A long decline in the number of people managing wildlife refuges in California accelerated after the Trump administration’s DOGE staffing cuts.
CalMatters
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California lawmakers kill grizzly bear reintroduction bill
For now, the only place you’ll find grizzlies in California is in zoos or on the state flag after the Assembly Appropriations Committee spiked a measure that would have tasked the California Department of Fish and Wildlife with creating a “roadmap that evaluates whether, and under what conditions, reintroduction of the grizzly bear is feasible and advisable.”
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
California is making progress on fire prevention. Federal retreat, shaky funding put it at risk
California set an ambitious target to reduce wildfire hazards each year and is making real progress, write Bradley Franklin and Kyle Greenspan of the PPIC Water Policy Center. Preserving that momentum as federal partnerships fade and state funding declines is crucial.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Newsom makes last-minute push to help California utilities facing wildfire bills
One of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s final political fights in California is a revival of an old one. As wildfire costs threaten utilities’ financial models, the governor wants to help them pay less for fires.
Posted inHousing & Development
Almost nowhere in California is building enough, according to the state. Here’s why
The state ordered every city and county to plan for 2.5 million new homes by 2030. With the exception of just five jurisdictions, no one is on track to hit their numbers.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
How does California’s new $3,500 EV rebate work?
First-time electric vehicle buyers in California could soon get thousands of dollars off the sticker price. Here’s how to apply.
Posted inFood & Drink
California craft liquor delivery is about go away thanks to big-money lobbying
California craft liquor deliveries could end Jan. 1. Distillers say powerful alcohol companies, the wine industry and Teamsters killed a possible extension of deliveries that grew out of the pandemic.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Would you trust your boss with data about your brain? California moves to regulate neurotech
Brain sensors are advancing, and California companies, lawmakers and unions are jockeying to shape how the resulting data can be used.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Why insurance matters to renters, landlords and California
Insurance affects the cost of rent, housing supply and recovery from disaster. In November, Californians will elect the state’s next insurance commissioner, a position that will play an important role in the recovery from last year’s Los Angeles County fires and the state of the insurance market.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
As AI ‘therapists’ dish out advice, California lawmakers try to set some limits
With the rise in popularity of chatbots and the use of artificial intelligence in mental healthcare, California lawmakers are pushing legislation that they say is needed to protect consumers.
