Supreme Court sides with Southern California in epic water war over Delta islands; Delta tunnels: War of words erupts over payments; Staying focused on the state’s water needs; Less water in Sierra rivers is ‘new normal’: Three Rivers author; Delta smelt report features Solano County projects;  … Read Here  Read More

Famed river guide George Wendt dies at 74

George Wendt, the one-time math teacher who quit his job so he could move to Angels Camp and build one of the world’s largest outdoor adventure firms, died July 9 at a hospital in Sacramento. He was 74. Read Story Here  Read More

Mark Twain Medical Center deal misses deadline for November ballot

Health Care District board considers independent operation Read Here   Read More

Refund program to help expand broadband

BY RACHELLE CHONG AND LLOYD LEVINE Special to The Bee / July 13, 2016 This year is turning out to be a bellwether year for internet law and policy. In June, a federal court ruled that high-speed internet is an essential “utility” and should be available to all Americans. In February, the Federal Communications Commission redefined broadband internet as a Title II common carrier service, moving it from an information service to a telecommunications... Read More

California governor looks to extend climate change efforts

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Jerry Brown has launched a campaign to extend some of the most ambitious climate-change programs in the country and ensure his environmental legacy when he leaves office in two years. The centerpiece of the push is a cap-and-trade program that aims to reduce the use of fossil fuels by forcing manufacturers and other companies to meet tougher emissions limits or pay up to exceed them. The program has... Read More

Dead trees threaten homes, utility lines in Arnold

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. is paying contractors to remove thousands of dead trees that pose a risk to its powerlines. For many property owners, the PG&E work is a godsend, taking care of trees that would have been prohibitively expensive for the owners to remove. Read Article   Read More

Sacramento Judge Rules Delta Plan Is “Invalid”

In his decision, Judge Michael Kenny said: “To be clear, the Delta Plan is invalid and must be set aside until proper revisions are completed.” Read article here   For the complete statement from the Council, go to: https://mavensnotebook.com/2016/06/23/this-just-in-delta-stewardship-council-issues-statement-on-courts-tentative-delta-plan-ruling/‘  Read More

Forest Service: Nearly 700,000 dead trees in Calaveras County

Drought, beetles, warmer temps led to historic die-off Read entire article here  Read More

Brown’s lofty environmental goals face uncertain future

California’s clean vehicle rebate program is on hold, and legal uncertainties cloud the future of cap-and-trade. What does this mean for Gov. Jerry Brown’s efforts to reverse climate change? Three years ago, he established the lofty goal of having 1.5 million zero-emission vehicles on California roads by 2025. Read entire article here  Read More

Forest Service: Staggering 66 million dead trees in California. 700,000 dead in Calaveras.

Twelve million trees across California recently have died from a lethal mix of bugs and long-term drought. Needle-covered trees are unable to secrete the sticky resin to fight off bark beetle infestations. We absolutely see this in our Sierra Nevada forests. Read entire article here      Read More