Drought Concerns Top Poll of Environmental Issues for Californians
The drought has vaulted to the top of of environmental concerns among Californians. A new poll on water issues from the Public Policy Institute of California serves up some surprises. More than half of respondents said they considered water supply to be a "big problem" in their part of the state. And 3 out of 4 in the PPIC survey favored "mandatory" requirements to reduce water use.
Feds Release New Safety Regulations for Oil Trains
Trains carrying crude oil into California would be made safer under new regulations proposed by federal officials. There have been a number of fiery derailments in other parts of North America in the past year. Last July, a train carrying crude oil from North Dakota's Bakken formation exploded in the town of Lac-Megantic, Quebec, killing 47 people.
Covered California Struggles to Enroll Former Foster Youth
Young adults who've recently left the foster care system are having trouble signing up for health insurance through the state's marketplace, Covered California. The agency admits its website and counselors are ill-equipped to help this population.
Bill Would Limit Use of 'Willful Defiance' Expulsions
A bill making its way through the state Legislature could restrict the reasons a school can use to suspend or expel a student. AB 420 limits the use of "willful defiance" as a disciplinary category in California schools. Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed a similar bill two years ago, saying he didn't want to limit teachers' authority -- but the governor worked with advocates on this compromise bill.