News
High speed rail moves one step closer to reality
San Francisco Examiner – May 6
The state may soon break ground on the California high-speed rail system’s first Bay Area segment after the High-Speed Rail Authority Board of Directors certified the final environmental documents for the rail system’s Merced-to-San Jose section. The 119-mile stretch of the rail system that will eventually span some 500 miles is currently being constructed in the Central Valley, with the first segment set to be completed in the next year, California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO Brian Kelly recently reported.
L.A. considers two steps toward transition to 100% renewable energy by 2035
NBC Los Angeles – May 6
The Los Angeles City Council is considering two motions that are part of an effort to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2035. One motion, if passed, would direct the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to report on resources needed to modernize the city's power grid infrastructure to ensure sustainable energy methods are being used. A second motion would have several city departments report to City Council with their plan and timeline to end using and purchasing all gas-powered vehicles, building appliances, and equipment. The motions will first be considered by the Energy, Climate Change, Environmental Justice, and River Committee before heading to the full City Council for a vote.
Alameda County determines that it needs $2.5 billion to end homelessness by 2026
East Bay Times – May 10
Alameda County officials say it will take $2.5 billion over the next five years to help individuals living on the streets find stable housing. The Alameda County Board of Supervisors recently approved the “Home Together 2026 Community Plan,” which lays out what it will take to solve what has become one of the region’s most challenging problems. If the county follows the plan, which calls for an additional 24,000 units of housing, by 2026 it will have the resources to house everyone who needs a home, according to the Home Together authors.
Southern California housing plans contain ‘fake sites,’ lack analysis, critics say
Daily Bulletin – May 8
The state has determined the six-county region covered by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) needs 1.34 million new homes by the end of the decade, an average of nearly 168,000 homes per year, adding enough housing for a population roughly the size of Chicago. As reported in this article, South Pasadena remains an example of how some Southern California cities are failing to adequately plan for future housing needs, according to pro-housing advocates.
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