Thousands Of Firefighters Battle Massive Big Sur Blaze
After more than a week, a 38,000-acre wildfire on the California coast is still growing, and authorities warn it could burn through August even after it is contained.
California drought
Some Evacuation Orders Lifted In Southern California Wildfire
The body of a man was found in an area burned by a 33,000 acre wildfire north of Los Angeles. The Sand Fire has destroyed more than a dozen homes and is one of 19 major fires burning in California.
California Governor Makes Some Water Restrictions Permanent
Amid a persistent drought, Gov. Jerry Brown is permanently banning wasteful water practices like hosing pavement. His executive order does allow some districts to loosen water restrictions, though.
California City Orders Restaurants To Use Disposable Plates, Cups
Officials in Fort Bragg also ordered restaurants to serve water to customers only upon request. As part of a stage 3 water emergency, things like washing cars using city water are prohibited, too.
California's Vineyards Pressed To Turn Less Water Into Wine
California wineries use between 2.5 and 6 gallons of water to make a gallon of wine, not including irrigation water and other needs. But drought is forcing the industry to conserve in new ways.
Fancy A Fig? California's Growers Desperately Hope You Do
California's fig industry has undergone some big changes, but after years of struggles, some farmers hope growing consumer interest in fresh produce might finally provide a turnaround.
Drought Is Driving Beekeepers And Their Hives From California
A lack of crops for bees to pollinate has California's beekeeping industry on edge. Some are feeding their colonies pricey processed bee food or moving their hives out of state to forage.
#NPRreads: Lying About Sept. 11, And California's Drought-Stricken Levees
Also this week: What Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath teach us about the true nature of America.
Oh, Nuts! Why California's Pistachio Trees Are Shooting Blanks
This year, as many as 50 percent of the pistachios harvested in California could be hollow inside. Blame it on drought, heat and weather changes that are messing with male trees' virility.
Despite The Drought, California Farms See Record Sales In 2014
While the drought has put a strain on California agriculture, its farms actually set a record for total sales — $54 billion — in 2014. How? By pumping more water from their wells.