The future of desert solar power

Jul 2, 2013
Solar facilities like Ivanpah could be the future -- or, they could be a footnote in the history of clean energy.

How will immigration reform feel on the border?

Jun 27, 2013
The high-profile immigration bill includes new spending for more fencing and enforcement along the Mexican border.
A fence separates the cities of Nogales, Arizona (R) and Nogales, Sonora Mexico, a frequent crossing point for people entering the United States illegally, June 2, 2010 in Nogales, Arizona.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

California's high-speed rail meets opposition over eminent domain

May 28, 2013
Residents of California's Central Valley are trying to stop a high-speed rail system that would connect San Francisco to Los Angeles from cutting through their land.

Tesla's secret to success? Selling emissions credits

May 8, 2013
Luxury electric car maker Tesla is expected to report a profit on Wednesday. The profit comes not from the $100,000 cars, but from California Zero Emission Vehicle Credits that amount to thousands of dollars a car when resold to other car makers.

California bets big on marketing to spread the health care gospel

Apr 25, 2013
Millions of Californians will be eligible for healthcare under the new law, and lots of them know nothing about it.

States push to tie university funding to better performance

Apr 24, 2013
California Governor Jerry Brown is looking to join other states in basing funding increases at public universities on measures like higher graduation rates.

California rules against reading phone maps while driving

Apr 9, 2013
Given that it is legal to manipulate other devices in a car, the court suggests that people should take it up with the legislature to change the law if the ruling seems arbitrary.

For public good, not for profit.

Beach fire pits spark battle between private interests and public land

Apr 8, 2013
Southern Californians are known for their laid-back attitude. But a fight over beaches has split folks who own expensive beach front homes and beach-goers who gather around fire pits.
Southern Californians are known for their laid-back attitude. But a fight over beaches has split folks who own expensive beach front homes and beach-goers who gather around fire pits.
Warren Little/Getty Images

Golden Gate Bridge goes to all-electronic tolls

Mar 27, 2013
San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge is going electronic today. It’s the first time in 76-years, that the iconic bridge will be without a human toll taker.

Schools risk outsized debts with delayed bond payments

Feb 14, 2013
Many school districts around the country are making use of capital appreciation bonds, long-term bonds that can put them into debt for far more than they initially borrowed.