Paul Rogers
@paulrogerssjm.bsky.social
📤 809
đź“Ą 191
đź“ť 113
Journalist covering science and environment news for the San Jose Mercury News
Voters approve new parcel tax for open space in Santa Clara County
www.mercurynews.com/2026/06/09/v...
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Voters approve new parcel tax for open space in Santa Clara County
Measure D to raise $17 million a year for Open Space Authority; other environmental measures also pass
https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/06/09/voters-approve-new-parcel-tax-for-open-space-in-santa-clara-county/
25 days ago
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New leader takes the helm at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
www.mercurynews.com/2026/06/06/n...
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New leader takes the helm at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Jenny Gray succeeds Julie Packard, the only CEO the famed ocean center has known since it opened in 1984
https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/06/06/new-leader-takes-the-helm-at-the-monterey-bay-aquarium/
28 days ago
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California wildfires: Three blazes burning now are a wake-up call for challenging summer ahead, Cal Fire chief says
www.mercurynews.com/2026/05/19/c...
#sandyfire
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California wildfires: Three blazes burning now are a wake-up call for challenging summer ahead, Cal Fire chief says
Simi Valley, the Channel Islands and areas east of Bakersfield are on fire. What’s the risk for Northern California?
https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/05/19/california-wildfires-three-blazes-burning-now-are-a-wake-up-call-for-challenging-summer-ahead-cal-fire-chief-says/
about 2 months ago
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Bay Area air regulators split on whether to move forward with ban on gas water heaters that will cost homeowners $3,500
www.mercurynews.com/2026/05/13/b...
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Bay Area air regulators split on whether to move forward with ban on gas water heaters that will cost homeowners $3,500
Bay Area Air District debate shows deep divisions over cost of living, health concerns
https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/05/13/bay-area-air-regulators-split-on-whether-to-move-forward-with-ban-on-gas-water-heaters-that-will-cost-homeowners-3500/
about 2 months ago
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Lake Tahoe boat tragedy: Final desperate minutes detailed in police report
www.mercurynews.com/2026/05/13/l...
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Lake Tahoe boat tragedy: Final desperate minutes detailed in police report
Victims chose not to put on life jackets as water began to fill boat.
https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/05/13/lake-tahoe-boat-tragedy-final-desperate-minutes-detailed-in-police-report/
about 2 months ago
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Lake Oroville, California's second-largest reservoir, is 99% full and rising -- first time full for 4 years in a row since the late 1990s
www.mercurynews.com/2026/05/12/l...
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Lake Oroville, California’s second-largest reservoir, is 99% full and rising
Four bountiful years in a row for the first time since the late 1990s have meant plentiful supplies
https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/05/12/lake-oroville-californias-second-largest-reservoir-is-99-full-and-rising/
about 2 months ago
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Invasive species discovered at drinking water treatment plants in San Jose
www.mercurynews.com/2026/05/08/i...
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Invasive species discovered at drinking water treatment plants in San Jose
Fast-spreading hardy mussels from China, already in Delta and spreading across California, could cost millions to control
https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/05/08/invasive-species-discovered-at-drinking-water-treatment-plants-in-san-jose/
about 2 months ago
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Measure to change landmark California Environmental Quality Act has enough signatures to qualify for ballot, backers say
www.mercurynews.com/2026/04/27/c...
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Could a change to environmental law reduce California costs?
Chamber of Commerce says changes will lower costs; environmental groups prepare for high-stakes fight
https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/04/27/could-a-change-to-environmental-law-reduce-california-costs/
2 months ago
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California adds three new state parks, expands others
www.mercurynews.com/2026/04/22/c...
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California adds three new state parks, expands others
Two riverfront properties and historic “Grapes of Wrath” camp are announced by Newsom
https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/04/22/california-adds-three-new-state-parks-expands-others/
2 months ago
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Bay Area construction company illegally polluted river, lawsuit alleges
www.mercurynews.com/2026/04/16/p...
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Bay Area construction company illegally polluted river, lawsuit alleges
Graniterock quarry is one of the largest in the Western United States, company says it is a good environmental steward
https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/04/16/prominent-bay-area-construction-company-illegally-polluted-river-lawsuit-alleges/
3 months ago
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Palo Alto group buys Coyote Valley farmland for $5.3 million, latest conservation deal in rural area south of San Jose
www.mercurynews.com/2026/04/08/p...
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Palo Alto group buys Coyote Valley farmland in San Jose for $5.3 million
71-acre parcel had been owned by same family since 1950s, was considered for a battery storage plant
https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/04/08/palo-alto-group-buys-coyote-valley-farmland-in-san-jose-for-5-3-million/
3 months ago
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Santa Cruz wharf repair project finished after dramatic collapse in heavy winter storms
www.mercurynews.com/2026/04/08/s...
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Santa Cruz wharf repair project finished after dramatic collapse in heavy winter storms
“It’s gone pretty well,” said Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley. “But it is a roadway over open ocean. It takes constant perseverance.”
https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/04/08/santa-cruz-wharf-repair-project-finished-after-dramatic-collapse-in-heavy-winter-storms/
3 months ago
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Diablo Canyon, California's last nuclear power plant, wins final approval to keep operating
www.mercurynews.com/2026/04/02/c...
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California’s last nuclear power plant wins final approval to keep operating
Diablo Canyon, based in San Luis Obispo County, is given a 20-year permit by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/04/02/californias-last-nuclear-power-plant-wins-final-approval-to-keep-operating/
3 months ago
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PG&E reverses decision environmentalists say threatened wildlife in San Jose's Coyote Valley
www.mercurynews.com/2026/03/23/p...
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PG&E reverses decision environmentalists say threatened wildlife in Coyote Valley
Project will run high-voltage power lines 13 miles from downtown San Jose to scenic area along Highway 101
https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/03/23/pge-reverses-decision-environmentalists-say-threatened-wildlife-in-coyote-valley/
3 months ago
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Popular Bay Area oceanfront park to triple in size under proposed deal
www.mercurynews.com/2026/03/16/p...
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Popular Bay Area oceanfront park to triple in size under proposed deal
State parks officials also announce plans to expand Mount Diablo State Park in East Bay
https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/03/16/popular-bay-area-oceanfront-state-park-to-triple-in-size-under-proposed-deal/
4 months ago
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Scenic ranch south of San Jose owned by Bechtel family sells for $24 million in latest major conservation deal
www.mercurynews.com/2026/03/03/s...
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Scenic ranch south of San Jose owned by Bechtel family sells for $24 million in latest major conservation deal
The Peninsula Open Space Trust, based in Palo Alto, to preserve Mead Ranch as open space.
https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/03/03/sale-ranch-bechtel-family-san-jose-morgan-hill/
4 months ago
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Sierra Nevada snowpack just 68% of normal after whiplash winter
www.mercurynews.com/2026/02/26/s...
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Sierra Nevada snowpack just 68% of normal after whiplash winter
Dry spells and a few big blizzards so far could mean increased summer fire risk.
https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/02/26/sierra-nevada-snowpack-just-68-of-normal-after-whiplash-winter-but-water-supplies-are-ok-experts-say/
4 months ago
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How to watch the "blood moon" total lunar eclipse in the Bay Area How to watch the "blood moon" total lunar eclipse in the Bay Area.
www.mercurynews.com/2026/02/25/h...
#lunareclipse
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How to watch the “blood moon” total lunar eclipse in the Bay Area
The next one like this won’t happen until 2033, according to NASA
https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/02/25/how-to-watch-the-blood-moon-total-lunar-eclipse-in-the-bay-area/
4 months ago
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Santa Clara Valley Water Distrtict CEO to step down after misconduct probe, remain on payroll
www.mercurynews.com/2026/02/20/s...
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Valley Water CEO to step down after misconduct probe, remain on payroll
Rick Callender will continue to serve as an advisor to the agency for one year as part of a separation agreement
https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/02/20/santa-clara-valley-water-district-ceo-resigns-following-misconduct-investigation/
4 months ago
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Redwood forest once owned by the "King Tut of Hoarders" is added to famed Santa Cruz Mountains state park
www.mercurynews.com/2026/02/19/k...
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Redwood forest once owned by the “King Tut of Hoarders” is added to famed Santa Cruz Mountains state park
153-acre property, formerly crowded with junk cars and even a city bus, now is part of Big Basin Redwoods State Park
https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/02/19/king-tut-of-hoarders-redwood-forest-big-basin-redwoods-state-park/
5 months ago
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Tribe buys 10,000 acres north of Lake Tahoe from city of Santa Clara in historic land deal
www.mercurynews.com/2026/02/11/t...
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Tribe buys 10,000 acres north of Lake Tahoe from city of Santa Clara in historic land deal
The sale of Loyalton Ranch comes 175 years after the Washoe people were forced from lands during the Gold Rush.
https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/02/11/tribe-buys-10000-acres-north-of-lake-tahoe-from-city-of-santa-clara-in-historic-land-deal/
5 months ago
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Watch: Aerial footage of stunning Santa Clara County ranch that sold for $63 million
www.mercurynews.com/2026/01/30/w...
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Watch: Aerial footage of stunning Santa Clara County ranch that sold for $63 million
Six times the size of Golden Gate Park, Sargent Ranch has been at the center of development battles for decades
https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/01/30/watch-aerial-footage-of-stunning-santa-clara-county-ranch-that-sold-for-63-million/
5 months ago
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The Sierra snowpack is dropping fast. Here's why experts say it's not as bad as it seems.
www.mercurynews.com/2026/01/29/t...
#cawater
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The Sierra snowpack is dropping fast. Here’s why experts say it’s not as bad as it seems.
Blizzards at Christmas have given way to weeks of sunny, warm weather
https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/01/29/the-sierra-snowpack-is-dropping-fast-heres-why-experts-say-its-not-as-bad-as-it-seems/
5 months ago
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Palo Alto environmental group buys 2,284 acres at Sargent Ranch, ending 10-year battle over proposed quarry on scenic property
www.mercurynews.com/2026/01/29/p...
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Palo Alto group buys 2,284 acres at Sargent Ranch, ending 10-year battle over proposed quarry on scenic property
$23 million deal secures nearly all of huge open space area in southern Santa Clara County.
https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/01/29/palo-alto-group-buys-2284-acres-sargent-ranch/
5 months ago
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Is the East Bay earthquake swarm finally over?
www.mercurynews.com/2026/01/26/i...
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Is the East Bay earthquake swarm finally over?
A flurry in San Ramon began in November, but no quake larger than 2.0 has occurred for more than two weeks
https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/01/26/is-the-east-bay-earthquake-swarm-finally-over/
5 months ago
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Trump administration approves plan backed by Newsom to build largest California reservoir in 50 years
www.mercurynews.com/2026/01/23/t...
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Trump administration approves plan backed by Newsom to build largest California reservoir in 50 years
Sites Reservoir would be 8th largest in California, providing water to Bay Area, farms, LA
https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/01/23/trump-administration-approves-plan-backed-by-newsom-to-build-largest-california-reservoir-in-50-years/
5 months ago
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Price tag drops on project to expand massive reservoir near Bay Area to increase water supplies
www.mercurynews.com/2026/01/23/p...
#cawater
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Price tag drops on project to expand massive reservoir near Bay Area to increase water supplies
Revised engineering studies reduce cost of moving state highway that would be submerged
https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/01/23/price-tag-drops-on-project-to-expand-massive-reservoir-near-bay-area-to-increase-water-supplies/
5 months ago
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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/
6 months 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
6 months 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/
6 months 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
6 months 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
7 months 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
7 months 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
7 months 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/
7 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
7 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
7 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
7 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
7 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/
8 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/
8 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/
8 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/
8 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/
9 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/
10 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/
10 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/
10 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/
10 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/
10 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/
10 months ago
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