Escondido is turning wastewater into a drought-proof solution for farmers, while California BBQ joints steal the spotlight from Texas. But first,

Good policies are good! Who knew?!?

Don’t tell the human air raid sirens at Fox News, but some people are actually betting big — really big — on San Francisco, warts and all. The SF Chronicle’s J.K. Dineen dropped a fascinating story this week about a developer going all-in on the City by the Bay. “Betting against San Francisco would be a very foolish thing,” developer Oisin Heneghan of N17 tells Dineen. “And I’m not. I’m betting the house on it.” The proof is in the development applications. In the year since he started his company, Heneghan has submitted applications with the city planning department for a 320-unit tower at 650 Harrison; a 380-unit highrise at 598 Bryant St.; and a 27-unit building at 875 Sansome. He is also seeking approvals, using the state “builder’s remedy” program to develop a 665-unit complex at the old Sunset Magazine headquarters in Menlo Park. Part of Heneghan’s incentive for filing his applications in January was to take advantage of several state laws that simplify approval processes and allow for more height and density in exchange for the creation of more affordable units. N17’s San Francisco projects were the first to take advantage of Assembly Bill 1287, known as the double density bonus. For a city on the hook for building 82,000 new housing units over the next six years, it’s nice to see policy changes driving the appetite for development. Let’s keep the pressure on!

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🤫 Everything you should know

- Escondido is taking a smart approach to drought-proof its local farming communities with the upcoming Membrane Filtration Reverse Osmosis Facility (MFRO). This innovative plant turns wastewater into a reusable, low-salinity water source that helps avocado and citrus growers keep their crops thriving, even during dry spells. Instead of letting water flow out to sea, this facility will treat it further, creating a more sustainable solution. Funded by $45 million in low-interest loans and grants, it’s a water win for the environment, economy, and thirsty crops. It’s not just treating water, it’s helping to secure California’s future! NBC San Diego

- The California Legislature has approved a bill to establish the Salton Sea Conservancy, aiming to restore the shrinking, toxic inland sea. The conservancy will focus on protecting public health, fostering ecological recovery, and giving local voices more control in the restoration process. This new effort comes amid increasing climate-related issues in the region, where agricultural workers are exposed to toxic dust. With millions of dollars already secured through state and federal funding, the conservancy hopes to ensure long-term solutions for the area’s environmental and public health challenges. The Desert Review

- Allstate's 34% premium hike for California homeowners is a harsh consequence of the state's failure to address wildfire risks. While insurers point to rising home values and climate threats, it's clear that insufficient wildfire prevention and management have made it harder for companies to insure properties without massive rate increases. These hikes are a symptom of a larger problem — without serious intervention on wildfire prevention, more homeowners will be squeezed by an insurance market that’s becoming as unpredictable as the fires themselves. San Francisco Chronicle

👩‍🚒 Wildfire season in full swing

Wildfires and heatwaves are spreading across the country, but California is particularly vulnerable. Wildfires are not unique to California; the Dakotas are also facing a tough fire season, with blazes fueled by extreme heat, forcing residents to remain on alert. But this has been a particularly tough season in the Golden State. In this season alone there have been almost 6,000 wildfires burning more than 800,000 acres burned. The Bear Fire in Northern California is currently forcing evacuations and a coming heatwave in southern California is set to only worsen conditions. Cities are currently preparing for a sweltering heatwave, with temperatures set to hit up to 110°F in some areas. Fire and heatwaves are still in full swing. We must continue to support preventative actions like brush clearing and support our firefighters. But we also must address the underlying causes of the heat and fires, adapting to climate-resilient practices and tackling the warming conditions fueling these disasters. Without state-wide climate action, we will continue facing the same dangers each year, no matter how much we prepare.

🍗 California Smokes the Texas

The great California-Texas rivalry has moved to the grill. According to Texas Monthly, California is now a rising star in Texas-style BBQ, with more featured joints than any other state. From Alameda’s Fikscue Craft Barbecue blending Texan and Indonesian flavors, to Breakwater Barbecue’s massive spare ribs in Half Moon Bay, California is dishing out more than just avocado toast. Yeah, some Golden Staters have headed to Texas (many only to experience intense pangs of regret), but their legendary BBQ appears to be packing up and heading west. All your brisket belong to us! SF Gate

Lots of Money, Very Little Data

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