California hopes for a duplex revolution

Aug 30, 2021
The bill likely to become law would effectively end single-family-only zoning across the state. But will it ease housing prices?
People look at a San Francisco home during an open house in April 2019.  Following a dramatic jump in housing prices over the past year, a California bill that has passed both chambers seeks to effectively end single-family-only zoning.
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images

Wildfires have given parts of the West some of the worst air quality in the world

Aug 27, 2021
Even the East Coast has had air quality issues due to this summer's wildfire smoke.
The San Francisco skyline is only partially visible through smoky conditions in September 2020. Smoke from recent wildfires have caused Nevada and other parts of California to have unhealthy and hazardous air quality.
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images

The legacy of Enron in California's power challenges today

Aug 4, 2021
California faces more potential rolling blackouts this year due to a historic drought. But the state's deregulated power system also plays a role, and dates back to the Enron scandal.
A man sits under his umbrella under high tension power lines in California in August 2020, two days after the state ordered rolling power outages.
Apu Gomes/AFP via Getty Images

The looming tomato shortage

Aug 3, 2021
The drought in California — the country’s biggest producer — will make tomato yields short by up to 10%, possibly boosting prices.
The drought in California may reduce the state's tomato yield as much as 10%, frustrating businesses along the supply chain as well as consumers.
Spencer Platt via Getty Images

California labor contract promises raises for child care providers

Aug 3, 2021
The new contract means that more than 40,000 workers will see a bump in pay.
Sylvia Hernandez opened Blossom to Success Child Care in her Los Angeles home in 2007.
Mariana Dale

Lake Mead business struggles to stay afloat as water drops to historic low

Jul 29, 2021
“It’s a tough season this year,” says Lisa Duncan of Temple Bar Marina. Slips are filled, but the boat launch is closed for now.
The closure of Lake Mead’s Temple Bar boat ramp due to low water levels has impacted revenue at the restaurant, hotel and retail store that Lisa Duncan, manages at Temple Bar Marina, she says.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

A California fix for rolling blackouts irks neighbors

Jul 22, 2021
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission recently approved a California proposal that prioritizes its own power needs in a crunch.
Power lines running through Paradise, California on May 22, 2021.
Lily Jamali

For public good, not for profit.

Training a new workforce for California's move to electric vehicles

Jun 28, 2021
Researchers say the state will need a lot more people to build and maintain its EV infrastructure.
If California wants to reach carbon-neutral transportation by 2045, it must recruit and train more people to work on vehicles and infrastructure.
Thomas Niedermueller via Getty Images

California wants to make it easier to turn empty malls into affordable housing

Jun 2, 2021
But cities, who don't want to give up sales tax revenue, and stores may not be quick to give up mall space.
The mall-to-housing flip can be harder than it sounds.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

For automakers, California emissions standards play a key regulatory role

Apr 22, 2021
Car manufacturers want a clear vision of where the country is headed, to create a consistent production process.
Thirteen other states have adopted California's emissions standards, including New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images