Climate Online

The California State Water Resources Control Board adopted new emergency drought regulations this week, despite improved drought conditions with winter storms. The new drought rules ban activities such as watering gardens within 48 hours rainfall, washing cars without a shutoff nozzle on the hose, and letting sprinklers run onto the sidewalk. Additionally, depending on the county, fines may be issued for violating drought regulations. At the beginning of the water year, October 2021, 46 percent of the state fell into the “exceptional drought” category. The primary drought classifications in order of increasing severity are none, abnormally dry, moderate drought, severe drought, extreme drought, and exceptional drought, per the U.S. Drought Monitor. According to the most recent drought monitor report, extreme drought levels are now at one percent—a significant improvement compared to October drought levels. However, the majority of the state is still experiencing moderate to severe drought conditions. For California to reach its historical seasonal average, another foot of snow water content is needed by the end of March. As of now, nearly 16 inches of snow water content have accumulated since the beginning of the water year, so there is still a ways to go. Precipitation levels across California, Washington, and Oregon averaged more than 150 percent of normal in early to mid-December. Precipitation predictions for the coming months are expected to be at or below average levels.

January 6, 2022 Community

California drought updates and new restrictions

The California State Water Resources Control Board adopted new emergency drought regulations this week, despite improved drought conditions with winter… … Keep Reading

San Mateo County correcitional facilities implement safety protocols amid omicron surge

January 6, 2022 Community

San Mateo County jails implement safety protocols amid omicron surge

New safety protocols have been implemented at San Mateo County correctional centers amid the recent surge in COVID-19 cases due… … Keep Reading

January 6, 2022 Community

Redwood City officials to present design concept for Dolphin Park improvements

Redwood City residents are invited to review and provide feedback on a design concept for planned improvements at Dolphin Park.… … Keep Reading

San Mateo County declares end of state of emergency due to COVID-19

January 5, 2022 Community

San Mateo County expands testing options amid omicron surge

In response to the surge of the omicron variant of COVID-19, San Mateo County is expanding hours at 10 existing… … Keep Reading

January 5, 2022 Community

Horsley appointed president of San Mateo County Board of Supervisors

Supervisor Don Horsley of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors was selected unanimously Jan. 4 to serve as the… … Keep Reading

Volunteers needed for one-day homeless count in San Mateo County

January 5, 2022 Community

San Mateo County seeks volunteers for one day homeless count

San Mateo County needs volunteers to help with its annual one day homeless count. The deadline for signups is Jan.… … Keep Reading

Jensen appointed assistant county manager, awaits board approval

January 4, 2022 Community

Peggy Jensen promoted to assistant county manager

Peggy Jensen, a 33-year employee of the County of San Mateo, has been promoted to the role of assistant county… … Keep Reading

January 4, 2022 Community

SamTrans rolling out free onboard Wi-Fi

SamTrans riders can browse the internet while onboard buses using free Wi-Fi. “Wi-Fi is currently being enabled on the 800… … Keep Reading

Redwood City invites community input on regulating firearm retailers in city

January 3, 2022 Community

Redwood City and San Carlos close city halls amid increasing COVID-19 cases

The cities of Redwood City and San Carlos have temporarily closed their respective city halls to the public through Jan.… … Keep Reading

December 31, 2021 Community

Chamber luncheon to honor Cornerstone and Woman of the Year award winners

Chamber San Mateo County will pop the cork on the new year by celebrating the 2021 winners of the Cornerstone,… … Keep Reading

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