Startup of the Month: Advanced Farm Technologies
Robotic harvester lends hand to fruit-picking process
In California, where 90 percent of American strawberries are grown, the time is ripe for a faster, better way to pick them. That’s the idea behind Advanced Farm Technologies, a Davis-based startup that uses customized tools to lend farmers a helping robotic hand.
Access to Water Features Can Boost City Dwellers’ Mental Health
Research shows being close to so-called “blue space” like river trails, a lake or even urban fountains can have certain psychological benefits similar to those associated with green nature.
How Climate Change Is Making Christmas Tree Shopping Harder
Droughts in 2012 and 2014 and spring floods in 2019 have taken a toll on plantings, particularly young saplings.
If you’re shopping for a live Christmas tree this year, you may have to search harder than in the past. Over the last five years Christmas tree shortages have been reported in many parts of the U.S.
Time for a Swim
Chinook salmon — crucial to California’s fishing industry — return to Rancho Cordova’s Nimbus Fish Hatchery
During the first week of November every year, like clockwork, the gates to the fish ladder open at Nimbus Fish Hatchery on the American River, and the Chinook salmon — crucial to California’s commercial and recreational fishing industry — climb 22 steps to complete their final journey home.
How Data Science Could Help California Battle Future Wildfires
Wildfires are threatening homes across California. Those fires are offering critical data and insight that can be used by first-responders and government agencies to prevent them in the first place and better rebuild communities when they do occur.
Back to Paradise
One year after the Camp Fire, some business owners have gambled on making a go of it again — but others see no reason to return
The biggest problem facing business owners is a lack of customers. No one knows what to do first: Build the customer base and create a demand for business, or rebuild the businesses and see if the customers follow?
Comforting California, Newsom Vilifies PG&E Over Wildfires, Power Outages
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s lambasting of PG&E as California reels from wildfires and mass blackouts reflects his roots in San Francisco — and a public perception that’s built up over the last half century.
Bittersweet Succession
Woodland’s Z Specialty Food seeks to double the footprint of its honey warehouse and create a community gathering spot
The company recently broke ground on a new Woodland facility that will double its warehouse size and serve as a community hub at the intersections of gourmet food, farm to fork and pollinator support.
Trump Rescinds California’s Authority to Set Its Own Emissions Standards
The long-promised revocation, announced as the president raised money in California, could reverberate beyond this state: 13 others use identical car-emissions rules.
The Trump administration has revoked California’s unique authority to combat tailpipe pollution on its own terms, setting the stage for protracted litigation, jeopardizing public health and hindering the state’s ability to battle climate change.
Legislation to Curb Plastic Trash Stall Before Session’s End
A trio of proposals would have tackled California’s waste crisis by slowing the flow of disposable goods —and single-use plastics — from manufacturers to landfills
An ambitious push to make California the first state to stem the flow of plastic trash by phasing out single-use packaging and foodware failed early Saturday amid dogged industry opposition, as state lawmakers adjourned without acting on two far-reaching recycling bills.