This week we have new state funding for encampment resolutions, a new marine sanctuary and lower electric bills. Keep reading to learn more about what happened in California this week. But first…

PPIC REPORT ON DEVELOPMENTAL EDUCATION

A new report released by the Public Policy Institute of California shows that recent reforms in developmental education, mandated by Assembly Bill (AB) 705, have the potential to improve educational outcomes among Latino and Black men, whose attainment levels continue to lag behind those of white and Asian Californians as well as women of the same race and ethnicity. The report features a treasure trove of fascinating statistics. For example, the share of male Latino and Black first-time math students completing transfer-level math in one term tripled between the fall 2018 and fall 2023 cohorts. At the same time, Black and Latino men who start in transfer-level math are less likely than white and Asian men (and their female counterparts) to complete these courses. The report suggests that AB 705’s impact on transfers to four-year colleges remains unclear, and that strong short-term labor market opportunities for those without a college degree are likely luring away students, especially Latino and Black men, who are less likely to be enrolled full time.

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🤫 Everything you should know

- PG&E has warned of potential power shut offs across Central California due to increased fire risks from dry, windy conditions. The shutoffs are part of the utility's Public Safety Power Shutoff program, aimed at preventing wildfires sparked by electrical lines damaged during dangerous weather. This news highlights the critical need for a more reliable and resilient power grid. As climate change supercharges our fire risk, frequent disruptions like these can severely impact residents and businesses. We know what we need to do, we just need the political will and resources to do it: modernize the grid, underground power lines, expand renewable energy storage and pursue clean energy abundance. It’s an all-of-the-above strategy to keep the lights on and the fires at bay. ABC30

- Millions of Californians will receive an average $71 credit on their October electric bills, courtesy of the California Climate Credit program. This initiative reflects the state's ongoing commitment to reducing the burden of high energy costs for residents, especially amidst rising utility prices. At NCC, we focus on making California affordable, and these credits are a step toward that goal. However, long-term solutions must include expanding renewable energy, investing in grid reliability, and increasing energy efficiency to ensure sustainable relief from high utility costs. Are we starting to sound like a broken record? Gov. Newsom

- California is home to America’s third-largest marine sanctuary. NOAA has designated 4,543 square miles of the central coast as the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. This new sanctuary will protect key ecosystems while promoting sustainable ocean uses. Stretching from just south of Diablo Canyon Power Plant in San Luis Obispo County to the Gaviota Coast in Santa Barbara County, the sanctuary will bring comprehensive community- and ecosystem-based management to the region’s nationally significant natural, historical, archaeological, and cultural resources. NOAA

$131 Million Pledged for Homeless Encampment Solutions

Governor Gavin Newsom has awarded $131 million from California's Encampment Resolution Fund to support cities and counties in clearing homeless encampments and transitioning individuals into stable housing. This round of funding includes stricter accountability measures, requiring local governments to demonstrate measurable results. The largest recipients include Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose, who will use the funds to provide mental health and supportive services alongside housing. Governor Newsom emphasized that this investment is about "turning the page on decades of neglect" and increasing local accountability for lasting solutions. Office of the Gov.

Northern Lights in Southern California

California was treated to a rare and mesmerizing glimpse of the Northern Lights, with particularly stunning images captured from San Diego County. This unusual phenomenon is caused by a solar storm, where charged particles from the sun interacted with Earth’s magnetic field, producing colorful lights in the sky. While the Northern Lights are typically seen closer to the poles, increased solar activity extended their visibility further south, creating this once-in-a-lifetime spectacle in California’s night sky. Conditions in San Diego offered particularly clear views of the event. Check out some more pictures: NBC San Diego

California — The Agricultural Powerhouse of Millennial Breakfasts Everywhere

Avocado toast busting budgets may be a tired and unfounded cliche, but California’s status as the breadbasket for this particular super food is not. Last week marked the "California Avocado Festival" in Carpinteria, the self-proclaimed avocado capital. This annual event, held from October 6-8, featured the world’s largest vat of guacamole and a lively guacamole-making contest. The festival also celebrated the avocado's status as California's official state fruit, highlighting the state's massive avocado production, which accounts for 90% of the nation's supply. And now we’re just hungry 🤷 California Avocado Festival

It’s not a bug

"Making real changes in housing policy is tough because, for some, our affordability crisis isn't a problem — it’s part of the plan."

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