Talking NorCal

California Water Wars, Snowpack Dwindles, & Revolutionizing Lake Tahoe Transportation w/Ryan Meinzer

Active NorCal’s Zach O’Brien and Brien O’Brien (BOB) dive deep on the California water wars, including President Trump's recent acts, Gavin Newsom's executive order, Lake Oroville using its spillway, and farmers versus environmentalists. Then, they break down the news of the week including the trail down to Burney Falls reopening, Homewood Mountain Resort's plan to reopen for skiing, California snowpack dwindling after dry January, and divers removing 1,500 pounds of trash out of Donner Lake. Finally, Zach sits down with Ryan Meinzer from FlyTahoe to talk about plans to bring an electric flying ferry to Lake Tahoe. They discuss the environmental implications, convenience for visitors and residents of Tahoe, and challenges in bringing the revolutionary transportation to the U.S. for the first time.

High Water Levels, Ranchers Leaving Point Reyes, & Terrible Wildfire Politicization/Misinformation

Active NorCal’s Zach O’Brien and Brien O’Brien (BOB) break down the recent storms in Northern California, including the snowpack sitting at 108% of historical average, Shasta Lake seeing its highest January water levels in 15 years, and the 206 mph winds at Kirkwood Mountain Resort. Then, they get into the news of the week including the brand-new National Monument near Mount Shasta, the ranchers leaving the Point Reyes National Seashore, 6,000 salmon returning to the free-flowing Klamath River, a new bill that could have San Francisco paying a lot more for Hetch Hetchy water, and the X Games coming to NorCal. Finally, Zach and Bob discuss the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, including the terrible wildfire politicization, misinformation, and the media's coverage of celebrities.

Bidwell Mansion Burns, Earthquakes in NorCal, and Climbing Mount Shasta w/ Chris Carr

Active NorCal’s Zach O’Brien and Brien O’Brien (BOB) break down the wet start to the winter in Northern California, including the most recent storms bringing lots of snow to the mountains and the tornado that ravaged the Bay Area. Then, they discuss the news of the week including the burning of the historic Bidwell Mansion in Chico, Mt. Shasta Ski Park unveiling its new 20-foot statue of the Virgin Mary, fence removal in Point Reyes allowing elk to roam free, a proposed electric ferry on Lake Tahoe, and the star-studded concert series coming to the Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena. Next, Zach sits down with Chris Carr from the Shasta Mountain Guides to discuss the start to the winter season on Mount Shasta, what people can expect when climbing the mountain, and the best ways to go backcountry skiing in the area. Finally, Zach and Bob talk about the recent earthquake activity in NorCal and why all locals should know about the Cascadia Subduction Zone.

Movie Review: Lady Bird is a Beautiful Love Letter to Sacramento

We're back with another movie review! This time, Active NorCal's Zach O'Brien and Brien O'brien review the award-winning film Lady Bird, which is a beautiful "love letter" to Sacramento.  They talk about how the movie takes place in Sacramento, as well as the many obvious filming locations around the city. They also discuss their many connections to the film, including their Catholic upbringing, high school life with no cell phones, and the experience of growing up in Northern California.

Blizzard Slams NorCal, Controversial Owl Hunting, New Wolf Packs, and Proof of Lemurians?

Active NorCal's Zach O'Brien and Brien O'Brien (BOB) break down the massive storms that slammed Northern California recently, including the early opening of ski resorts and significant rise of lakes. They also discuss the announcement of new wolf packs in NorCal, including the wolves found in Lassen Volcanic National Park, before debating the alien testimony in Congress and how it changes our outlook on Lemurians. Then, they discuss the NorCal Notes of the week, including the vote on Palisades Tahoe expansion, Coho salmon returning to the Upper Klamath Basin, the controversial hunt of barred owls, and the successful removal of AT&T's cables out of Lake Tahoe. Finally, they end the podcast by discussing fun things they did in Sacramento last week, before debating which movie filmed in NorCal they should review next.