California

Southern California reservoirs may get a boost

Published

9 months ago

April 25, 2025

Southern California reservoirs may get a boost

A late-season winter storm could give Southern California a boost in snowpack that will benefit the region’s water supply following below-average snow levels during the winter.

Newsweek reached out to the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) via email for comment on Friday.

Why It Matters

After an underwhelming early winter season, concerns grew that California’s reservoirs—key to managing drought and water supply for millions—would struggle to meet demands. However, recent storms helped change the outlook. The April snow survey of the year was conducted on March 28 by the DWR, and snowpack was measured at 90 percent of average statewide.

But Northern and Central California received more snow than Southern California, which remained “exceptionally dry,” according to DWR officials. Despite this, reservoir levels across California, including Southern California facilities, are trending above historical norms for this time of year.

What To Know

Typically, significant winter storms end before April 1, but this year’s unusual weather pattern is bringing additional snow to areas that had been trailing their seasonal averages.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Southern California mountains, forecasting up to 7 inches of new snow accumulation in higher elevations through the weekend. The late April snowfall, combined with an already near-average Sierra Nevada snowpack, signals encouraging prospects for the state’s water supplies.

In an aerial view, very low water levels are seen at Castaic Lake reservoir during a drought on July 8, 2022, near Castaic, California.

David McNew/Getty

Although the Sierra Nevada, which supplies about one-third of California’s water, did not exceed record highs this year, officials emphasized the significance of reaching near-normal levels after a dry start to the season. Despite being near average, this year’s snowpack is much below snowpack levels in 2023 and 2024.

In 2023, California snowpack peaked at 241 percent of average. The impressive snowfall alleviated California’s drought throughout the year. Snowfall peaked at 113 percent of average in 2024.

Even though this year didn’t perform as well as the past two years, the DWR reported on March 25 that State Water Project allocations were increased to 40 percent—up from 30 percent in December—thanks to a wet winter and improved hydrologic outlooks.

While conditions are significantly better than in recent drought years, officials caution that one good season doesn’t fix long-term water supply issues. Still, the replenishment is a welcome reprieve for a state where water security is a constant concern.

What People Are Saying

A DWR spokesperson previously told Newsweek: “The April 1 snowpack is an important benchmark for water managers who rely on snowpack and snowmelt runoff forecast data to plan for the amount of water that will flow into California’s rivers and reservoirs in the spring. The State Water Project and water districts use this data to plan for how much water will be available for urban and agricultural water users during the drier summer and fall months.”

The NWS office in Los Angeles, in its Winter Weather Advisory: “Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while driving. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.”

What Happens Next

The advisory will remain in place until Sunday morning. It remains unclear if more late-season winter storms will move through Southern California before the arrival of warmer temperatures.

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California

One Of California’s Wealthiest Suburbs In 2025 Has Small-Town Charm And A Fun Social Scene Outside LA – Islands

Published

8 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Press Room

One Of California’s Wealthiest Suburbs In 2025 Has Small-Town Charm And A Fun Social Scene Outside LA – Islands

Matt Gush/Shutterstock

Coto de Caza in Orange County, California, about an hour south of Los Angeles, may not be a household name. But viewers of “The Real Wives of Orange County” might recognize the wealthy, gated residential community as the former home base of the glitzy Bravo reality series. While stars of the show — currently in its 19th season — now live in other affluent areas, the imagery of Coto de Caza is still appealing for those contemplating a luxurious move. Coto boasts a private setting where high-profile celebrities, executives, and wealthy professionals live amid abundant open space, well-regarded schools, community events, a family-friendly atmosphere, and easy access to the county’s bounty. Indeed, in this well-to-do development of about 15,363 people, where the mean household income is $232,470 (more than double the state’s average), the most recent median list price of a single-family home was $2 million. There are splashier compounds in Coto, including the late real estate mogul William Lyon’s home selling for $125 million, which includes 20 bathrooms.

These prices are a long way from the area’s humble origins of barley fields and grazing sheep, according to the Los Angeles Times. Once a private hunting lodge, the area’s first homes were built in 1975, eventually transforming into a 5,000-acre master-planned community with about 4,000 homes and condominiums. Nestled against the Cleveland National Forest and just east of the SR 241 toll road, Coto de Caza strives to offer residents not just a home, but a lifestyle. Recreation is never far with area baseball fields, basketball courts, volleyball courts, parks, and picnic areas. Outdoor pursuits continue at the adjacent Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park, a 544-acre wildlife sanctuary filled with groves of Western Sycamores and Coast Live Oaks and five miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Golf and mingle

Clubhouse at the Coto de Caza Golf and Racquet Club in Orange County, California

Steve Cukrov/Shutterstock

A big attraction to the development is the 36-hole Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club, a central hub offering youth summer camps for kids and social events like trivia nights, comedy nights, and brunch with Santa. A yearly social membership can cost $2,880 with $180 in monthly dues. A golf upgrade can hike the initiation fee up to $30,000 with $750 monthly dues. Joining the club is optional, but your monthly Homeowners Association (HOA) fees aren’t. Those range from $300 to $475, and cover 24-hour manned guard gates, daily patrols, and landscape maintenance of common areas. A cheaper ticket to fun is connecting with neighbors for poker nights, movie screenings, and monthly mixers.

This is a neighborhood where you can stay put for your child’s entire education. Parents send their kids to top-notch schools, including Wagon Wheel Elementary, Las Flores Middle, and Tesoro High, in the Capistrano Unified School District, all within a short 2.5 to 5.5 mile drive away. Grocery shopping also is fairly close, about 10 minutes to Rancho Santa Margarita stores such as Ralph’s and Trader Joe’s. To really shop, like at Bloomingdale’s and Gucci, the Valhalla of retail — South Coast Plaza — and the vibrant arts city of Costa Mesa are just a 30-minute drive. Plus the glorious Pacific Ocean is about 17 miles away in breath-taking Laguna Beach.

Coto de Caza’s charms are many. A few cons to keep in mind: With a location about 10 miles inland from Interstate 5, Coto de Caza is more remote so commutes may take longer; busy professionals need their shut-eye so nightlife peters out by 9pm; and wildfire risks mean finding insurance can be a challenge. For a buzzier locale, check out the iconic coastal escape of nearby Newport Beach.

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California

Disneyland, California Adventure has new treats, drinks to try in 2026

Published

20 hours ago

January 5, 2026

Press Room

Disneyland, California Adventure has new treats, drinks to try in 2026

A boozy matcha beverage and pork belly bao buns are among the many new treats coming to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, adding to the dizzying number of things you’ll want to try amid events like the return of Sweetheart’s Nite to the debut of “Bluey.”

Disney Parks Blog unveiled the lineup of dishes, desserts and drinks coming to both barks in Anaheim beginning on different dates throughout January. Among the major news is a menu change at Flo’s V8 Cafe at Cars Land at California Adventure; that includes a cheeseburger topped with caramelized onions and a pepperoncini cheese sauce and chicken and waffles.

The new items across both parks take inspiration from cuisines across the globe. Here’s a look at just some of the new options coming to both parks and where you’ll be able to find them, plus a look at the calendar of events for both parks in 2026.

Disneyland food coming in 2026: 8 options to know

Lemon chiffon tea: A sweet tea topped with lemon chiffon foam at the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe at Main Street, U.S.A.
Yuzu lemonade: Lemonade with a “touch” of floral yuzu juice and a rainbow jelly topping at the Harbour Galley in New Orleans Square.
Sweet heat beignet chicken sandwich: A fried chicken sandwich with buffalo sauce and slaw on beignets served with collard greens and house-made pickles at Tiana’s Palace in New Orleans Square.
Andouille sausage po’boy: Roasted andouille sausage, lettuce, tomatoes, mayonnaise and a rémoulade sauce served with collard greens and house-made pickles at Tiana’s Palace in New Orleans Square.
Duo tacos with carne asada or chicken: Corn tortillas with tomatillo sauce and pickled onion habanero served with tortilla chips and salsa fresca at the Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante in Frontierland.
Gaston burger: A beef patty with pastrami, cheese, pickles, sauteed onions and bell peppers with pepperoncini at the Red Rose Taverne in Fantasyland.
Tropical slushy: A passion fruit, orange, guava and lychee syrup with a chile-lime rim beverage at Bengal Barbecue in Adventureland.
Peanut butter brownie slice: A brownie slice topped with peanut butter mousse, melted peanut butter and chocolate at the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe at Main Street, U.S.A.

California Adventure food coming in 2026: 7 options to know

Strawberry, hazelnut, chocolate & pistachio Mickey Shake: A strawberry shake with pistachio whipped topping, fried kataifi and chocolate sauce at Schmoozies! in Hollywood Land.
Soju-matcha cocktail: Topped with honey cold foam and honey cereal at Schmoozies! in Hollywood Land.
Mickey-shaped cinnamon roll macaron: A cinnamon roll macaron shell filled with cream cheese buttercream and cinnamon caramel at the Cappuccino Cart at San Fransokyo Square.
Infinity cream puffs: Six mini cream puffs in different flavors, from raspberry, cotton candy and key lime, at Terran Treats in the Avengers Campus.
Pork belly bao bun: A bao bun with pickled onions, crispy chicharron and calamansi citrus aioli at the Lamplight Lounge at Pixar Pier.
Frozen banana mudslide cocktail: A cocktail of vanilla vodka, Kahlua, Baileys Irish Cream, banana liqueur and half and half at Wine Country Trattoria in the Performance Corridor.
Chocolate Japanese-style fluffy cheesecake: Topped with cherry sauce and available at Aunt Cass Café at the San Fransokyo Square.

Lunar New Year, Sweetheart’s Nite and ‘Bluey.’ Disneyland, California Adventure 2026 events

The Disneyland Resort is continuing its 70^th anniversary celebration through Aug. 9. Here’s a look at just some of the new and returning events coming throughout the year:

Sweetheart’s Nite at Disneyland: The Valentine-themed event that brings out specialty treats and drinks and late-night festivities returns on Jan. 22, 25, 27 and Feb. 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 17. This is a separately ticketed event.
Lunar New Year at California Adventure: Ring in the Lunar New Year Jan. 23-Feb. 22.
Anaheim Ducks Day at California Adventure: Hockey fans can celebrate the Anaheim Ducks at this themed day, complete with appearances by players from the NHL team on Feb. 22.
70 Years of Favorites at Disneyland: Experience “nostalgic entertainment” and “iconic Disney characters” on March 3 and 5. This is a separately ticketed event.
California Adventure Food & Wine Festival: Enjoy limited-time food offerings, culinary demos and other foodie-themed experiences from March 6-April 27.
“Bluey” at Disneyland: “Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” debuts March 22 at the Fantasyland Theatre, where the popular children’s show “Bluey” is brought to life in an interactive show.
Disney Channel Nite at Disneyland: “Pay tribute to iconic childhood shows and characters” on April 12, 14 and 16. This is a separately ticketed event.
“Star Wars” Nite at Disneyland: Celebrate “Star Wars” with this after-hours event on April 28 and 30 and May 4 and 6. This is a separately ticketed event.
Pride Nite at Disneyland: Celebrate Pride Month at Disneyland on June 16 and 18. This is a separately ticketed event.
D23 Day at Disneyland Resort: D:23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event kicks off with D23 Day at the Disneyland Resort on Aug. 13.
Oogie Boogie Bash at California Adventure: Show up in costume for a Halloween party on select nights throughout August, September and October. This is a separately ticketed event.
Halloween Time at Disneyland: Festive decor and seasonal attractions ahead of Halloween returns Aug. 21-Oct. 31.
Plaza de la Familia at California Adventure: The annual celebration of Día De Los Muertos returns Aug. 21-Nov. 2.
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort: Festive, seasonal decor and foods return Nov. 18.

Paris Barraza is a reporter covering Los Angeles and Southern California for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at pbarraza@usatodayco.com.

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California

Rain continues in parts of California reeling from flooding and high tides – WTOP News

Published

2 days ago

January 4, 2026

Press Room

Rain continues in parts of California reeling from flooding and high tides – WTOP News

CORTE MADERA, Calif. (AP) — Crews cleared mud from key California highways as forecasters warned Sunday that more thunderstorms were…

CORTE MADERA, Calif. (AP) — Crews cleared mud from key California highways as forecasters warned Sunday that more thunderstorms were on the way after downpours and high tides caused flooding, road closures and rescues of people trapped in cars.

Five northern counties remained under a flood watch, with up to three inches (7.6 cm) of rain possible through Monday night in areas that have been drenched off and on since around Christmas, said the National Weather Service office in Eureka. At least a foot (.3 meters) of snow was likely in the mountains.

To the south near the San Francisco Bay Area, waters were slowly receding after roadways from Sausalito to San Rafael were flooded during heavy rain that coincided with record-breaking “ King Tides.” Such tides occur when the moon is in its closest position to the Earth, creating a stronger gravitational pull.

Some people kayaked along swamped streets, while others waded through water above their knees. Authorities were called to assist when cars got stuck in water as high as 3 and 4 feet (1.1 and 1.2 meters), Marin County Sheriff’s Sgt. Michael Dobbins said Saturday.

“I’ve been around here for the King Tides and I’ve never seen it this high. Never,” Jeremy Hager of San Rafael told KTVU-TV.

Flooding was reported across Marin, Sonoma, Alameda, San Mateo and San Francisco counties.

While the tides were waning, lingering thunderstorms on Sunday could cause additional problems throughout low-lying areas, forecasters said. “For anyone driving, slow down and allow extra time to reach your destination,” the Bay Area office of the weather service warned on social media.

Farther south in Santa Barbara County, a key highway was reopened Sunday after it was blocked for most of the weekend near Goleta due to a series of mudslides. A man died after he was swept into a creek during the storm, the sheriff’s office said Saturday.

Parts of Santa Barbara County received more than four inches (10 cm) of rain over two days, the weather service said Sunday.

After a mostly dry autumn, California has been hit by a series of powerful winter storms that brought the wettest holiday season to the state in years.

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