Public Policy

Poll finds California youth optimistic about the future

A newly released poll of 600 young Californians shows that kids today are as optimistic about their futures as ever. The poll, conducted by New America Media and published on Monday, found that 82 percent of respondents believe their lives will be better in 10 years than they are now, and 95 percent believe that if they work hard they will achieve their goals. At the same time, the 16- to 22-year-olds polled said it was taking them longer to…

Council reconsiders pot farm permits, discusses redevelopment funds

Without voting on a single ordinance, members of a beleaguered Oakland City Council spent Tuesday night’s meeting discussing their two most pressing concerns: threats of prosecution by the state and federal government over the city’s plan to permit industrial cannabis cultivation, and dramatic budget cuts from the governor.

What’s in your wallet? Maybe lead, a toxic metal

Oakland’s Center for Environmental Health tests everyday objects for lead, a toxic heavy metal that is associated with impaired cognitive and behavioral development in children. It may be no further away than your closet.