First solar canal project is a win for water, energy, air and climate in California

Good News Notes: “Mounting evidence suggests the western United States is now in its worst megadrought in at least 1,200 years. Groundwater supplies are being overpumped in many places, and the dryness, wildfires and shrinking water supplies are making climate change personal for millions of people. As an engineer, I have been working with colleagues on a way to both protect water supplies and…

California spending billions to house homeless in hotels

Good News Notes: “When homeless outreach workers first visited her encampment under a Los Angeles highway overpass last fall, Veronica Perez was skeptical of their offer of not just a bed, but a furnished apartment complete with meals, counseling and the promise of some stability in her life. “They said they had housing for me,…

Coronavirus: More than 14,000 homeless Californians now in hotels

Good News Notes: “In an effort to get people off the streets and out of shelters during the coronavirus pandemic, the state has moved an estimated 14,200 homeless Californians into hotels and motels since April, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Tuesday. The state has secured more than 15,670 rooms as part of its Project Roomkey initiative,…

Tired of Plastic? These Businesses Have Ideas for You

Good News Notes: “Companies are developing alternatives to single-use plastic, and with options including seaweed and mushroom tissue, consumer interest isn’t disappearing, even during the coronavirus pandemic.” “‘We’re fortunate enough that we aren’t seeing anyone say, “I’m not worried about sustainability, I’m just going to focus on survival right now,”‘ said Troy Swope, co-founder and…