THE SUDDEN DEATH OF THOUSANDS OF HONEY BEES ACROSS THE NATION (KNOWN AS COLONY COLLAPSE DISORDER) COULD HAVE A SERIOUS IMPACT HERE ON THE CENTRAL COAST. BEEKEEPERS HERE SAY THEY LOST AS MUCH AS 65 PERCENT OF THEIR BEES THIS PAST WINTER, AND BEES ARE USED TO POLLINATE STRAWBERRIES AND VARIOUS LOCALLY GROWN VEGETABLES. OTHER CROPS AFFECTED HERE (AND ELSEWHERE AROUND CALIFORNIA) INCLUDE: APPLES, PEARS, VINE CROPS, AND ALMONDS.
