Public Policy "NEWS"

In a time when micromobility offers an ever-growing network of fast, fun, and environmentally friendly ways to move around towns and cities, it's crucial to recognize the potential it holds. However, alarm bells should ring when successive local and state authorities appear to be shooting themselves in the foot by creating a maze of regulatory fees, taxes and barriers that hinder rather than encourage their adoption. By reviewing these structural fees, we can unlock micro-mobility's tremendous potential, enabling greater urban accessibility, reducing CO2 emissions, and making our cities more equitable and fairer for everyone. What the current system does is not just taxing micromobility twice over, it's also creating an unfair situation. First, every trip pays sales tax to the states, which scooter and e-bike riders then pay. Second, many cities also charge operating fees to micromobility companies, which are again passed on to the consumer through the price of fares.

Every year, on 15 June, we commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). It’s another reminder of our older population’s unique vulnerabilities, especially this year, with its theme ‘Spotlight on Older Persons in Emergencies.’ Our parents and grandparents built the world we inhabit and should be revered and nurtured—but they are frequently exploited by scams, abused, and neglected. Why Be Vigilant? It can be a function of our physical or cognitive deterioration as we age, making us more vulnerable to exploitation, less able to detect it, and less likely to overcome it. Isolation, also a common condition of the elderly, can be a contributing factor. Here's what we can do: Stay in Touch: Conduct regular check-ins over the phone, in person, or via email. Listen to the person and pick up the phone if his or her mood or behavior has changed. Educate: Openly discuss scams and fraudulent behavior of all sorts. Ensure they are suspicious of strangers who make unsolicited phone cal

Riverside County's growing immigrant population means it faces both the demands and benefits of migration from social services. Increased Demand for Services: A quarter of Riverside County’s immigrant population likely qualifies for CalWORKs/TANF, overburdening the program’s budget alongside California’s high participation rates. Medi-Cal is one of the chief sources of health coverage for the region's poor, and undocumented immigrants tend to rely heavily on Medi-Cal. This can stretch the program's resources, leaving lines longer than they would be and possibly limiting the availability of some treatments. With the rising cost of living, more families in Riverside County, including those with immigrant family members, may need assistance covering their food expenses through CalFresh (food stamps). This program will be even more stretched, and over-demand likely would make it more difficult for eligible members to receive the full benefit. The increase in migration has

Policymakers, environmentalists, and anybody else interested in preserving California's distinctive freshwater biodiversity will find great value in the PPIC report. We can contribute to ensuring that our rivers, lakes, and streams sustain a diversity of species for future generations by combining these climate-smart techniques. Read more Climate-Smart Tools to Protect California's Freshwater Biodiversity

Criminal justice backlash heads to the California ballot There's debate about the effectiveness of Prop 47. Supporters argue it reduced recidivism rates and helped people reintegrate into society. Opponents argue it led to an increase in property crime. Pros: Lower recidivism: Whether because Prop 47 allowed people convicted of nonviolent property and drug crimes to avoid much of the stigmatization of a felony record – and the barriers to employment and housing that go along with it – or for other reasons, advocates contend that Prop 47 itself reduced recidivism. Potential for enhanced rehabilitation: A significant aspect of Prop 47 is its commitment to redirecting savings into rehabilitation programs. This strategic move could potentially address the root causes of crime, shifting the focus from punitive measures to proactive prevention, a perspective that could have far-reaching positive effects. Also, Prop 47 lowered prison crowding by freeing people who were in prison for

How nutrition, housing, social connection impacts the health of older adults Through my mornings among the elderly, I understood that nutrition, housing, and social networks matter as much or more than other commonly understood health factors when it comes to improving the quality of life for older adults. Solutions for meeting their needs are connected, and neglecting any of them can cause repercussions that encircle everything else. Here’s how: A well-balanced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein helps maintain strength and decreases the risk for chronic ailments such as diabetes and heart disease. These factors also help maintain overall cognitive function. Seniors are among the most food insecure. The lack of resources to buy nutritious food can contribute to malnutrition and weaker immune systems, which puts older people at risk for infections. Safe housing not ice-covered or poorly lit and secure housing means are in place to prevent entry by in

Memorial Day is my favorite holiday of the year. Paying homage to those who bravely gave their lives to preserve our liberties makes me contemplate how I express my acts of service. This day reminds us that the dedication of our Armed Forces cultivates the idea that a strong nation isn’t made just by military servicemen and women; it’s made by every citizen who contributes to making it better, no matter the form of service. Service, in all forms, creates a society where all feel supported and validated. A closer look reveals that, among other things, this is my spirit of service. I volunteer with CASA, a network of advocates for children in foster care. They are too vulnerable to voice their wants and needs, and I can be their voice. Secondly, I work with the Red Cross year-round to lend a helping hand to families who serve our great nation. At a broader civic level, I remain committed to the San Jacinto city council and planning commission meetings, which keep me in touch with what’s

Living authentically as LGBTQIA+ can be a challenge. While societal acceptance grows, internalized homophobia – negative beliefs about your sexual orientation – can linger. This internal struggle, often subconscious, arises from various sources: • Family Upbringing: Growing up in an environment where LGBTQIA+ identities are seen as negative can leave lasting scars. • Societal and Cultural Influences: Living in a place with limited LGBTQIA+ acceptance can fuel self-doubt. • Religious Teachings: Certain religious doctrines may portray LGBTQIA+ identities as sinful, creating internal conflict. • Media Stereotypes: Constant exposure to harmful or stereotypical portrayals in media can lead to feelings of inadequacy. Signs of Internalized Homophobia: • Difficulty accepting your sexual orientation • Persistent self-hatred and negative self-perception • Fear of rejection and discrimination • Internal conflicts and emotional distress • Shame related to your LGBTQIA+ identity • Feeling like you&

Bridging the Divide: How to Rebuild Trust in Democracy Trust is vital for democracy – trust in institutions, a rules-based system, and, most of all, trust among citizens. Yet for years now, and increasing in recent times, thick layers of mistrust have formed that threaten to erode the very pillars of democratic societies. Disinformation, political polarization, and feelings of disenfranchisement have led to negative social-trust trends across the West. The essence of the problem and the long-term solutions to restore trust in our societies are broad, not narrow. The viral spread of disinformation has become one of the most urgent. We need to tackle false news, output by domestic and foreign propaganda machines that create social divisions, erode public faith in institutions, and sow suspicion. More outstanding media literacy education is the minimum starting point to help citizens navigate information flows and separate the reliable from the unreliable. Fact-checking operations need

Listening in on some debates over the future of climate engineering – the deliberate manipulation of the climate system to offset some or all of the warming humans cause by burning fossil fuels – induced wild bouts of déjà vu for a couple of decades. On one side, scientists and other experts might be urging a carefully monitored research program into its potential hazards and advantages; on the other, other scientists would insist that its hazards are too hard to nail down and that playing around with the climate system would give the world an excuse for burning those dirty fuels for as long as it pleased. Déjà vu or not, this has gone on for a while. Read more Is Climate Engineering the Answer? Efforts Commence

This Earth Day (April 22nd), the theme is "Planet vs. Plastics." Let's do our part to reduce plastic use and water waste to keep our oceans and waterways clean! Planning a road trip?  Want to hit the open road but don’t want it to take a toll on the environment? Good news! Here are some tips on how to turn your road trip into an eco-adventure. 1. Get started. 2. Rely on your feet. 3. Slow down or ditch the motor altogether. Fuel Efficiency First: Rent Green Wheels, if possible: hybrid/EV for the settlement score for the best miles per gallon or the lowest amount of emissions. Pack Light: Every pound counts! Less weight means better fuel economy. 1 . Map it Out: If you plan your route, you minimize unnecessary miles driven, maintaining the fastest route. 2 . It’s All About Local Search: Hitting your turn-by-turn directions search button raises a better selection of nearby results. 3 . Real-time Traffic Advisories: This functionality provides timely updates regarding tra

Case:  Callais et al v. Landry Court:  US District Court for the Western District of Louisiana Case Number:  3:2024cv00122 Filed:  January 31, 2024 Plaintiffs: Twelve white Mississippians Defendant: Nancy Landry Issue: Whether Louisiana's newly enacted congressional map violates the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. The plaintiffs allege the map is a racial gerrymander that dilutes the voting strength of white voters. Status: A consolidated preliminary injunction hearing and trial is scheduled for April 8-10, 2024 (today!). This means the court will decide whether to temporarily block the use of the map while the lawsuit proceeds. The Louisiana State Conference of the NAACP and several other individuals and organizations have sought to intervene in the case to defend the map. This case stems from a previous lawsuit, Robinson v. Ardoin, where the court found Louisiana's original congressional map violated the Voting Rights Act. The new map was drawn

Benefits: Improved Public Transportation:  Bus lanes give buses dedicated space, allowing them to travel faster and more reliably. This encourages ridership, reduces reliance on cars, and reduces overall traffic congestion. Reduced Emissions:  Fewer cars on the road translates to less pollution and cleaner air, contributing to a healthier environment. Accessibility:  Efficient public transportation makes it easier for people who don't own cars, like students, seniors, or low-income residents, to get around. This fosters a more inclusive community. Economic Boost:  Reliable public transport can connect residents to job opportunities and businesses to a wider customer base, potentially boosting the local economy. Drawbacks: Initial Traffic Disruption:  Adding bus lanes often takes up space previously used by cars, which can lead to congestion during the construction and adjustment period. Business Concerns:  Some businesses worry that bus lanes might make it harder for customers to r

Tracking environmental performance over time can flag when action is needed to improve practices at the facility in light of changing conditions. Aside from regulations, good environmental records reflect responsible management and can only be an asset. They also ensure that companies and other organizations obey the ecological rules designed to safeguard the quality of air, water, and soil and the public's overall safety.  Read more

The United States is becoming increasingly diverse. In the 2020 Census, 57.8 percent of the population identified as ‘white, not Hispanic or Latino’, compared with 63.7 percent in the 2010 Census and 69.1 percent in 2000. Non-Hispanic white people are projected to make up under 50 percent of the population by 2045. Not surprisingly, as the population increases in diversity, so does the electorate. In a new report, US Census data and projections are examined to determine how the demographics of eligible voters and the population have generally changed in recent decades and are expected to continue to change. The report also examines voter turnout trends and congressional districts by race, income, and education level. It looks forward to what the congressional reapportionment and redistricting process following the 2020 Census will mean for US House of Representatives elections over the next decade.  Read more

There’s a significant opportunity to invest in technology to improve efficiency and safety, reduce physical strains, and minimize worker injuries. However, planning is required to ensure these benefits are passed on to workers and businesses alike. Improving farm work will involve bringing farmers, workers, policymakers and consumers together as collaborators and partners to restructure the agricultural system collectively towards greater justice and sustainability.

Ensuring voters are informed about the candidate's accomplishments is crucial. Get your ballot in! If you haven’t already, You can find more information about voting by clicking here. https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections

Showing up on election day to help make the voting go smoothly reflects a commitment to a fundamental democratic value: a fair and open election process. This civic-mindedness manifests in the personal motivations of poll workers – people who want to give back to the community, contribute to the health of the democratic system, and make a difference. These and other comments from recent poll workers' interviews reveal their crucial role in encouraging the electorate and their belief in the system.  Read more

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher programs significantly address housing affordability challenges and promote positive outcomes for low-income individuals and families. While limitations exist, ongoing efforts to improve accessibility, combat discrimination, and expand landlord participation can strengthen the program's impact and ensure its continued value in providing stable housing opportunities for vulnerable populations.

Imagine living in a world where the colors of your being are muted, a tapestry woven with threads of invisibility. This is the reality for many Black gay men, navigating a landscape where both race and sexual orientation cast long shadows, obscuring their true selves. But within these shadows, a vibrant kaleidoscope of identity shimmers, waiting to burst forth in the full spectrum of light. My journey as a Black gay man has been a constant negotiation between these fragments, a dance between societal expectations and unapologetic self-expression. From the hushed whispers of prejudice in childhood playgrounds to the microaggressions that sting like unseen insects, the pressure to conform is a constant hum. The weight of history sits heavy on my shoulders. The legacy of slavery whispers in my ear, reminding me of a past where Black bodies were objectified, and stripped of their agency and humanity. And the fight for LGBTQ+ rights echoes in my heart, a testament to the ongoing struggl