Tony Barboza

Earth's greenhouse gas levels approach 400 ppm milestone

latimes.com — The ratio of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere is flirting with 400 parts per million, a level last seen about 2.5 million to 5 million years ago, according to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. The Institution this week launched a daily Keeling curve update, showing the saw-toothed upward diagonal of rising carbon dioxide levels since the late 1950s.

CSULB study: Baby great white sharks show DDT, PCB contamination

presstelegram.com — Researchers at Cal State Long Beach have discovered high concentrations of contaminants in young great white sharks along the coast of Southern California. But the toxic chemicals DDT and polychlorinated biphenyl - which researchers say is passed on from their mothers - seem to cause little harm to the young sharks.

New lawsuit challenges Solana Beach seawall, bluff restrictions

utsandiego.com — A group of homeowners has sued Solana Beach, challenging recently approved rules that limit seawalls and development atop coastal bluffs. The lawsuit was filed Friday, challenging a long-term land-use plan the city approved in February. The lawsuit asks the court to invalidate the new regulations, claiming that the city violated state laws and the U.S.

Hurricane Sandy's Untold Filthy Legacy: Sewage

climatecentral.org — To embed this interactive, click the preferred size for the code: 720 x 910 | 500 x 905 Hurricane Sandy was the largest storm to hit the northeast U.S. in recorded history, killing 159, knocking out power to millions, and causing $70 billion in damage in eight states.

Hurricane Sandy's Untold Filthy Legacy: Sewage

climatecentral.org — To embed this interactive, click the preferred size for the code: 720 x 910 | 500 x 905 Hurricane Sandy was the largest storm to hit the northeast U.S. in recorded history, killing 159, knocking out power to millions, and causing $70 billion in damage in eight states.

California Boating & Fishing News - -Run--to-Catalina-in-a-Plastic-Bubble-Set-for-May

thelog.com — posted: 4/24/2013 REDONDO BEACH -- An Orange County resident's attempt to "run" across the Catalina Channel from Redondo Beach to Santa Catalina Island in a giant inflatable bubble came to an abrupt stop April 12, about four hours into the trip, when the breathing system designed to provide him with fresh air failed.

Sen. Boxer finds herself at odds with environmentalists

latimes.com — WASHINGTON - Barbara Boxer has long been one of the Senate's environmental champions, racking up perfect scores for each of the last five years on the League of Conservation Voters' report card on key votes. But the Californian now finds herself on the opposite side of an issue from her usual environmental allies and some of her fellow Democrats.

Boat may be 1st tsunami debris to hit state

sfchronicle.com — A small fishing boat that washed ashore on a Del Norte County beach is believed to be the first piece of debris from the 2011 Japanese tsunami to reach the California coast, researchers say.

California suspends operations at Vernon battery recycler

latimes.com — State regulators took the highly unusual step Wednesday of suspending operations at a Vernon battery recycler that has discharged harmful quantities of lead for years and more recently has been deemed to pose a danger to as many as 110,000 people because of arsenic emissions.

Tool identifies California's most polluted cities

mercurynews.com — SACRAMENTO -- Seven of California's 10 ZIP codes most burdened by pollution are in the San Joaquin Valley and three are in Los Angeles, according to a new tool developed by state environmental officials to target communities for cleanup.