Scientists Warn El Nino Won't Help Ease Drought
After a long, hot summer, Californians turn to the winter rainy season with the hope we get a good soaking this year. People talk about El Nino coming from the Pacific Ocean to save us, but the National Weather Service warned this week that's looking less and less likely with each passing month. Not that we should peg our hopes on any one weather factor.
Recycled Wastewater Program Keeps East Bay Gardens Alive
As the drought wears on, Californians are looking for new ways to conserve water. In the hot suburbs east of San Francisco, one water district is giving away treated sewage water for landscaping. It's the first program of its kind in the nation.
Orchestra Brings New Soundscape to Burning Man
About 66,000 people gathered in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada last week for Burning Man. The festival is famous for outrageously fabulous displays, but this year featured the first-ever performance by a full string orchestra. Reporter April Dembosky played violin with the group, and brings us a story about the festival's evolving soundscape.
Non-Profit Pushes to Reform Assisted Living in California
Many of us dream of starting a revolution. Few of us make it happen. One of the most dramatic stories of the last year belongs to a loose collection of activists, working to reform assisted living in California. Together with journalists and lawmakers, these activists launched 17 bills in Sacramento, 12 of which passed and two of which became law, so far.
Remembering Santa Monica's Seaside Amusement Park
As we say goodbye to summer, we travel back in time 50 years to an amusement park by the Pacific Ocean that used to rival Disneyland. From KCRW in Los Angeles, Steve Chiotakis reports on a long-forgotten theme park.