Image by A stockphotoOPINION – Distributed energy resources (DERs) like electric vehicles (EVs), home batteries, heat pumps, and rooftop solar panels, can power the grid more efficiently than gas peaker plants, making everyday Californians the power providers instead of dirty energy.
Pile of cut up and rolled old carpets are ready hauling services. Image by Michael ViOPINION – In the middle of a major budget shortfall and reductions in funding and operations throughout government, modest legislation, AB 863, initially intended to modify the state’s carpet recycling program was heavily amended to create a costly, alternative program, impacting manufacturers and California consumers.
Image by michaeljungOPINION – Education is a game-changer that allows people to transcend their circumstances. Our Cal Grant program continues to sustain students, no matter their parents’ immigration status, but there are many outdated rules that still keep hundreds of thousands of needy students out.
Image by Mohamad Faizal Bin RamliOPINION – An updated rate-setting process is necessary to restore a functioning insurance market in California, and we need that NOW for more reliable rates, greater policy availability, and safer communities.
Image by kieferpixOPINION – There is no more important investment we can make as a society than in the next generation—especially when improving their mental health.
Mental health stigma. Image by designer491OPINION – Two bills currently in the state Legislature follow the lead of many in the disability rights movement by bringing our state’s codes up to date with person-first language where appropriate and stop the stigmatization around mental health conditions and substance use disorders.
High voltage transmission towers - image by peterschreiber.mediaOPINION – California urgently needs solutions to our energy affordability and reliability crisis, especially as we approach summer and inevitable heat waves that drive up temperatures along with energy bills. Fortunately, a suite of bills rapidly advancing through the state legislature would go a long way towards solving problems of energy reliability, affordability and safety.
Image by PeopleImagesOPINION – Assembly Bill 796 is crucial for enhancing athlete safety in California. Our children deserve the highest level of protection, and that includes having certified athletic trainers present during sports activities.
Source: River PartnersOPINION – We all know it. You shouldn’t wait to close the barn door until after the horse has bolted. That’s an important lesson for Central Valley communities today. California didn’t experience floods this past winter like we did in 2023. But given that the legislature is writing a bond now, this is the time to speak up to keep our communities safe from catastrophic flooding in the future.
Image by LeMannaOPINION – By including $1 billion for green schoolyards in this year’s education bond, we are investing in our children’s future and giving teachers more tools to engage their students and create new learning experiences.