blog post Testimony: Implementing SGMA at Ground Zero—Challenges and Opportunities for the San Joaquin Valley By Ellen Hanak, Alvar Escriva-Bou Feb 15, 2022 PPIC Water Policy Center director Ellen Hanak testified before an informational hearing on the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act in Sacramento today (February 15, 2022). Read her prepared remarks.
Report Community College Math in California’s New Era of Student Access By Marisol Cuellar Mejia, Olga Rodriguez, Hans Johnson, Cesar Alesi Perez Dec 7, 2021 In fall 2019, California’s community colleges began implementing AB 705, making reforms to place thousands of students away from remedial courses and directly into the introductory courses necessary to transfer to a four-year college. In this report, we focus on math courses and the progress that colleges and students have made under the new system as of fall 2020.
Report Keeping College Affordable for California Students By Kevin Cook, Jacob Jackson Dec 1, 2021 California’s financial aid programs reduce tuition for most students. But the state and its higher education institutions can improve college access and success by providing additional aid to lower-income students, addressing growing non-tuition costs, and eliminating barriers that increase the time it takes to earn a degree.
blog post After Wildfire, How Do We Rebuild for a “Resilient Recovery”? By Sarah Bardeen Nov 29, 2021 At least one in 12 California homes is at high risk of burning in a wildfire—yet state and local land use policies still incentivize rebuilding in the wildland-urban interface. It doesn’t have to be that way, says the author of a new report.
event Seizing the Drought: Water Priorities for Our Changing Climate Nov 15, 2021 The PPIC Water Policy Center will convene a diverse group of experts to discuss how to tackle the highly disruptive effects of climate change on our water system. It’s clear that we must step up our game to cope with the increasingly severe, warm droughts that are coming our way. This year’s conference will identify immediate actions we can take to boost the state’s resilience.
Report Police Use of Force and Misconduct in California By Deepak Premkumar, Alexandria Gumbs, Shannon McConville, Renee Hsia Oct 26, 2021 Nearly 200 Californians die each year in police encounters. Amid growing concern over civilian deaths and racial injustice, we examine what the existing data can—and cannot—tell us about police use of force and misconduct. We also offer recommendations for strengthening the state’s ongoing efforts to improve police transparency and accountability.
Report Dual Enrollment in California By Olga Rodriguez, Niu Gao Oct 18, 2021 Dual enrollment provides opportunities for high school students to take college courses and earn college credit. The pandemic has fueled a nationwide surge in participation, and equity-centered legislation has raised dual enrollment’s profile in California. As dual enrollment expands, state leaders can take steps to promote equitable access and outcomes.
blog post Video: Managing Water in a Changing Climate By Sarah Bardeen, Ashlyn Perri Oct 18, 2021 Climate change is stressing California’s water system, but strategic investments and improved water management practices could help us adapt.
Policy Brief Policy Brief: Racial Disparities in Law Enforcement Stops By Magnus Lofstrom, Joseph Hayes, Brandon Martin, Deepak Premkumar Oct 13, 2021 In an effort to directly confront concerns over racial inequities in criminal justice, California passed the Racial and Identity Profiling Act (RIPA) in 2015. RIPA data on law enforcement stops reveal that Black Californians have notably different experiences during stops than white Californians.
blog post Video: Groundwater and Urban Growth in the San Joaquin Valley By Sarah Bardeen Oct 5, 2021 As the San Joaquin Valley addresses groundwater overdraft, its urban utilities face unique challenges. We convened a panel of experts to discuss how to ensure a smooth transition to groundwater sustainability for the region’s residents. Missed it? Watch the event video.
