California

Cars on road with simulated technology overlay

Can Chatbot Technology Make California Roads Safer?

State officials look to generative AI to get a five-year surge in traffic deaths under control.

January 11, 2024 - CBS News Sacramento

View of wide, deserted-looking street with arched sign reading "Fresno - Best little city in the U.S.A. - Van Ness Avenue - Entrance" in Fresno, California.

Fresno Pins Economic Hopes on High-Speed Rail

The Central Valley town anticipates an economic boost when the long-awaited California High-Speed Rail begins operations.

January 10, 2024 - CALmatters

Small white historic Catholic church in Los Angeles, California.

California Churches Embrace New Housing Law

The bill known as ‘Yes in God’s Backyard’ promotes affordable housing construction on church properties.

January 9, 2024 - NBC Los Angeles

Sunset view of tall palm trees and shorter trees lining empty street with Los Angeles skyline and crescent moon in background.

Los Angeles Seeks Public Input for Urban Forest Plans

The County and City of Los Angeles are working together on community engagement efforts for their Urban Forest Management Plans (UFMPs).

January 9, 2024 - County of Los Angeles

Close-up of sign at outdoor transit station for MUNI and BART in San Francisco, California.

Bay Area Proposal Calls for Combined Transit Agencies

A local legislator is asking for a plan to consolidate the region’s 27 separate transit agencies to improve financial stability and streamline service for riders.

January 8, 2024 - San Francisco Chronicle

View looking up at stone entrance arch with name and Olympic rings at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Turns 100

The historic venue celebrates its 100th anniversary, marking a century of memorable moments that include two Summer Olympic Games.

January 8, 2024 - Los Angeles Sentinel

Large white banner with red letter reading "Space Available - Apts. for Rent - Call 898-0660" on brick building in Washington, D.C.

How New California Housing Laws Will Impact Renters

Laws going into effect this year will affect regulations around security deposits, credit checks, and even e-scooters.

January 5, 2024 - The Sacramento Bee

Close-up of lit burner on natural gas stove with blue flame and small yellow flame shooting up.

Berkeley Natural Gas Ban Remains Reversed

A court declined to revisit its decision to invalidate a city ban on natural gas hookups.

January 4, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

E-Z Trip gas station in Bakersfield, California with orange awning over regular gas pumps and Tesla superchargers with white Teslas charging in foreground.

California Poised to Lose Up to $4 Billion in Gas Tax Revenue

States must find other ways to fund transportation projects as the transportation sector moves toward decarbonization.

January 3, 2024 - Cap Radio

View of Rainbow Bridge over Lake Natoma in Folsom, California.

Proposed Senior Community Wants to Use Tech to Keep Aging Residents Healthy

A proposal from a California investor and the University of California, Davis envisions a seniors-oriented community complete with healthcare facilities and other ways to support older residents.

January 3, 2024 - KCRA

Aerial view of Salton Sea, California.

Report: Southern California’s Salton Sea Region Holds Vast Lithium Reserves

Imperial County, a quiet agricultural region in the Southern California desert, could become the nation’s leading lithium source.

January 2, 2024 - SFGate

Small plane on runway at Santa Monica airport with high-rise buildings in background.

Transforming the Santa Monica Airport Into a Great Park

The City of Santa Monica took a key step forward in the process of closing the airport, approving an agreement with Sasaki Inc. to assess existing site conditions, gather public input, and propose options for turning the airport into a park.

January 2, 2024 - Santa Monica Mirror

View of Hotel Hamlin SRO supportiveh ousing building in San Francisco Tenderloin district.

Hundreds of San Francisco SRO Units Still Vacant

It can often take months for unhoused residents to access supportive housing. When they do, conditions can be unbearable.

December 29, 2023 - Sfist

Blurred close-up of movers in blue coveralls unloading cardboard boxes from moving van.

Population Losers

California's population dipped below 39 million as of July, according to the Census Bureau, after seeing its net domestic migration loss this year exceed last year's. Only New York has seen a greater loss as a percentage of population.

December 28, 2023 - San Francisco Chronicle

Concrete basketball court with clear glass backboard and palm trees in background in Los Angeles, California.

LA Clippers Support Basketball Court Program

The Los Angeles Clippers Foundation (LACF) is working with the L.A. County Department of Parks and Recreation to upgrade indoor and outdoor basketball courts across the county.

December 27, 2023 - Los Angeles Sentinel

Aerial view of Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant on the Pacific coast in San Luis Obispo County, California.

California's Lone Operating Nuclear Plant Gets Five-Year Extension

The Pacific Gas and Electric Company's Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant received approval from the California PUC to operate its two reactors until 2029 and 2030. Five days later, the NRC issued a temporary license renewal.

December 25, 2023 - The Mercury News

Bird's eye view of rainbow-colored crosswalk in the Castro district in San Francisco, California.

San Francisco Fails to Achieve Vision Zero Pledge

The city wanted to eliminate traffic deaths by 2024. It didn’t.

December 24, 2023 - The San Francisco Standard

Vintage multi-story brick apartment building and modern concrete and glass apartment building separated by a steep public stairway in Los Angeles, California.

The State of Housing in California

Homelessness continues to rise, and recent legislation aimed at boosting housing production may be limited in its effect.

December 21, 2023 - CALmatters

Wastewater treatment ponds.

California Approves Wastewater Recycling Rules

The complex set of regulations will ensure recycled water makes it to taps safely.

December 20, 2023 - CALmatters

View of trucks on Interstate 15 with desert mountains in background in Southern California.

California Commission Rejects Highway Expansion Funding

The move to deny requested funds signals a shift in mindset away from rubber-stamping road projects.

December 18, 2023 - Streetsblog California

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