RCRC press releases and related news clips about RCRC and our member counties. Please note that a subscription may be required to read some external publications.
Maps rank every California neighborhood by extreme weather – San Francisco Chronicle
An interactive map, based on recent peer-reviewed research, illustrates the climate vulnerability index of specific census tracts in California. Variability within the state and counties is evident. The map depicts tracts in yellow as less vulnerable and purple as more vulnerable to extreme weather. Percentiles reveal how each area ranks nationally in vulnerability. Further maps detail susceptibility to droughts, wildfires, and floods. The index, with 184 indicators, gauges regions' vulnerability to natural disasters and weather extremes, using data from FEMA and IPCC. Coastal areas face heightened flood risk due to sea-level projections, while inland regions like Santa Cruz Mountains and North Bay are more susceptible to wildfires. An interactive website enhances exploration of index indicators, fostering community dialogue and action.
‘Prompt action’ on fire insurance yet to help California homeowners – CalMatters
California homeowners, grappling with availability and affordability issues in home and fire insurance, face a prolonged wait for relief as Governor Newsom September executive order to address the insurance crisis may not yield results until 2026, leaving affected homeowners in limbo.
Column: It's about time California built the Sites Reservoir – Los Angeles Times
Recently, Governor Newsom implemented a new law to accelerate lawsuits related to the California Environmental Quality Act, expediting the approval process for the Sites Reservoir project in the Sacramento Valley. The proposed project would be situated in Colusa and Glenn counties and could store up to 1.5 million acre-feet of water, serving three million homes annually. If built, Sites Reservoir would be the largest reservoir to be built in California in 50 years with the goal of alleviating flood threats and providing irrigation water. The fast-tracking process aims to resolve environmental lawsuits within a year, significantly expediting the development of the project.