Posts Tagged: neighborhoods

Metal recycling: State tries end run around cities and counties

Metal scrap awaiting recycling. (Photo: TonelsonProductions, via Shutterstock)

by MATT CATE posted 09.03.2021

OPINION: The state is at it again. This time, the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) is attempting, in an end-run around the normal regulatory process, to impose “emergency” harsh and unjustified new rules on the metal-recycling industry — the one aspect of California’s troubled recycling sector that is still going strong. Why? Because they believe they can, I guess.

‘Fintechs’ and California’s mortgage market: We need a fix

Illustration of a perspn getting mortgage information online. (Image: Rawpixel.com, via Shutterstock)

by RAWAN ELHALABY and MUHAMMED ALAMELDIN posted 08.30.2021

OPINION: When Californians think about home mortgages, we typically think of banks. But the top three mortgage lenders in California aren’t banks, they’re financial technology or “fintech” lenders. Typically known as nonbanks, they generally operate online only, have no branches and take no deposits.

Latino voters strongly back climate action, park access

Sunbathers in San Francisco's Dolores Park during the pandemic. (Photo: eddie-hernandez.com, via Shutterstock)

by MAITE ARCE posted 04.02.2021

OPINION: Latinos have long-been committed to protecting public lands and rivers. Yet, California Latinos are almost twice as likely to live somewhere that is “nature deprived” than white communities, meaning there are far fewer parks, streams, beaches, and other natural places nearby.

For a better CA, focus on broadband, housing, regulations

Satellite dishes overlooking San Diego. (Photo: Jimmy W, via Shutterstock)

by MICAH WEINBERG posted 02.24.2021

OPINION: Fortunately, there is an agenda California can pursue that will benefit these people and will help to ensure a thriving economy for years to come.  Three priority areas in on which we have the chance to make a major difference this year are broadband for all, housing affordability, and climate adaptation.

California must compete for ‘Opportunity Zones’

A crowded section of San Francisco's Tenderloin District near Market. (Photo: Todd A. Merport, via Shutterstock)

by John Chiang and Pete Weber posted 05.03.2019

OPINION: Tens of billions of dollars are reportedly being raised nationwide by hedge funds, investment banks, and money managers looking to capitalize on new “Opportunity Zone” tax incentives created by the 2017 federal tax law. So, what exactly are Opportunity Zones?

Climate change: Pollution hits low-income communities hardest

Downtown Los Angeles seen through the smog. (Photo: Justin Dennis, via Shutterstock)

by QUENTIN FOSTER posted 08.01.2016

OPINION: There are a lot of questions surrounding California climate policy right now. For me, growing up in Watts, Los Angeles, the most important question is: how will state climate policies help low-income communities and communities of color?

New fracking rules: Too little, too late

Pumpjacks in a Kern County oil field, November 2013. (Photo: Christopher Halloran)

by HOLLIN KRETZMANN posted 08.21.2015

Oil and gas wells are deeply embedded in many California neighborhoods. Because we have no statewide limits on how close such wells can be to homes or schools, millions of Californians live within breathing distance of these polluting oil operations. That’s a huge concern — especially as hydraulic fracturing and other extreme oil extraction techniques spread across our state.