For years, scientists have said that atmospheric rivers can make or break the water supply of California’s thirsty cities and farms. Over the past two winters, a steady succession of these giant “rivers in the sky” has dumped record-breaking and drought-wrecking precipitation across the state, while simultaneously causing catastrophic flooding, landslides and dangerous snowstorms. But … Read more
The powerful earthquake in Taiwan on Wednesday shook an island well prepared for a seismic catastrophe – probably more than some regions of the US, several experts said. Nine deaths have been reported, although Taiwanese officials said the death toll could rise in the coming days. More than 1,000 were injured and at least 100 … Read more
Advocates of organic farming have long portrayed it as kinder to people and the planet. But a new study in a California county found a surprising effect as their acreage grew: Nearby conventional farms applied more pesticides, likely keeping control of a greater insect threat to their crops, the researchers said. Ashley Larsen, lead author … Read more
Advocates of organic farming have long portrayed it as kinder to people and the planet. But a new study in a California county found a surprising effect as their acreage grew: Nearby conventional farms applied more pesticides, likely keeping control of a greater insect threat to their crops, the researchers said. Ashley Larsen, lead author … Read more
Robert Dedlow, owner of Kentor Canyon Farms in Fillmore, cuts organic thyme during a tour of his farm in 2021. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) To help California combat climate change, air quality regulators would like to see 20% of the state’s farmland go organic by 2045. This means that approximately 65,000 hectares … Read more
(Getty Images) I was probably no more than 50 yards from the rough bump that lurked around the low-lying, boggy meadow. His soaked brown fur glistened in the morning sun as I watched in disbelief. Remarkably, I followed a black bear. On my road trip from the Bay Area, I traversed Sacramento, Yosemite National Park, … Read more
DENVER (AP) — While artificial intelligence made headlines with ChatGPT, the behind-the-scenes technology has quietly seeped into everyday life — screening resumes, applying for rental apartments and in some cases even determining medical care. While a number of AI systems have been found to be discriminatory and tip the balance in favor of certain races, … Read more
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — After two false starts, the billionaires behind a plan to build an environmentally friendly city from scratch are behind schedule and off to a bumpy start in putting their proposal before California voters in November . Former Goldman Sachs trader Jan Sramek unveiled in January his closely guarded ballot initiative for … Read more