Fact Sheet Sea Level Rise in California By Letitia Grenier, Gokce Sencan Feb 28, 2024 Sea levels are rising, and Californians are already feeling the impact. Adaptation will require new forms of collaboration and coordination—as well as working with nature—to find solutions.
Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Government By Mark Baldassare, Lunna Lopes, Dean Bonner, David Kordus May 31, 2015 Some findings of the current survey: Public concern about the drought is at a record high: 69 percent of Californians say their regional water supply is a big problem. A solid majority favor the governor’s budget (73%) and his state Earned Income Tax Credit proposal (60%). Californians are divided on extending Proposition 30 tax increases. A solid majority (70%) favor increasing cigarette taxes, but fewer than half support other tax proposals. Most California adults (67%) and public school parents (65%) say unvaccinated children should not attend public school. A large majority (87%) say vaccines are at least somewhat safe. Job Approval Ratings: President Obama [PDF] Governor Brown [PDF] California State Legislature [PDF] U.S. Congress [PDF] Time Trends of Job Approval Ratings: President Obama [XLS] Governor Brown [XLS] California State Legislature [XLS] U.S. Congress [XLS] Mood of Californians: General Direction of Things in California [PDF] Economic Outlook for California [PDF] Time Trends for the Mood of Californians: General Direction of Things in California [XLS] Economic Outlook for California [XLS] This survey was supported with funding from The James Irvine Foundation.
Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and the Environment By Mark Baldassare, Jennifer Paluch, Dean Bonner, Sonja Petek Jul 29, 2009 Some findings of the current survey: Solid majorities of Californians favor government regulation of greenhouse gas emissions and policies to curb global warming. More Californians support than oppose expanding coastal oil drilling; even more favor improving fuel efficiency. Three in four Californians say the state should expand public transit and use existing transportation networks more efficiently—only 18 percent say the state should build more freeways. Job Approval Ratings: President Obama Governor Schwarzenegger California State Legislature Time Trends of Job Approval Ratings: President Obama Governor Schwarzenegger California State Legislature Mood of Californians: General Direction of Things in California Economic Outlook for California Time Trends for the Mood of Californians: General Direction of Things in California Economic Outlook for California This survey is supported with funding from The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.
Report Who Should Be Allowed to Sell Water in California? Third-Party Issues and the Water Market By Ellen Hanak Jul 2, 2003 Although significant water trading has occurred in California since the drought of the early 1990s, many localities have restricted water transfers because of the perceived harm to other users and the local economy. In Who Should Be Allowed to Sell Water in California? Third-Party Issues and the Water Market, Ellen Hanak examines water transfers in California, local resistance to them, and various approaches to resolving water disputes. Drawing on a new database of water transfers as well as interviews with state, county, and water district officials, the report calls for water management at the local level that balances the interests of other residents and the potential gains from transfers.
Fact Sheet Droughts in California By Jeffrey Mount, Alvar Escriva-Bou, Gokce Sencan Apr 13, 2021 California is highly prone to droughts, and climate change makes them worse. This fact sheet describes key challenges to managing dry times.
Report Climate Policy at the Local Level: A Survey of California’s Cities and Counties By Ellen Hanak, Louise Bedsworth, Sarah Swanbeck, Joanna Malaczynski Nov 17, 2008 California has taken center stage in national and international efforts to fight global warming. This survey of over 300 of the state’s cities and counties puts the spotlight on the role California’s local governments are playing. It finds that there is already considerable local involvement in activities related to climate change. However, many efforts are still focused on municipal operations and facilities, rather than on the broader community. Better information on successful programs and funding sources, and greater clarity in state law on conformity with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) will help further local efforts.
Report Envisioning Futures for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta By Ellen Hanak, Jay Lund, William Fleenor, Jeffrey Mount ... Feb 7, 2007 California’s Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is widely perceived to be in crisis today: its levee system is fragile, many of its native species are declining rapidly, and it lacks strong governing institutions to deal with its problems. In its current state, the Delta is unsustainable for almost all stakeholders. This report provides a comprehensive, scientifically up-to-date analysis and outlines several alternative management strategies for the Delta. To view individual chapters, click on the links below. Summary Introduction The Legacies of Delta History Drivers of Change Within the Delta The Future of the Delta as an Aquatic Ecosystem A Crisis of Confidence: Shifting Stakeholder Perspectives on the Delta Water Supply Adaptations to Changes in Delta Management Delta Options and Alternatives Evaluating Delta Alternatives Financing and Governing a Soft Landing Conclusions and Recommendations Maps (full-color)
Report California Water Myths By Ellen Hanak, Jay Lund, Jeffrey Mount, Richard Howitt ... Dec 8, 2009 California faces enormous challenges in establishing a sustainable path for water resource management. One challenge is the rhetoric surrounding major water issues in the state. This study highlights eight common water myths, focusing on water supply, ecosystems, and legal and governance issues. In combating these myths, the report sets the stage for a more informed approach to water policy and management. More information and additional myths can be found in Myths of California Water - Implications and Reality. Interactive Map: Per Capita Urban Water Use: 1960-2005 Interactive Feature: Virtual Tour (Center For Watershed Sciences, UC Davis) Supported with funding from S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Pisces Foundation, Resources Legacy Fund, and Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority.
Policy Brief Policy Brief: Groundwater and Urban Growth in the San Joaquin Valley By Andrew Ayres, Ellen Hanak, Henry McCann, David Mitchell ... Sep 15, 2021 This policy brief distills the key takeaways from our report about the challenges urban utilities in the San Joaquin Valley will face as they address groundwater overdraft under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). Learn how to ensure a smooth transition for the region’s residents.
Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Government By Mark Baldassare, Dean Bonner, Alyssa Dykman, Lunna Lopes Mar 21, 2018 Key findings from the current survey: In California’s gubernatorial race, Democrat Gavin Newsom solidifies his lead and Republican John Cox gains ground—but a quarter of likely voters are still undecided. In the US Senate race, Dianne Feinstein continues to lead Kevin de León by double digits. Immigration is the top issue likely voters want to hear gubernatorial candidates talk about between now and the June primary. Most likely voters would support state bonds for affordable housing and water infrastructure projects.
