Paul Rogers
@paulrogerssjm.bsky.social
📤 657
📥 181
📝 86
Journalist covering science and environment news for the San Jose Mercury News
Is California really 100% drought-free for the first time in 25 years? Yes and no. Here's why.
www.mercurynews.com/2026/01/15/i...
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Is California really 100% drought-free for the first time in 25 years? Yes and no. Here’s why.
Drought Monitor report is getting a lot of attention. Experts say to keep the big picture in mind.
https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/01/15/is-california-really-100-drought-free-for-the-first-time-in-25-years-yes-and-no-heres-why/
7 days ago
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Highway 1 in Big Sur reopens after three-year closure
www.mercurynews.com/2026/01/14/h...
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Highway 1 in Big Sur reopens after three-year closure
Motorists can drive along the coast from the Bay Area to Southern California again after massive slide is cleared
https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/01/14/highway-1-in-big-sur-reopens-after-three-year-closure/?share=1a1wwowihniysioibt2r
8 days ago
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California's largest reservoir rises 36 feet as rains boost water supplies statewide
www.mercurynews.com/2026/01/05/c...
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California’s largest reservoir rises 36 feet as rains boost water supply statewide
Shasta, Oroville and other massive reservoirs continue to fill following big storms
https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/01/05/californias-largest-reservoir-rises-36-feet-as-rains-boost-water-supply-statewide/
17 days ago
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AI, self-driving cars, Newsom takes on Trump, Golden State Valkyries make a splash... The top 10 Bay Area stories of 2025 — and what they mean for 2026
www.mercurynews.com/2025/12/28/t...
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The top 10 Bay Area stories of 2025 — and what they mean for 2026
AI booms, Newsom rises, driverless cars take to the freeways, and the Golden State Valkyries begin with flair
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/12/28/the-top-10-bay-area-stories-of-2025-and-what-they-mean-for-2026/?share=srauyhecpywwooswe200
25 days ago
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Bay Area weather: Atmospheric rivers will bring storms all week until Christmas
mercurynews.com/2025/12/19/b...
#cawx
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Bay Area weather: Atmospheric rivers will bring storms all week until Christmas
Steady rain could delay fights at airports and travel, while bringing snow to desperate Sierra ski resorts.
https://mercurynews.com/2025/12/19/bay-area-weather-atmospheric-rivers-will-bring-storms-all-week-until-christmas/?share=haroaramhwmw1sliewhr
about 1 month ago
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California and 15 other states sue Trump for blocking EV charging funds -- $2.5 billion approved by Biden administration in dispute
www.mercurynews.com/2025/12/16/c...
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California sues Trump for blocking EV charging funds
Bonta says $180 million is being illegally withheld to build new chargers and repair existing ones
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/12/16/california-sues-trump-for-blocking-ev-charging-funds/?share=owlarlsuusousmmc5cln
about 1 month ago
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Bay Area Weather: No rain is forecast through Christmas. Is it time to worry about drought?
#cawx
www.mercurynews.com/2025/12/08/b...
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Bay Area weather: No rain is forecast through Christmas. Is it time to worry about drought?
Wet November conditions have given way to weeks of sunny, dry weather
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/12/08/bay-area-weather-no-rain-is-forecast-through-christmas-is-it-time-to-worry-about-drought/?share=cprwarawmurtwcnrearb
about 1 month ago
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Nearly 900 acres of land on Yosemite border returned to tribe forced out 175 years ago
www.mercurynews.com/2025/12/08/n...
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Nearly 900 acres of land on Yosemite border returned to tribe forced out 175 years ago
Scenic property was once considered for inclusion in Yosemite National Park but blocked by GOP congressman
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/12/08/nearly-900-acres-of-land-on-yosemite-border-returned-to-tribe-forced-out-175-years-ago/
about 2 months ago
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California's popular program allowing EVs to drive solo in carpool lane ends after 25 years as Congress & Trump decline to reauthorize it. $490 tickets for violators started this week.
www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/30/c...
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California’s popular EV carpool lane decal program ends: $490 tickets for violators
That “Clean Air Vehicle” sticker on electric vehicles has expired, and along with it a key perk
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/30/californias-popular-ev-carpool-lane-decal-program-ends-monday-490-tickets-for-violators/?share=rcoirrrac2ireureltr0
about 2 months ago
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$20 million project to restore wildlife, expand trails and boost flood protection along San Francisco Bay nears finish
www.mercurynews.com/2025/12/01/2...
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$20 million project to restore wildlife, expand trails and boost flood protection along San Francisco Bay nears finish
Restoration near Shoreline park in Mountain View expected to be completed this month.
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/12/01/20-million-project-nearly-finished-san-francisco-bay-trails-flood-protection/?share=nnotilddase1rrctoolc
about 2 months ago
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New Study: Moss Landing battery fire dumped 55,000 pounds of toxic metals into wildlife-rich marshes
www.mercurynews.com/2025/12/02/n...
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New study: Moss Landing battery fire dumped 55,000 pounds of toxic metals into wildlife-rich marshes
San Jose State University research sheds new light on impacts from disastrous January fire
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/12/02/new-study-moss-landing-battery-fire-dumped-55000-pounds-of-toxic-metals-into-wildlife-rich-marshes/?share=ttfsreom0ou5comsnids
about 2 months ago
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Plans for huge new oceanfront battery storage plant withdrawn following disastrous Moss Landing Fire
www.mercurynews.com/2025/12/03/p...
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Plans for huge new oceanfront battery storage plant are withdrawn following disastrous Moss Landing fire
January fire cost Texas company $400 million and stiffened opposition to the projects, which are key to renewable energy
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/12/03/plans-for-huge-new-oceanfront-battery-storage-plant-are-withdrawn-following-disastrous-moss-landing-fire/?share=lrams3undsointeieee2
about 2 months ago
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Trump releases plan to open California coastline to new offshore oil drilling
www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/20/t...
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Trump releases plan to open California coastline to new offshore oil drilling
Environmentalists, state leaders vow furious fight, rekindling battles from 1980s and Trump’s first term
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/20/trump-plans-to-open-california-coastline-to-new-offshore-oil-drilling/
2 months ago
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Popular Lake Tahoe state park to reopen after being closed for three years
www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/19/p...
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Popular Lake Tahoe state park to reopen after being closed for three years
“One of the gems of Lake Tahoe” was shuttered for a difficult rebuild of its failing 1930s water system.
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/19/popular-lake-tahoe-state-park-to-reopen-after-being-closed-for-three-years/
2 months ago
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Santa Clara Valley Water District picks five projects totaling $3.9 billion to boost water supplies by 2050
www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/14/w...
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Water district picks five projects totaling $3.9 billion to boost water supplies by 2025
Reservoirs, groundwater banking, recycled water aim to reduce shortages in severe droughts
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/14/water-district-picks-five-projects-totaling-3-9-billion-to-boost-water-supplies-by-2025/
2 months ago
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Central Coast beach covered with intricate sand art murals
www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/10/c...
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Central Coast beach covered with intricate sand art murals
Artists from as far away as Europe turned the sand into a huge canvas as thousands watched
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/10/central-coast-beach-covered-with-intricate-sand-art-murals/
2 months ago
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San Andreas, Cascadia faults could combine to set off huge double earthquake, new study finds
www.mercurynews.com/2025/10/07/s...
#earthquake
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San Andreas, Cascadia faults could combine to set off huge double earthquake, new study finds
West Coast’s two most notorious faults have potential to spark back-to-back calamity, scientists say
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/10/07/san-andreas-cascadia-faults-could-combine-to-set-off-huge-double-earthquake-new-study-finds/
4 months ago
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AI cameras are spotting wildfires across California — often before humans call 911
www.mercurynews.com/2025/09/19/a...
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AI cameras are spotting wildfires across California — often before humans call 911
From the Bay Area to San Diego, a growing network of high-tech devices searches for smoke and calls it in.
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/09/19/a-growing-network-of-ai-cameras-is-spotting-wildfires-across-california-often-before-humans-call-911/
4 months ago
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Electric vehicle access to carpool lanes is ending - How it will affect you
www.mercurynews.com/2025/09/08/e...
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Electric vehicle access to carpool lanes is ending – How it will affect you
One of California’s top perks for EV drivers expires on Sept. 30
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/09/08/electric-vehicle-access-to-carpool-lanes-is-ending-how-it-will-affect-you/
5 months ago
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Trump administration cancels nearly half a billion dollars for Northern California offshore wind project
www.mercurynews.com/2025/09/02/t...
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Trump administration cancels nearly half a billion dollars for Northern California offshore wind project
$426 million grant was to begin effort to build hundreds of turbines in the Pacific Ocean, 20 miles offshore
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/09/02/trump-administration-cancels-nearly-half-a-billion-dollars-for-northern-california-offshore-wind-project/
5 months ago
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"Leno's law" to ease smog checks on older cars stalls out in California legislature
www.mercurynews.com/2025/08/29/l...
#SB712
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“Leno’s law” to ease smog checks on older cars stalls out in California legislature
Former Tonight Show host sought to end smog checks for vehicles 35 years and older
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/08/29/lenos-law-to-ease-smog-checks-on-older-cars-stalls-out-in-california-legislature/
5 months ago
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Landfill that closed 47 years ago continues to leak trash into Pacific Ocean
www.mercurynews.com/2025/08/26/o...
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Landfill that closed 47 years ago continues to leak trash into Pacific Ocean
Mussel Rock, near the Daly City-Pacifica border, could cost $350 million to clean up
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/08/26/old-landfill-that-closed-47-years-ago-continues-to-leak-trash-into-pacific-ocean/
5 months ago
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Plans for the largest new Bay Area reservoir since 1998 collapse amid cost overruns, delays
www.mercurynews.com/2025/08/26/p...
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Plans for the largest new Bay Area reservoir since 1998 collapse amid cost overruns, delays
Santa Clara Valley Water District halts work on $3.2 billion Pacheco Reservoir after already spending $100 million
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/08/26/plans-to-build-the-largest-new-bay-area-reservoir-since-1998-collapse-amid-cost-overruns-and-years-of-delay/
5 months ago
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Moss Landing battery fire: Work begins to remove and recycle 55,000 burned batteries from wrecked oceanfront power plant
www.mercurynews.com/2025/08/13/t...
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Moss Landing battery fire: Work begins to remove and recycle 55,000 burned batteries from wrecked oceanfront power plant
Jan. 16 fire caused evacuations and raised safety questions about California’s renewable energy push
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/08/13/thousands-of-burned-batteries-at-moss-landing-power-plant-to-be-removed-starting-next-month/
5 months ago
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New national monument along Santa Cruz coast opens to the public for hiking, biking
www.mercurynews.com/2025/08/14/n...
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New national monument along Santa Cruz coast opens to the public for hiking, biking
The Cotoni-Coast Dairies property is five times the size of Golden Gate Park, along six miles of oceanfront.
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/08/14/new-national-monument-along-santa-cruz-coast-opens-to-the-public-for-hiking-biking/
5 months ago
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Cost to build largest new reservoir in California in 50 years increases by $2 billion to at least $6.2 billion
www.mercurynews.com/2025/07/16/c...
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Cost to build largest new reservoir in California in 50 years increases by $2 billion to at least $6.2 billion
Sites Reservoir would be 8th largest in California, providing water to Bay Area, farms, LA
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/07/16/cost-to-build-largest-new-reservoir-in-california-in-50-years-increases-by-2-billion-to-at-least-6-2-billion/
6 months ago
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Wildfires: Which parts of California are at highest fire risk this summer?
www.mercurynews.com/2025/06/14/w...
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Wildfires: Which parts of California are at highest fire risk this summer?
After three mild years in a row, 2025 began with the devastating LA fires. How high is danger this summer?
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/06/14/wildfires-which-parts-of-california-are-at-highest-fire-risk-this-summer/
7 months ago
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State funders criticize pace and progress on $2.7 billion plan to build new reservoir in Santa Clara County
www.mercurynews.com/2025/05/21/s...
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State funders criticize pace and progress on $2.7 billion plan to build new reservoir in Santa Clara County
After seven years, Valley Water lacks permits, environmental studies and partners for Pacheco Reservoir
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/05/21/state-funders-criticize-pace-and-progress-on-2-7-billion-plan-to-build-new-reservoir-in-santa-clara-county/
8 months ago
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The next big earthquake: When is the Bay Area due?
www.mercurynews.com/2025/05/23/t...
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The next big earthquake: When is the Bay Area due?
It’s been more than 10 years since the the big Napa quake and 35 since Loma Prieta. Should you worry?
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/05/23/the-next-big-earthquake-when-is-the-bay-area-due/
8 months ago
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Santa Cruz wharf collapse: Plans take shape for rebuilding as summer beach season begins
www.mercurynews.com/2025/05/24/s...
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Santa Cruz wharf collapse: Plans take shape for rebuilding as summer beach season begins
Damaged landmark is open for summer, $1 million repair could begin in October.
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/05/24/santa-cruz-wharf-collapse-plans-take-shape-for-rebuilding-as-summer-beach-season-begins/
8 months ago
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Bay Area Ridge Trail adds 14 scenic miles near San Jose for hiking, biking, horse riding
www.mercurynews.com/2025/05/17/b...
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Bay Area Ridge Trail adds 14 scenic miles near San Jose for hiking, biking, horse riding
New stretch through Calero County Park completes 427 miles of 550-mile route through nine counties
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/05/17/bay-area-ridge-trail-adds-14-scenic-miles-near-san-jose-for-hiking-biking-horse-riding/
8 months ago
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Where are gray wolves roaming in California? New online map lets you see
www.mercurynews.com/2025/05/15/w...
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Where are wolves roaming in California? New online map lets you see
At least 50 gray wolves live in California now, a success story for environmentalists and headache for ranchers
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/05/15/where-are-wolves-roaming-in-california-new-online-map-lets-you-see/
8 months ago
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Jay Leno pushes bill to end smog checks in California for vehicles 35 years or older / Car enthusiasts love it, environmentalists say it will increase air pollution
www.mercurynews.com/2025/05/08/j...
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Jay Leno pushes bill to end smog checks in California for vehicles 35 years or older
Comedian says it would benefit auto enthusiasts, while environmentalists say it would increase air pollution
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/05/08/jay-leno-pushes-bill-to-end-smog-checks-in-california-for-vehicles-35-years-or-older/
9 months ago
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House votes to block California from banning the sale of new gasoline cars by 2035
www.mercurynews.com/2025/05/01/h...
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House votes to block California from banning the sale of new gasoline cars by 2035
Landmark Newsom rule is designed to reduce smog and greenhouse emissions, but many motorists oppose it
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/05/01/house-votes-to-block-california-from-banning-the-sale-of-new-gasoline-cars-by-2035/
9 months ago
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You can learn now when farmers are spraying pesticides near your home. Here's how.
www.mercurynews.com/2025/04/25/y...
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You can learn now when farmers are spraying pesticides near your home. Here’s how.
First-in-the-nation “Spray Days” system sends California residents emails and texts, shows maps
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/04/25/you-can-learn-now-when-farmers-are-spraying-pesticides-near-your-home-heres-how/
9 months ago
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Cal Fire adds huge new firefighting tool as summer fire season approaches
www.mercurynews.com/2025/04/24/c...
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Cal Fire adds huge new firefighting tool as summer fire season approaches
Retrofitted C-130 cargo plane can fly farther, faster and carry more fire retardant than other Cal Fire aircraft
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/04/24/cal-fire-adds-huge-new-fire-fighting-tool-as-summer-fire-season-approaches/
9 months ago
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Famous Bay Area nude beach preserved in $10 million deal
www.mercurynews.com/2025/04/22/f...
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Famous Bay Area nude beach preserved in $10 million deal
Scenic property on San Mateo coast sits adjacent to San Gregorio State Beach, has au naturel history dating back to 1966.
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/04/22/famous-bay-area-nude-beach-preserved-in-10-million-deal/
9 months ago
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Earth Day: How Trump's environmental decisions are affecting California
www.mercurynews.com/2025/04/21/e...
#Earthday2025
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Earth Day: How Trump’s environmental decisions are affecting California
Environmentalists and Newsom administration on defense, but pledge to use state laws and lawsuits to fight rollbacks
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/04/21/earth-day-how-trumps-environmental-decisions-are-affecting-california/
9 months ago
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Underwater robots, great white sharks and glowing jellyfish: New $50 million high-tech ship arrives to unlock ocean mysteries
www.mercurynews.com/2025/04/15/u...
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Underwater robots, great white sharks and glowing jellyfish: New $50 million high-tech ship arrives to unlock ocean mysteries
The ‘David Packard’ is named for Silicon Valley pioneer who donated more than $1 billion to ocean research
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/04/15/underwater-robots-great-white-sharks-and-glowing-jellyfish-new-50-million-high-tech-ship-arrives-to-unlock-ocean-mysteries/
9 months ago
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Spring has sprung on West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz....
10 months ago
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Sierra Nevada snowpack sees most bountiful three years in a row in 25 years After years of drought, California water supplies are in good shape as summer months approach
www.mercurynews.com/2025/04/01/s...
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Sierra Nevada snowpack sees most bountiful three years in a row in 25 years
After years of drought, California water supplies in good shape as summer months approach
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/04/01/sierra-nevada-snowpack-sees-most-bountiful-three-years-in-a-row-in-25-years/
10 months ago
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How some of the Bay Area’s nastiest beach restrooms are about to get a makeover The $3 million project will replace malodorous, dilapidated facilities at popular oceanfront sites.
www.mercurynews.com/2025/03/29/e...
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How some of the Bay Area’s nastiest beach restrooms are about to get a makeover
The $3 million project will replace malodorous, dilapidated facilities at popular oceanfront sites.
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/03/29/eight-state-beaches-along-the-san-mateo-county-coast-to-get-new-restrooms/
10 months ago
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Crews clear major rockslide early, reopening key route into Yosemite National Park They used 3D imaging drones, aerial lifts, workers rappelling down cliffs.
www.mercurynews.com/2025/03/25/c...
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Crews clear major rockslide early, reopening key route into Yosemite
Workers pull all-nighters to remove boulders on Highway 140 along the Merced River between Mariposa and El Portal
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/03/25/crews-clear-major-rockslide-early-reopening-key-route-into-yosemite/
10 months ago
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Major rockslide closes key road into Yosemite National Park indefinitely
www.mercurynews.com/2025/03/20/m...
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Major rockslide closes key road into Yosemite National Park indefinitely
Tons of boulders crash down onto Highway 140 along the Merced River
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/03/20/major-rockslide-closes-key-road-into-yosemite-national-park-indefinitely/
10 months ago
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State decides how to spend nearly half a billion dollars available after collapse of Los Vaqueros Reservoir expansion project
www.mercurynews.com/2025/03/19/s...
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State decides how to spend nearly half a billion dollars available after collapse of Los Vaqueros Reservoir expansion project
Other water storage projects hope to receive funding from Proposition 1, a state water bond
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/03/19/state-decides-how-to-spend-nearly-half-a-billion-dollars-available-after-collapse-of-los-vaqueros-reservoir-expansion-project/
10 months ago
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Trump White House says he will eliminate two national monuments in California, then deletes the announcement
www.mercurynews.com/2025/03/17/t...
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Trump White House says he will eliminate two national monuments in California, then deletes the announcement
Fate of vast protected areas near Mount Shasta and near Joshua Tree National Park remains unclear
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/03/17/trump-white-house-says-he-will-eliminate-two-national-monuments-in-california-then-deletes-the-announcement/
10 months ago
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Do you need a reservation to get into Yosemite this summer? The Trump administration isn’t saying
www.mercurynews.com/2025/03/17/w...
#yosemite
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Do you need a reservation to get into Yosemite this summer? The Trump administration isn’t saying
Confusion reigns at iconic California park as visitors try to make vacation plans
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/03/17/will-you-need-a-reservation-to-get-into-yosemite-this-summer-the-trump-administration-isnt-saying/?share=cnmuvmsnwhett5tiimml
10 months ago
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Erin Brockovich on Moss Landing battery fire: 'The truth's not coming out'
www.mercurynews.com/2025/03/09/e...
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Erin Brockovich on Moss Landing battery fire: ‘The truth’s not coming out’
Environmental activist played by Julia Roberts in hit movie says battery storage plants need more oversight
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/03/09/erin-brockovich-on-moss-landing-battery-fire-the-truths-not-coming-out/
11 months ago
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Supreme Court sides with San Francisco in raw sewage case, limits EPA ability to enforce Clean Water Act
www.mercurynews.com/2025/03/04/s...
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Supreme Court sides with San Francisco in raw sewage case, limits EPA ability to enforce Clean Water Act
The major case could have impacts around California and the nation.
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/03/04/supreme-court-sides-with-san-francisco-in-raw-sewage-case-limits-epa-ability-to-enforce-clean-water-act/
11 months ago
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“A powder keg:” Lawsuit claims Texas company knowingly built dangerous battery plant at Moss Landing, leading to major toxic fire
www.mercurynews.com/2025/02/27/a...
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“A powder keg:” Lawsuit claims Texas company knowingly built dangerous battery plant at Moss Landing, leading to major toxic fire
Legal actions begin to pile up against Vistra for the Jan. 16 fire which has given the battery industry an image problem
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/02/27/a-powder-keg-lawsuit-claims-texas-company-knowingly-built-dangerous-battery-plant-at-moss-landing-leading-to-major-toxic-fire/
11 months ago
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