January’s fire at Moss Landing has fueled debate over whether battery energy storage systems belong in local communities. While safety concerns are real, national battery safety expert Matthew Paiss argues that modern BESS fires are rare in proportion to the numbers installed.
Tech
Posted inEducation
Santa Cruz County teachers confront AI’s growing influence over the classroom
Some local teachers are changing up assignments and returning to handwritten work as artificial intelligence tools threaten students’ critical thinking development. But Santa Cruz County educators also see opportunities for AI to help students and teachers alike.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Santa Cruz County quietly abandons blockchain program once touted as bleeding edge
Santa Cruz County has shelved its ambitious blockchain wallet project after two years, citing complexity and low public adoption. Officials now plan to pursue simpler digital tools they say are better suited to resident needs.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
State claims there’s zero high-risk AI in California government — despite ample evidence to the contrary
A state report provided to CalMatters says 200 agencies reported no automation around sensitive decisions. Some called the report befuddling.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Congress might strip Californians of protections against AI in health care, hiring and much more
House Republicans want to ban state regulations on artificial intelligence for 10 years. California leaders are alarmed.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
Kids should avoid AI companion bots — under force of law, assessment says
With input from a Stanford lab, Common Sense Media concludes that artificial intelligence systems can exacerbate problems like addiction and self-harm.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
AI can rip you off. Here’s how California lawmakers want to stop price discrimination
Artificial intelligence can help businesses charge you more based on how it evaluates your personal history and desires. California lawmakers want to end that price discrimination.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Landlords are using AI to raise rents — and California cities are leading the pushback
California and federal prosecutors have accused software company RealPage of enriching itself ”at the expense of renters who pay inflated prices.”
Posted inEducation
California students want careers in AI. Here’s how colleges are meeting that demand
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recent deal with Nvidia will boost artificial intelligence education at community colleges and open the door to similar deals for public four-year universities in California. Meanwhile, computer science programs are adding AI concentrations and majors to prepare students for a range of “blue collar” and technical AI jobs.
Posted inLatest News
A mystery surge in California tax revenue points to tech companies like Nvidia. Here’s why
California was nearly $2 billion over forecast in corporate tax receipts this summer, including a single $800 million payment in July. A tax change meant to help the budget deficit helped drive the surge.