Remote Mojave Desert Town Blasts Off Into the Future
The Mojave Desert might seem like an odd place to begin a show about innovation. But stick with us a minute. Remember the experimental passenger spacecraft called Space Ship Two that crashed there during a test flight back in October? That craft was born in the town of Mojave -- population 4,500. A growing number of young rocket scientists and entrepreneurs are slowly transforming this remote desert outpost into a space industry boomtown. The California Report's Los Angeles bureau chief Steven Cuevas reports.
Creating an Innovation Culture: A Conversation With Ideo's Suzanne Howard
These days "innovation" isn't really an option -- it's a necessity for organizations all over of the world. And when they want to innovate, many turn to Ideo. The San Francisco company helps clients work through problems using what's called "design thinking." Rachael Myrow from KQED's Silicon Valley News Desk talked to Suzanne Howard of Ideo about what she considers innovative and how you can spark creativity in your daily life.
Palo Alto Teacher Finds Creative Schools on Tour
"Innovation" has become a buzz word in the field of education -- encompassing everything from the new technology students use, to different ways principals structure the school day. Palo Alto English teacher David Cohen took on a year-long tour of some of California's most innovative schools. With help from a Kickstarter campaign, Cohen hit the road, visiting more than 50 public schools up and down the state, and documenting some of the creative and positive changes he's seen along the way. He spoke with The California Report's Education Reporter Ana Tintocalis.
After Vision Loss, Job Counselor Helps Clients Stay Focused on Employment
Kate Williams started losing her sight in her 40s due to a rare genetic disease. She was blind by age 65. But she wasn't ready to give up her recruiting career just because of her vision. Reporter Casey Miner spent an afternoon with Williams, who now helps her blind and visually impaired clients keep and find work.
Violin Maker Puts Modern Twist on Centuries-Old Craft
Instrument makers who build stringed instruments have been around for as long as there have been ... well, stringed instruments. Our intern Isaac Silk brings us the story of one luthier with an innovative take on the craft -- building unusual electric violins for over 30 years.