Drone footage shows growth in California kelp forests
Kelp is a key pillar of marine ecosystems and a huge carbon sink, but along the California coast, populations have been dwindling in recent years. Overpopulation of sea urchins, which feast on kelp, as well as rising sea temperatures, have devastated these marine forests, but new drone images from Read More...
The case for eliminating jaywalking laws
Most of us have probably looked both ways quickly before darting across the street outside of a sidewalk. Whether traffic was light or the crosswalk was simply too far away, jaywalking is a fairly common offense, but data from the California Racial and Identity Profiling Act (RIPA) shows that Black Read More...
California law strengthens protections for mega-retailer warehouse workers
Last week, California became the first state to take action on unethical productivity practices in mega-retailer warehouses. The newly-passed law, AB 701, bars large retailers like Amazon from firing warehouse workers for missing quotas. The new law aims to ensure that productivity goals do not Read More...
CA introduces trio of laws to make housing more affordable and sustainable
With new policies surrounding oil extraction, recycling, and building codes, California has led the way on green policymaking this year. Now, the state is taking aim at low-carbon affordable housing with a series of new laws that remove red tape surrounding progressive construction. The first Read More...
Lake Tahoe ski resort officially changes derogatory name
Last summer, as many companies and institutions across the US contemplated the legacies of racism in their own cultures, one Northern California ski resort decided it was time to retire their derogatory name in favor of a more inclusive title. After months of discussion and input from Native Read More...
New California bill aims to bring reality to recycling logos
If you look around at just about everything made of plastic in your home, as well as most paper products and anything that contains just about anything, the odds are you’ll see that ubiquitous three arrow triangle on the item’s label or embossed somewhere. Now, many of us think this is just a Read More...
California’s new energy codes push an all-electric housing future
As more cities embrace natural gas-free futures, the US’ most populous state is giving the concept of all-electric homes a big legislative push. California has approved new energy codes that will incentivize electric appliances and efficient heating and cooling systems. Approved by the Read More...
California now offers free school meals to all students
We’ve written about how nutritious and affordable school lunches can drastically reduce childhood hunger. Realizing the public health benefits of school lunches, the state of California will now make school meals free for all public school students. During the 2019-2020 school year, 60 percent Read More...
California and Alabama have the best K-12 history curriculums. Here’s why
US public school curriculums have been a hot topic as of late, but rather than looking at the flaws in our education system, we’re choosing to take a look at areas with excellent curriculums that other states can potentially model theirs after. When it comes to US history, two states stand out Read More...
This organization in California gives cash directly to crime victims in need
Victims of crime, such as those of domestic abuse or those who experience the loss of a loved one to gun violence, are often faced with unexpected expenses on top of healing from their trauma. In California, the state has a victim compensation fund to cover expenses such as mental health services Read More...