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...
AI system is spotting California wildfires as soon as they start
With a historic drought deepening across the Western United States, many residents, officials, and first responders are nervously awaiting an inevitable severe wildfire season. When it comes to wildfire, quick detection is key and even a few minutes can make the difference between homes saved and Read More...
Monarch conservation coalition launches huge milkweed planting initiative
Although monarch butterfly populations showed signs of recovery in recent years, these orange beauties are still highly threatened. The species’ numbers have fallen 99 percent since the 1980s, but a new collaboration between conservation groups, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Read More...
California identifies two sites for introduction of offshore wind energy
The US recently approved its first utility-scale offshore wind farm in Massachusetts, but the West Coast has been slower to adopt wind technology due to resistance from the Department of Defense. The same agreement that sanctioned the East Coast’s offshore wind farms will now finally expand wind Read More...
California commits to end oil extraction in the state by 2045
Following the federal commitment to reduce US emissions by 50 percent by 2030, California has expanded upon its climate commitments with the new goal of phasing out all oil extraction in the state by 2045. Additionally, it has demanded that the Department of Conservation halt all fracking permits Read More...
Three proposed solutions for California’s purple sea urchin crisis
If you dive under the waters of the Pacfic Ocean along the California coast, you’ll see the seafloor coated in small, spiny, purple creatures. These sea urchins are eating up local kelp forests at alarming rates, leaving behind a “purple carpet” wasteland in their wake. West coast divers are Read More...
Yurok Tribe to lead the reintroduction of condor in northern California
For the first time in 100 years, the endangered California condor is expected to once again soar the skies of the Pacific Northwest. The ambitious reintroduction effort will be led by the Yurok Tribe, whose ancestral land includes parts of Redwood National Park that were once home to the Read More...