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Vernon, California, Considers Stricter Environmental Review for Data Centers Amid Community Concerns

Vernon, California, Considers Stricter Environmental Review for Data Centers Amid Community Concerns

The city of Vernon, California, a municipality known for its industry-friendly policies, is re-evaluating its approach to data center development. Historically, most development in Vernon, including data centers, has been permitted 'by right,' bypassing formal environmental reviews. However, community concerns regarding the environmental impact of these facilities, particularly from backup diesel generators, have prompted the City Council to consider zoning changes. These changes would mandate public environmental reviews and development agreements for future data centers. The Los Angeles Unified School District has specifically opposed a 217,800-square-foot Digital Realty project near Vernon City Elementary School, citing potential noise, pollution, and construction dust. Digital Realty, a Texas-based company, and the city maintain that the project is currently permitted under existing zoning without requiring a formal environmental review. The city's public utility also ceased processing new data center ...

Digital Realty's Charlotte Data Center Project Faces Air Quality Permit Scrutiny for Diesel Generators

Digital Realty's Charlotte Data Center Project Faces Air Quality Permit Scrutiny for Diesel Generators

Digital Realty's new hyperscale data center campus in Charlotte, North Carolina, is facing scrutiny over a proposed Mecklenburg County air quality permit. The permit would allow the company to operate 242 diesel generators as a standby power source, capable of producing 726 megawatts. These generators would be used when the main power supply fails. According to WFAE, the city's public radio station, the permit would allow for the emission of over 100 tons of air pollutants annually, including smog-forming emissions and carbon monoxide. The Charlotte Observer previously described the project as a 156-acre site with two buildings totaling 3 million square feet, designed for up to 400 MW of IT capacity, making it one of North Carolina's largest data centers. Digital Realty is also funding a new substation that Duke Energy will own and operate. The Charlotte City Council rezoned the land in May 2025, and the project was approved before a 150-day moratorium on new data centers was enacted in June 2026.

Every player from California to play for the Brooklyn Nets - James Harden

Every player from California to play for the Brooklyn Nets - James Harden

Our focus in this article is James Harden.

Representative Dave Min Reelected to Congress, Bolstering Bicycling and Active Transportation Initiatives

Representative Dave Min Reelected to Congress, Bolstering Bicycling and Active Transportation Initiatives

Representative Dave Min has been reelected to California's 47th Congressional District, securing his second term in the House. His reelection is highlighted by organizations like CalBike, which endorsed his state Senate campaign in 2020 due to his strong support for low-stress bikeway networks and Complete Streets. Min's platform has consistently connected better mobility options, such as bicycling, to broader issues like climate change, affordability, and community safety. His continued presence in Congress is seen as a win for advocates pushing for more sustainable and accessible transportation infrastructure. This victory is part of a larger trend in California where voters are electing leaders who prioritize active transportation as a solution to everyday challenges faced by residents.

Climate Change and El Niño Intensify West Nile Virus Threat in Southern California

Climate Change and El Niño Intensify West Nile Virus Threat in Southern California

Southern California experienced its most severe mosquito season in a decade, with a significant surge in West Nile virus cases. As of November 6, the virus has sickened 528 people and caused 32 deaths in California, with Los Angeles County reporting over half of the human cases. This increase is attributed to a warm, wet summer and fall, which created ideal conditions for mosquito breeding and virus replication. Research from UC Berkeley indicates a critical temperature threshold: West Nile virus transmission significantly increases when average temperatures rise above 73 degrees Fahrenheit. Coastal Los Angeles, with summer averages hovering around 70 degrees, is particularly vulnerable to slight temperature increases. Extreme weather events, including both heavy rainfall and drought, are contributing to more frequent outbreaks. For instance, a warm storm in September flushed larvicides from storm drains, leading to a surge in mosquito populations. Experts are concerned that the forecast for a strong El Ni...

Los Angeles Public Health Responses Show Evolving Equity Focus in Disease Outbreaks

Los Angeles Public Health Responses Show Evolving Equity Focus in Disease Outbreaks

Los Angeles has demonstrated an evolving approach to health equity in its public health responses to disease outbreaks over time, according to a recent analysis. Historically, responses to diseases like tuberculosis in the late 19th and early 20th centuries were marked by significant racial and economic discrimination, with public health officials often blaming immigrants and poorer communities and restricting their access to care. Decades later, the HIV/AIDS epidemic saw Los Angeles emerge as a national leader in equitable responses at the city level, passing landmark anti-discrimination laws, though county-level responses were slower. Most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic saw health equity explicitly integrated into public health strategies in Los Angeles and California, with policies aimed at directing resources to communities with the greatest need. Despite these advancements, underlying structural factors continue to create uneven impacts, indicating that while equity is emphasized, sustained effort is...

Long Beach Implements Speed Camera Program to Combat Rising Fatal Crashes

Long Beach Implements Speed Camera Program to Combat Rising Fatal Crashes

Long Beach, California, has activated a speed camera program at 18 locations across the city, with two cameras in each City Council district. These cameras began issuing warnings on October 7 and will start issuing citations on December 7. The initiative aims to address a significant increase in fatal crashes, with 53 recorded last year—the highest in over a decade—and 41 so far this year, surpassing the number of homicides. Half of the camera locations are on streets with high rates of deadly or severe accidents, while the other half are situated in school zones or areas known for street racing. The cameras capture only the rear license plates of vehicles, and citations, ranging from $50 to $500 depending on the speed over the limit, are mailed to the registered owner. Long Beach officials estimate the program will generate approximately $5 million in revenue in its first year, with half covering administrative costs and the remainder funding traffic-calming measures in high-need neighborhoods. This progr...

California Braces for Heavy Rain, Winds, and 50-Foot Waves

California Braces for Heavy Rain, Winds, and 50-Foot Waves

A series of storms is set to impact California over the next week, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, snow, and massive waves along the coast. The storms are influenced by unusually warm ocean waters and a strengthening El Niño. Northern California is expected to bear the brunt of the rainfall, with the North Coast region forecasted to receive up to six inches of rain. The San Francisco Bay Area could see up to two inches, while Los Angeles is likely to get less than an inch. The first storm is expected to arrive in the North Bay late Thursday night, with intermittent rain and blustery winds continuing through Friday.

Rochester City Council Considers Temporary Moratorium on Data Center Development to Study Impacts

Rochester City Council Considers Temporary Moratorium on Data Center Development to Study Impacts

The Rochester City Council is scheduled to vote on an interim ordinance that would implement a temporary moratorium on data center development. This measure aims to allow city staff to conduct a comprehensive study on the potential impacts of data centers on public health, welfare, planning functions, public utilities, and the environment. The current Unified Development Code in Rochester lacks specific regulations for data centers, prompting the need for this study. If approved, the moratorium would take effect immediately, and the study would commence, including open-house style events for resident input. The study will also examine best practices for data center development and their compatibility with existing land uses. While no immediate plans for a new data center in Rochester are underway, a data center project in nearby Pine Island is proceeding after a lawsuit settlement, with support from the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce.

California Braces for Storms, 50-Foot Waves Possible

California Braces for Storms, 50-Foot Waves Possible

California is set to experience a series of storms over the next week, bringing rain, wind, snow, and massive waves to the state. The storms are fueled by unusually warm coastal waters and a strengthening El Niño climate pattern, which often leads to wetter-than-normal winters in the region. The first storm is expected to arrive late Thursday night in the North Bay, with rain spreading across the state on Friday. Northern California could see up to six inches of rain, while the San Francisco Bay Area may receive up to two inches, and Los Angeles less than an inch. The storms are also expected to generate waves as high as 50 feet along the coast, marking the season's first widespread stormy weather. (Source: The New York Times, 2026-11-12 22:53:25 GMT)

Rain And Cooling Temperatures Hit California

Rain And Cooling Temperatures Hit California

A Pacific storm system is set to bring rain and cooler temperatures to California starting Thursday evening, with a second storm expected Sunday. Northern California will experience heavier rainfall, while Southern California will see scattered showers. Coastal areas, including downtown Los Angeles, will see daytime highs in the mid to upper 70s °F (24-26 °C), dropping to mid to high 60s °F (18-20 °C) at night. Gusty winds of 20 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph, are forecast for inland Los Angeles County. Rainfall totals between Friday and Saturday could reach up to an inch, with minor flood advisories possible. A high surf advisory is in effect Friday through Tuesday due to large swells, with surf heights of 8-12 feet expected on west-facing beaches.

Pacific Storms to Bring Rain and Cooler Temperatures to California

Pacific Storms to Bring Rain and Cooler Temperatures to California

A Pacific storm system is set to bring rain to California starting Thursday evening, November 12, 2026, with a second storm expected to arrive on Sunday. Northern California will experience the heaviest rainfall, while Southern California will see scattered showers. Temperatures are forecasted to drop significantly, with highs in the mid-to-upper 70s for coastal areas and downtown Los Angeles, and evening lows in the mid-to-high 60s. Gusty winds of up to 35 mph are also expected. Rainfall totals are predicted to range from a quarter-inch to an inch, with minor flood advisories possible. A high surf advisory will be in effect from Friday through Tuesday due to large swells.