Climate Change

Environment

California re-evaluating its landmark climate strategy

California EPA Secretary Jared Blumenfeld laid out plans for re-examining whether the program is likely to meet its goals for reducing greenhouse gases. It signals a shift in the administration's attitude and reflects problems posed by the pandemic-caused recession.

By Rachel Becker • June 24, 2020

WhatMatters

Middle class to bear brunt of budget cuts

The UC and and CSU systems will take a $602 million hit under California budget cuts, potentially leading to a tuition hike for some families.

By Emily Hoeven • June 24, 2020

Environment

Oil and babies don’t mix: Wells linked to low birthweight

The study is the first to investigate what California’s constellation of oil and gas development means for babies born nearby.

By Rachel Becker • June 3, 2020

Environment

New state park? Climate catalyst fund? On hold in Newsom’s coronavirus-afflicted budget

State officials said that California isn’t backing away from prioritizing environmental protections, but that the harsh realities of the economic meltdown require difficult compromises.

By Julie Cart, Rachel Becker and Rebecca Sohn • May 14, 2020

Higher Education

Disasters have shut down California colleges in the past: Here’s how they fared

Officials at Butte College gathered one fall Wednesday in 2018 for a tabletop exercise in disaster planning. As California’s fire seasons had become more deadly, utilities were threatening to shut off power as a way of preventing downed lines from igniting blazes. Other catastrophes, such as school shootings, were also on officials’ minds. Administrators at […]

By Felicia Mello • May 4, 2020

Environment

Back off the beach and the rising sea? No way, California cities say

Pushing homeowners away from the water is proving difficult. They want to protect property values; the state wants to save the beaches.

By Julie Cart • April 28, 2020

WhatMatters

Election Day + Obamacare jeopardy + Job protection for workers who use cannabis? + Coronavirus update

Zombie votes and delayed results expected today. Bill would protect workers who use medical marijuana. Business and labor groups spent big on primary.

By Dan Morain • March 3, 2020

Environment

California is taking aim at Uber and Lyft’s outsized climate consequences

Uber and Lyft are bigger climate polluters than they should be. California aims to fix that.

By Carlyn Kranking • March 3, 2020

WhatMatters

Dams at risk + Riding atmospheric rivers + Coronavirus concerns

California dams are at risk. Scientists study atmospheric rivers and climate change. State responds to coronavirus cases.

By Dan Morain • February 26, 2020

WhatMatters

Dreaming in Salinas about a home + Gig economy battle ahead + The water fight to come

Salinas farmworkers saddled with poor living conditions. State again battles Trump over water policy. School bond contains break for developers.

By Dan Morain • February 24, 2020