Here's your daily briefing...
Redemption for recycling elusive: California’s convoluted and troubled recycling program, known for the nebulous “California Redemption Value,” rather than the 5 or 10 cent refundable deposit elsewhere, remains financially troubled with hundreds of recycling centers closed. An effort to revive the program is bottled up in the legislature where lobbyists for various interests are each vying for a win.
Brown is the real new green: Governor Jerry Brown responded to critics among the environmentalist community who accuse the Democratic leader of being too cozy with the oil and fracking industry. While in China last week, Brown noted that it would be “grossly hypocritical” if Californians used oil but demanded it be drilled and refined elsewhere, especially in less-developed countries where environmental protections aren’t as stringent.
More graduates, sooner: California State University officials unveiled details of a plan to help more students graduate the four-year institution within four years. Last year, only 21 percent of fourth year students graduated. Officials are attempting double that number by 2025 by providing more class sections, allowing more students the opportunity to enroll in classes required for graduation. Many students are also working longer hours at jobs to cover university fees and housing costs.
Lawman Detained: Agents with the California Attorney General’s office detained Contra Costa County’s District Attorney seizing his iPhone, iPad and appointment calendar as a criminal investigation into illegal campaign fund spending continues. Last month, a grand jury recommended Peterson be removed from his post after he admitted he secretly spent more than $66,000 of campaign cash on movie tickets, clothes and other personal expenses from 2011-15 while serving as treasurer of his re-election campaign. (Associated Press)
And, on the California Report: Riverside at risk of losing jobs to automation, according to a new study…New bill looks to bring high-speed internet service to rural and disadvantaged areas of California…Napa school district shuns use of tech in schools…and Lawmakers at odds on how to implement proposition 54.