California

Federal Government Declares Water Shortage as Lake Mead Reaches Critical Low
The first-of-its-kind declaration triggers major water cutbacks for Arizona farmers and reduced allocations for Nevada and Mexico.

The Vaccinated Account for 20 Percent of Covid Infections in a Few Hot Spots
All Americans, vaccinated and unvaccinated, are still in this pandemic together.

California Energy Commission Mandates Solar Power
In an effort to curb the state's greenhouse gas emissions, builders will be required to include solar power in many new commercial and large residential buildings.

Wealthy Bay Area Communities Fight Housing Targets
Some California cities and counties are appealing regional housing allocations, which could have a meaningful impact on how and where development occurs over the next decade.

Former San Diego Mayor Leaves Pro-Development Politics Behind for Recall Race
While Mayor of San Diego, Republican Kevin Faulconer made a name for himself as a prominently YIMBY politician. He's abandoned those views now that he's running for Gov. Gavin Newsom's spot in the state's recall race.

Vaccinated Californians Estimated to Account for 20% of Current COVID Infections
State and national health authorities are unusually tight-lipped when it comes to so-called vaccine breakthrough infections, so one Bay Area newspaper editorial page editor did the math himself.

Report: How L.A.'s Transportation System Fails Women
According to an LADOT study, the city's women face disproportionate barriers in accessing safe, efficient transportation.

Developer Accuses L.A.'s Eviction Moratorium of Illegal Taking, Files Lawsuit
Geoff Palmer is suing the Los Angeles, seeking $100 million to make up for income lost because of the city's eviction moratorium during the pandemic.

Creating Urban Wilderness in the South Bay of L.A. County
The South Bay Parkland Conservancy is working to create a connected urban wilderness throughout the South Bay with trails, parks, and native habitat for wildlife.

Opinion: Build Density in Palo Alto–and Lots of It
To keep up with demand and slow the astronomical rise in housing costs, Palo Alto and other Silicon Valley cities must overcome local opposition to density and high-rises.

Sacramento Plans for Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
The city wants to install a network of more than 3,000 charging stations, with a focus on underserved communities.

What California Would Lose if the Infrastructure Plan Fails
The state is poised to gain nearly $1 billion from the federal plan for projects ranging from electric vehicle charging stations to bike lanes and zero-emission bus fleets.

San Diego Bike Advocates Demand Safer Infrastructure
After 12 people were killed this year biking on San Diego County roads, local advocates are calling for more protected bike lanes and safer bike facilities.

Opinion: Keep Public Toilets at L.A. Homeless Encampments
The city is planning to remove the hundreds of public toilets and hand-washing stations installed during the pandemic. But the need for them isn't going away.

California Lawmakers Debate Killing High Speed Rail Funding
The cost increases and delays on the Central Valley project have some state lawmakers wondering whether funds should go toward local transit systems instead.

Transforming Communities Through Soccer 'Mini-Pitches'
The U.S. Soccer Foundation and Target are partnering with schools, cities, and counties nationwide to create safe places for kids to play soccer and improve communities.

Creating a New Park as a Space of Hope and Healing
The County of Los Angeles is allocating funding to help transform a former foster youth facility into a new community park in El Monte, one of the most park-poor cities in the county.

The California Dream is Becoming Less Achievable
Anti-growth forces have made it close to impossible for many young people and newcomers to gain the upward mobility that has defined the state's success.

Where to Preview L.A.'s New Bus Shelters
Angelenos can try out the new designs at six locations this summer, with the full program set to launch in 2022.

San Francisco Seeks Public Input on Post-Pandemic Muni Service
The SFMTA is considering a "high-access network" that would let people reach more destinations and increase frequency on some Muni lines.
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