Latest news with #EricTaylor
CBC
3 days ago
- Science
- CBC
2 new species of crayfish identified in Pacific Northwest — and they're already at risk
Social Sharing Two new species of crayfish have been identified in the Pacific Northwest region of North America, and researchers say both species are vulnerable to extinction. One of those crayfish is called the "misfortunate crayfish," found primarily in central Oregon, according to biologist Eric Larson. The other, the Okanagan crayfish, is found in, well, B.C.'s Okanagan Lake. Both were previously mistaken for the signal crayfish, the most common species of crayfish on the West Coast, Larson said. "They are brand new species. It's the first time anyone has called this animal the Okanagan crayfish," Larson told CBC's Daybreak South host Chris Walker. The easiest way to differentiate the signal variety from the other two is a distinctive white mark on the signal crayfish's claw. "If you find that absent or really reduced, that might suggest you're looking at the Okanagan crayfish," Larson said. Eric Taylor, a professor of zoology at the University of British Columbia, said it's important to identify different species, even if they appear very similar, for several reasons. "There's sort of an inherent value in knowing," he said. "Humans like to know about the world around us, which includes the natural world, so it's important for an accurate understanding of the level of biodiversity we have." Additionally, it helps researchers better understand the ecosystem in which these species live. Thirdly, identifying individual species gives conservationists an idea of how widespread the species is. For example, Taylor said, there could be a stronger effort to protect a species if it's only found in one small area, as opposed to across a region. At risk of extinction Okanagan and misfortunate crayfish are already considered at risk of extinction, according to Larson. Taylor said this is no surprise, given that these are smaller groups of what was once thought to be a larger population. "The smaller an area an animal or plant lives in, the greater the chance that if something bad happens, it's going to go extinct," he said. The Okanagan crayfish is of particular concern, Taylor said, because it's located in Okanagan Lake — an area of "high human impact." Larson hopes the situation will inspire conservation action. "Crayfish don't get along that well," he said. "We have moved crayfish around for centuries," Larson added, pointing to stocking lakes with crayfish, using them as bait and even classrooms releasing them into the wild. They can also catch a ride to a new location on boats, similar to invasive mussels. Larson said that, in particular, scientists worry Okanagan crayfish will be displaced by invasive virile crayfish, while misfortunate crayfish could disappear due to invasive rusty crayfish. That's a much bigger risk for the misfortunate crayfish in Oregon that has the rusty crayfish from eastern North America spreading really rapidly in its native range. But for the Okanagan crayfish, we kind of wanted to discourage movement of other crayfish into its populations. Not only can invasive species be harmful to those native to the Pacific Northwest, they also feed on fish eggs and destroy aquatic plants, Larson said, as well as damage infrastructure like irrigation canals and dams. Invasive crayfish can also carry disease, according to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
California's crime law, Prop. 36, didn't come with enough funding, panelists say
The Brief Prop. 36 reinstates felony sentences and prison time for some repeat theft and drug crimes. The ballot initiative didn't include a funding strategy for increased court cases, and drug and mental health treatment. Police, public defenders and courts say there has to be more funding to cover prosecution and jail costs. SACRAMENTO, Calif. - California lawmakers are trying to make sure there's enough money to pay the costs of Prop. 36, which reinstated felony sentences and prison time for some repeat theft and drug crimes. The ballot initiative itself did not include a specific funding strategy for the expected increase in court cases, incarcerated people, and drug and mental health treatment required as part of the new law. Some local law enforcement, public defenders, courts and county health officials say there needs to be more funding to cover the prosecution and the expected increase in jail and prison populations. At a state Senate hearing on Tuesday, Stanislaus County Public Defender Jennifer Jennison said that in her county, there have been more than 140 mandated treatment felonies filed since Jan. 1. All of those people, she said, have been arrested and booked into jail. She noted her county does not have a plan for drug treatment and the county's mental health systems are at capacity, KCRA reported. "We lack a lot," San Benito County Sheriff Eric Taylor told lawmakers. He also told them the county's one contracted psychiatrist doesn't feel comfortable treating incarcerated people. He also noted residential treatment in the area is privatized and expensive. "Our jails have become the de facto treatment centers because of the lack of bed space, not only mental health, but for treatment bed space," Taylor said. "We do want people to leave our custody better than when they came in. We are fighting an uphill battle because we just don't have the support."The courts estimate they will need more resources to pay for the extra 30,000 to 40,000 felony cases statewide, with 56% of them theft-related, and 44% of them drug-related. Lawmakers and the governor will spend the next four months figuring out how much money to provide the Prop 36 effort through the state's budget process. The state spending plan is typically finalized at the end of June.
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Eric Taylor seeking election as judge in Berks
Eric Taylor is pretty happy with where he is. The 52-year-old has been serving the communities of West Reading and Wyomissing as a district judge for the past seven years. It's a job he has loved, and one he takes very seriously. 'I like being a judge,' he said. 'I enjoy making decisions and being able to sometimes redirect people when needed — maybe get them into a treatment program or connect them to resources that they are unaware are out there.' Despite his satisfaction with his current role, Taylor has higher aspirations. He'd like to apply his experience and passion for justice at a higher level and tackle different kinds of cases. That's why Taylor has announced that he is running to fill a vacancy on the Berks County bench left open by the retirement of Judge Jeffrey Sprecher in July 2023. The West Reading Democrat will cross-file to appear on the Republican and Democratic ballots in the May primary election. With more than seven years of experience as a district judge, Taylor has presided over and decided criminal and civil cases. He said that extensive judicial experience makes him uniquely qualified to handle the cases that come before county judges. Eric Taylor 'My deep understanding of the law, combined with my ability to issue thoughtful legal opinions, has earned me respect in the legal community,' he said. 'In fact, several of my opinions have been published in the Berks County Law Journal.' That experience on the bench, he said, will set him apart from his opponents. Taylor is the third candidate to announce his intention to run for the post. Berks County Assistant District Attorney Kathryn Lehman and local defense attorney Lauren Marks are also seeking election. 'It is important to note that neither of the other candidates has any judicial experience and that I have been practicing law longer than them,' he said. Taylor's legal career has spanned nearly two decades, including more than 12 years as an assistant public defender in the Berks County Public Defender's Office. During this time, he represented clients in criminal cases. He also handled other matters like violations of protection-from-abuse orders, child support violations and juvenile delinquency. And before becoming a public defender, he served as a judicial law clerk and completed an internship with a federal magistrate judge. 'My legal background and practical experience gives me a unique understanding of the challenges faced by all parties involved in the court system,' he said. 'In my courtroom I want everyone to feel like they have their voices heard. They may not agree with my decision, but they were treated fairly.' Taylor said his dedication to serving his community extends far beyond the courtroom, noting that he has served as a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berks County and with the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul at Sacred Heart Parish. Taylor graduated from Wake Forest University with degrees in English and political science before earning his law degree at Rutgers University. Judges serve for 10 years, then must run for retention to remain on the bench. The position pays $227,411 annually. Meet the candidate Candidate: Eric Taylor, 52, West Reading. Position sought: Berks County judge. Website: Background: Taylor is a district judge serving the communities of West Reading and Wyomissing since 2018. Before being elected to that position, he spent 12 years working in the Berks County Public Defender's Office. He has also volunteered with the Peace Corps, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berks County and the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul at Sacred Heart Parish in West Reading.
