EnvironmentCalifornia phases out diesel trucks: What happens next?April 28, 2023In a worldwide first, California’s air board unanimously moves to end diesel’s decades-long stranglehold on the economy. Truckers predict chaos, while communities near ports, freeways celebrate cleaner air.
Legislators step in as trust erodes between community colleges, California State UniversityApril 23, 2023More than a year of mudslinging between the higher education systems has led to delays and anger over the issue of awarding bachelor’s degrees at community colleges. Legislators, frustrated by the lack of progress, are getting involved.
EnvironmentCalifornia’s farmers reeling as flooding wreaks havoc on dairy industryApril 18, 2023After weeks of rain, the long-dry Tulare Lake is rising from the San Joaquin Valley floor, endangering farms, towns, livelihoods. Now record snow on the Sierra Nevada is melting. Will the Central Valley be ready?
State GovernmentTobacco sales phaseout withers in California without support from anti-tobacco advocatesApril 15, 2023A bill to phase out all tobacco sales in California has been shelved, and anti-tobacco groups won’t say why they didn’t offer support. The bill was amended to focus on enforcing an existing ban on flavored tobacco.
What stands between you and a four-day weekApril 10, 2023Evidence from pilot programs show that 32 hour weeks are feasible, but business groups in California say it won’t work for all companies. Lawmakers in California and D.C. are introducing bills that would encourage or require shortened work weeks.
Why California public transit is at a pivotal momentApril 8, 2023Public transit agencies in California are struggling to avoid a “fiscal cliff” — and to persuade riders to return after the COVID pandemic. Advocates and legislators are seeking more state aid, but there are no simple solutions.
State GovernmentState may scale down its new home loan program designed to assist first-time homebuyersMarch 22, 2023Gov. Newsom wants to spend $300 million the first year, which could help about 2,300 buyers. But home prices are falling and mortgage rates are rising, complicating the launch.
A boom for concealed carry classes, but long waits for permitsMarch 21, 2023Many more gun owners are seeking California concealed carry permits, even in blue, coastal counties. Gov. Newsom and Democrats in the Legislature are trying again to limit where weapons are allowed.
Mobile home parks offer refuge from California's housing squeeze. Who's watching them?March 21, 2023When mobile home parks fall into disrepair, residents look to the government for help. But it turns out the state has limited options.
Student housing: State’s promise to build more dorms hits setbacksMarch 19, 2023Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to delay state funds to student housing because of the state’s budget deficit. Lawmakers have different ideas on what kind of compromise might be reached.
