Millions of gallons of oil compounds settle in sands off SB coast

06/01/2009

Oil seeps have long left their mark on the Santa Barbara coast with slicks on the sea, and tar balls on the beach. New research published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology aims to explain where and how the seeping oil settles into the marine environment. KPCC's Molly Peterson talked to one scientist on the project.

Department of Water and Power unveils memorial

05/22/2009

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power holds a memorial ceremony every year to remember its fallen employees. At this year's ceremony in front of its building on Bunker Hill, the DWP dedicated a monument to the hundreds of men and women that have died on the job over the years. KPCC's Molly Peterson talked to the son of one of those workers.

California's greenhouse gas"emissions may be low because of energy efficiency

05/21/2009

A congressional committee is considering wide-ranging legislation that would set new national limits on emissions of carbon and other greenhouse gases. KPCC's Molly Peterson says a new report aims to identify how much greenhouse gas households in each state produce.

Budget cuts likely to affect environmental programs, parks

05/15/2009

The governor's plans for the state budget close a gap of either 15 or 21 billion dollars - depending on the result of next Tuesday's election. California will cut some of that money from environment programs and emergency response fees. KPCC's Molly Peterson has more on what that means for parkgoers and property owners.

Counties pulling 'stay and defend' out of fire strategies

05/11/2009

Most Santa Barbara residents under evacuation orders because of the Jesusita Fire have returned home. A few never left. They defended their houses. KPCC's Molly Peterson has more on how authorities talk to southern Californians in fire-prone regions about the decision to stay behind.

Regional water regulators crack down on violations in Malibu

04/24/2009

Regional water quality investigators say 39 Malibu businesses and public facilities are violating water quality standards. More on the story from KPCC's Molly Peterson.

State set to limit carbon dioxide emissions

04/23/2009

California's air regulators will consider today whether to enact the world's first rule reducing the carbon footprint and climate effects of transportation fuels. KPCC's Molly Peterson reports.

New book explores John Muir's passion for botany

04/22/2009

Naturalist John Muir maintained a legendary devotion to California's Sierra Nevada. A new book explores the lesser-known passion that rooted his love for nature: plants. KPCC's Molly Peterson says Muir cultivated his botanical studies through a Southland connection.

New study tracks mountain lion paths

04/20/2009

Like humans who have freeways and bike paths, wild animals in the Southland also benefit from clear paths from Point A to Point B. KPCC's Molly Peterson has more about a new study that tracks the ways mountain lions get around.

Mayor Villaraigosa hopes green business will help LA's economy

04/15/2009

In his state of the city address, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa acknowledged a $530 million deficit and an idling economy. KPCC's Molly Peterson says the mayor sees hope in green business.