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An aerial view shows a winding mountain road lined with vehicles, stretching through a landscape of burned and partially regrown forest. Scattered evergreen trees stand among barren, charred trunks, remnants of a past wildfire. A smaller dirt road branches off from the main highway, curving through the rugged terrain. The contrast between the burned trees and areas of surviving greenery highlights the ongoing recovery of the landscape.

California Wildfires

‘It will not be survivable’: Lake Tahoe region could be a deathtrap during major wildfires

Evacuating the Tahoe basin in summer could take 14 hours, and 99% of properties are at risk — yet new resorts are being built in high-danger fire areas.

By Julie Cart • March 19, 2025

An aerial view of a rural town situated along a winding river, with a mix of residential homes, mobile homes, and agricultural fields. A large industrial building with a curved roof is positioned near the riverbank, alongside a smaller, older structure. A two-lane road follows the river's edge, connecting the area to the surrounding farmland and distant horizon. The landscape features green fields, trees, and patches of bare land, with a clear blue sky above.

Water

‘This will make our town uninhabitable’: The long-awaited Delta tunnel strikes fear in locals

The governor’s planned $20 billion tunnel to divert more water south and bypass the Delta would bring years of construction noise, pollution and traffic. Residents worry their rural farm towns will never be the same.

By Alastair Bland • March 13, 2025

A collage-style illustration in brown and beige tones. The illustration includes cut-out images of a dome-shaped shelter building; a homeless person holding a blue tent; a portrait of a person looking at the camera; rows of red shelter tents and text of complaints about the conditions at shelters. Portions of the text read: "I have black mold all over my walls. I have been exposed to it" and "program staff misusing services and resources intended for guests."

Housing

‘A volunteer jail’: Inside the scandals and abuse pushing California’s homeless out of shelters

Shelters have become California’s go-to solution for homelessness. A CalMatters investigation finds the vast majority of residents stay homeless.

By Lauren Hepler • February 25, 2025