The California Gold Rush (II)
Expansion of the California Gold Fields The easily worked alluvial deposits of gold extracted by the early miners made mining look simple, and this fact added to the many stories of fabulous wealth lured thousands of men to the gold fields of California. Nevertheless the discovery of new placers did not await their coming. Not […]
The California Gold Rush (I)
The California Gold Rush was the most significant event in the history of the settlement of the western frontier. The initial discovery was made in January 1848, but news traveled slowly and although many miners arrived in 1848, the beginning of the Gold Rush was the following year in 1849. In 1848 news of the […]
Wildfires are California’s “Public Enemy Number One.” State and Local Government Should Do Much More to Protect Us
The origin of the fire was possibly human. A lack of rain combined with powerful Santa Ana winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation to create the perfect environment for a firestorm. By the time firefighters arrived, the blaze had expanded and continued to grow as wind gusts increased in the afternoon. The winds were so […]
First Severe Human Case of Bird Flu in the US Sparks Pandemic Fears
US health officials confirmed the first severe human case of avian influenza in Louisiana on Wednesday, marking a major escalation in the 2024 outbreak. With 61 reported infections across the country, experts are increasingly worried about the growing risk of a bird flu pandemic. The Louisiana patient, an elderly individual with underlying health conditions, is […]
California Says Goodbye to the Winnebago and Hello to More Expensive Gasoline
California has adopted the most aggressive climate change policies in the country, including a pledge of net zero carbon emissions by 2045. Many of these policies are made by California’s Air Resources Board (CARB), which consists of 16 political appointees. CARB’s mission is to protect public health by effectively reducing air pollution while considering the […]
California Takes New Homelessness Approach After High Court Ruling
By Angelina Bagdasaryan A U.S. Supreme Court decision in June makes it easier for communities across the nation to fine and arrest people living and sleeping in public spaces. That has left many of America’s hundreds of thousands of homeless people in a difficult situation. Angelina Bagdasaryan looks at what California is doing to address […]
In California, There has Been a Substantial Increase in Gasoline Prices in Recent Years
By Lee Ohanian So Why Won’t Newsom Put His Foot on the Brakes? In 2012, the price of regular-grade gasoline in California was about 30 cents per gallon higher than the national average. This price differential has increased substantially in recent years. Last week, the price of regular gas was nearly $5 per gallon—about $1.50 […]
California Loses Fast Food Jobs After Minimum Wage Increase
Estimated loss of 9,500 jobs this fall after a $20 increase in the minimum wage, representing a 1.3 percent change from September 2023. By Lee Ohanian Last September, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed California Assembly Bill 1287 into law, which includes a $20 per hour minimum wage for fast-food workers and a fast-food regulatory council which […]
Heat Wave in Central, Northeastern US States Sets Record Temperatures
By VOA News A heat wave spanning from the Midwest to the Northeast is breaking records in the United States, and officials warn that the high temperatures could prove deadly. About 80 million people from Indiana to New England are facing a heat advisory or an excessive heat warning. Exposure to high temperatures can cause […]
That Rainwater Thing
By Allen L Phillips We’ve always noticed the effect of rainwater on our gardens over the years. There’s just something about it that plants love. So it was with some anticipation that we set out the last week of April to visit Pat’s step-daughter in San Jose, and my daughter in San Francisco. We picked […]