climate change Sparse snowpack in California fuels concern over fast-approaching fire season By Rachel Becker | CalMatters | April 1, 2026 Only the extreme drought year of 2015 beat this year’s snowpack for the worst on record.
climate change Record heat, melting snow: What does it mean for California’s reservoirs? By Rachel Becker | CalMatters | March 20, 2026 A rapidly Sierra Nevada snowpack means less water when the state needs it most.
Environment Is California’s ski season deadlier than usual? Here’s why we don’t know By Rachel Becker | CalMatters | March 6, 2026 The state doesn't track resort injuries or deaths.
California Facing ‘extinction vortex,’ California grants new protections to some mountain lions By Rachel Becker | CalMatters | February 12, 2026 Officials declared Central Coast and Southern California mountain lions threatened under the state’s endangered species act.
Bay Area ‘Little death bombs’: Illegal cannabis farms poison California’s forests. Who’s cleaning them up? By Rachel Becker | CalMatters | February 9, 2026 An environmental research group sounds the alarm on lasting consequences of pollution on public land.
Environment Trump move to break up atmospheric research center threatens wildfire, storm predictions By Rachel Becker | CalMatters | December 19, 2025 Scientists warn that dismantling the federally-funded science center will endanger Americans even beyond the hundreds whose jobs are now at risk in Colorado.
Environment ‘Emerging threat’: An invasive species is upending life in the Delta, with no help on the way By Rachel Becker | CalMatters | November 4, 2025 Golden mussels pose a threat to the pumping facilities that send Delta water to farms and cities in Central and Southern California.
climate change Dozens of lightning strike fires are burning across California. A warming climate could bring more, according to new study By Rachel Becker | CalMatters | September 4, 2025 Fires in the Sierra foothills have already torched nearly 14,000 acres, and devastated the historic Gold Rush town of Chinese Camp.
Environment Key player in California’s water wars embraces controversial pact By Rachel Becker | CalMatters | July 24, 2025 State officials say that they expect this approach will engender more cooperation and avoid lawsuits that could delay action.
Environment A new invader threatens California water supplies. Can the state stop its spread? By Rachel Becker | CalMatters | July 15, 2025 Officials are shoring up water systems infiltrated by the golden mussel.