EnvironmentNewsom imposes new California water restrictions — leaves details to localsMarch 28, 2022Still resisting statewide water rationing for parched California, Gov. Gavin Newsom is asking local suppliers to tighten water limits.
State GovernmentCalifornia contradiction: Ban gas cars later, but cushion gas prices now?March 28, 2022California has invested heavily in switching away from gas-powered cars to meet its climate goals. Now Gov. Newsom has proposed sending out checks to car owners to help with the price of gas.
State GovernmentAudit: California utilities aren’t doing enough to reduce wildfire threatsMarch 24, 2022Regulators approved “seriously deficient” fire prevention plans, including from PG&E, which sparked California’s deadliest wildfire, state auditor says.
EnvironmentSacramento County juggles dueling concerns in final draft of climate action planMarch 24, 2022 | Manola SecairaWith its sights set on carbon neutrality by 2030, the county is attempting to balance concerns over cost with whether its actions are aggressive enough.
EnvironmentState unveils long-awaited standard for drinking water contaminantMarch 22, 2022California’s proposed limit for hexavalent chromium — the first in the nation — would raise water rates in many cities. The contaminant, linked to cancer, was made infamous by Erin Brockovich.
EnvironmentGetting healthy, nutritious foods to California students isn’t easy. First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom is making it her priority issue.March 21, 2022 | Janelle Salanga | Manola SecairaThe state is working to track progress on efforts to serve students healthier food, and a new “farm-to-school road map for success” report is putting the spotlight on youth food insecurity and literacy. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Interview: Where Sacramento stands on California's new food waste recycling programMarch 15, 2022 | Randol WhiteErin Treadwell spoke with us about a yet-to-be fully implemented California law that requires all residents and businesses to separate food waste from other trash. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentCalifornians used more water as state braces for another dry yearMarch 15, 2022New data from urban areas suggests that people are ignoring the governor’s pleas for voluntary conservation during the drought. Some experts say it’s time for Newsom to issue a mandatory order. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentUC Davis researchers are using ultrasounds to help endangered abalone spawnMarch 15, 2022 | Steve MilneUltrasounds can be used to quickly detect when abalone are ready to spawn. The species is near extinction, and scientists at the UC Davis Marine Laboratory hope the old medical tool can help turn that around. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentCalifornia’s energy future hinges on lithium, from solar panels to batteries. Here’s what we know.March 10, 2022 | Manola SecairaPresident Joe Biden and Governor Gavin Newsom recently spoke about harvesting lithium in Southern California, where some of the most abundant sources of the mineral can be found.
