A big picture look at the region:
- Mapping of the ocean floor surrounding the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant is wrapping up, according to the San Luis Obispo Tribune. The study of the earthquake faults around the plant is a prerequisite for PG&E's request to renew its two operating licenses for another 20 years.
- Newhall Ranch, a planned community on the western edge of L.A. County, will bring "20,000 homes, 5 million square feet of commercial and industrial space, seven schools, golf courses and other amenities along the Santa Clara River." How it will impact downstream neighbors in Ventura County is being debated, says Zeke Barlow at the Ventura County Star.
- The number of nights with freezing temperatures in Kern County is up this year -- 19 this month so far -- and that means citrus farmers have to take extra steps to protect their crops, finds KBAK. California's citrus industry is worth $2 billion.
- At the annual Christmastime bird count in San Diego County this year, a record number of species were found, reports KPBS.
- Also in San Diego County, the city of Escondido is facing a lawsuit calling for city council districts (as opposed to an at-large council). "The plaintiffs in the lawsuit allege that this system of voting has disproportionally underrepresented the city's Latin American population," which stands at 49%. The Atlantic Cities looks into the issue.
Photo by Tom Andrews via KCET's Southern California Flickr Pool
About the Author
Zach Behrens is KCETLink's Editor-in-Chief of Blogs, where he oversees website editorial and advises on projects. When he does write, he mostly covers local government, environment, and the outdoors.
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SoCal Focus is a daily blog about the people, places and issues in and around Southern California.
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