A new report released last week by the Department of the Interior’s Deputy Secretary Michael L. Connor finds that projected changes in temperature and precipitation, combined with a growing population, will have significant impacts on water supplies, water quality, fish and wildlife habitats, ecosystems, hydropower, recreation and flood control, in California’s Central Valley this century. […]

Air quality in California’s San Joaquin Valley, which for years has been ranked as one of the worst in the United States, has improved over the past decade and looks to improve even more in the future. Speaking at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society in San Francisco, chemist Sally Pusede described how […]

On July 9th, Governor Jerry Brown signed into law AB 2488 by Assembly Member Marc Levine (D-San Rafael). The bill immediately allows limited wine and cider tasting at certified farmers’ markets. AB 2488 takes effect immediately to allow sales during the current season. The new privilege is subject to a number of safeguards. Market managers […]

Avrek Law Firm has announced the launch of the DriveSafe Scholarship Contest, a 501c viral video contest on the dangers of distracted driving awarding $9,000 in scholarship funds, with first prize winning $5,000. The Irvine-based law firm wanted to do its part to prevent the lifelong impact that distracted driving accidents can create. “All of […]

A new report authored by the National Park Service confirms that climate change is happening in America’s national parks, and in some cases in rapid and concerning ways. These changes will have implications for what visitors see and experience in national parks and will require new approaches to the protection of natural and historic resources […]

The National Park Service (NPS) has opened the public comment period for the Wilderness Stewardship Plan/Draft Environmental Impact Statement (WPS/DEIS) for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. All public comments must be received by August 25. The NPS will use the framework established in the final version of this document to preserve wilderness character, provide […]

National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis signed a policy memorandum on June 20th that directs superintendents nationwide to prohibit launching, landing or operating unmanned aircraft on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service. “We embrace many activities in national parks because they enhance visitor experiences with the iconic natural, historic and cultural […]