To shield tech executives, California’s biggest water users are secret – Katharine Mieszkowski and Lance Williams

In the midst of a historic drought, Californians have no way of knowing who’s guzzling the most water. That’s not an accident. It’s by design, thanks to an obscure 1997 measure that weakened one of the state’s chief open government laws, the California Public Records Act. For the source of this legislation, look no further than Silicon Valley, where the …

Here’s the Real Problem With Almonds – Tom Philpott and Julia Lurie

Almonds: crunchy, delicious, and…the center of a nefarious plot to suck California dry? They certainly have used up a lot of ink lately—partly inspired by our reportingover the past year. California’s drought-stricken Central Valley churns out 80 percent of the globe’s almonds, and since each nut takes a gallon of water to produce, they account for close to 10 percent of the state’s annual agricultural water …

Anesthetic gases raise Earth’s temperature (a little) while you sleep

The gases used to knock out surgery patients are accumulating in the Earth’s atmosphere, where they make a small contribution to climate change, report scientists who have detected the compounds as far afield as Antarctica. Over the past decade, concentrations of the anesthetics desflurane, isoflurane and sevoflurane have been rising globally, the new study finds. Like the well-known climate warmer …

Californians Point to Big-Ag, Unrestrained Development as Drought Culprits

As residents adapt to recently imposed water restrictions and California’s historic drought continues, experts are closely examining the dry spell’s exacerbating factors—from thirsty agribusiness operations to unrestrained development—and saying a fundamental shift is in store for the Golden State. In an analysis published Sunday, the New York Times suggests that the drought will “force a change in the way the state does business.” …

The Federal Reserve’s “Financial Airplane”. The Fed’s Economic “Assumptions”, “Falsified Data to Portray Growth”

After last week’s air tragedy, maybe a poor thought process but please stay with me.  Would you ever get on an airplane if there was no pilot?  Would you be confident of reaching your destination safely?  Of course not.  Whether you know it or not, you are living in an economic and financial “airplane” with Chairwoman of the Federal Reserve Janet Yellen …

San Francisco jail inmates allegedly forced into ‘gladiator-style’ fights

County public defender asks the US Department of Justice to investigate claims of ‘sadistic’ treatment including threats of violence if inmates did not comply The Department of Justice has been asked to investigate after prison guards allegedly forced inmates to engage in gladiator-style fights for “sadistic pleasure” and betting, in scenes the authorities said evoked Game of Thrones. An inmate …

Are Insects the Next Climate-Friendly Superfood?

Maybe you’ve see little cans of chocolate-covered ants or grasshoppers in the exotic food section of your grocery and thought to yourself, “Yuck—who eats that?” Insects may not come to mind when you think of superfoods. But they could be the next hot “alternative” protein. They’re low in fat and loaded with fiber. You might be surprised to learn you may …

A Melting Arctic and Weird Weather: The Plot Thickens

Everyone loves to talk about the weather, and this winter Mother Nature has served up a feast to chew on. Few parts of the US have been spared her wrath. Severe drought and abnormally warm conditions continue in the west, with the first-ever rain-free January in San Francisco; bitter cold hangs tough over the upper Midwest and Northeast; and New England is …

Majority of Catholics Are Worried About Climate Change and Support Immediate Action

Today marks the day of fast for Catholics in the U.S. as part of the “Lenten Fast for Climate Justice,” a global campaign launched by the Global Catholic Climate Movement in partnership with Fast for Climate Change, Green Anglican Carbon Fast and others to encourage Pope Francis and the 1.2 billion Catholics around the world to take meaningful action in addressing climate change. During this Lenten season, …

PG&E Suggested “Prozac” for Those Injured by Smart Meters– SCE Schemed Higher Fees to Force Smart Meters on the Poor

New e-mails brought to light between Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) reveal the extent of corruption and backroom dealing that have characterized the state’s smart meter program.  E-mails reveal that former CPUC PresidentMichael Peevey was aware of health problems caused by smart meters early on in the program.   Commissioners …