California Schools Face Funding Battle Over HVAC Systems Amid Heat Concerns
California is experiencing increasing temperatures, with Los Angeles reaching 100 degrees in March, raising concerns about the lack of HVAC systems in many schools. The California Schools Healthy Air, Plumbing, and Efficiency Program (CalSHAPE) was established to fund HVAC repairs and replacements, particularly in underserved communities. However, nearly $200 million of CalSHAPE funds remain unspent, and there is a risk that this money could be redirected to investor-owned utilities if not used by the end of the year. These utilities argue that the funds would help defray costs for ratepayers, but critics suggest the money could instead boost utility profits. The situation has prompted calls for the state to prioritize school cooling systems to ensure safe learning environments for students. 
