California’s last nuclear plant, Diablo Canyon, was supposed to shut down in 2025. Now, a growing coalition is pushing to extend that to 2045. Supporters say soaring demand for electricity for AI data centers and EVs is colliding with California’s push for 100% clean power, leaving a stubborn gap in round-the-clock, low-carbon supply that should be met by nuclear. Opponents warn of aging reactors, nuclear waste, earthquake risk and the negative effect it could have on renewables.
More California wineries could soon sell bottles of wine and host pop-up tastings at local farmers markets after the state Legislature passed a new bill Thursday. Senate Bill 917, authored by San Luis Obispo County lawmaker Sen. John Laird, would give boutique and small-scale winemakers the opportunity to make sales and form face-to-face connections at certified farmers markets.
The fate of Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant will remain in limbo for the rest of the year — after Gov. Gavin Newsom said he won’t act to extend its operating life during the final months of his term. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued PG&E an operating license for the plant that expires in 2044 for Unit 1 and 2045 for Unit 2, but the state has only approved operation of the plant’s twin reactors through 2029 and 2030.
A bill authored by the Central Coast’s state senator and signed into law last week is set to address a factor that can cause delays in coastal development in San Luis Obispo County: the California Coastal Commission’s appeals process.
A medical program meant to train — and ideally retain — physicians in Santa Cruz County received a heavy dose of funding support from state lawmakers as organizers prepare to welcome students next year.
The AI-driven stock market rally has bolstered California’s coffers, sending revenue soaring. Now lawmakers are asking voters to overhaul the state’s financial reserves to capture more of any future windfall.
Paso Robles drivers can expect a bit more traffic this summer now that the second phase of repairs is scheduled to start on Creston Road soon. This second phase is a continuation of the city’s near $18 million Creston Road Corridor Improvements Project, a planned effort to modernize and repair one of the city’s oldest and most popular highways, a city news release said.
Sara Rubin here, taking a look at the numbers. Yesterday, the California State Senate and State Assembly both passed Assembly Bill 109, the Budget Act of 2026, more simply referred to as the state budget. By 11pm, it was handed over to Gov. Gavin Newsom seeking his final blessing and signature.
Watsonville Community Hospital leaders announced Friday that the hospital had been awarded millions in emergency grant funds from the state of California, with turbulent financial winds already beginning to blow.
Following the approval late Thursday of a state bill aimed at helping financially troubled hospitals, Watsonville Community Hospital could expect some financial relief to help weather its ongoing challenges.