California is a step closer toward creating the nation’s most ambitious program to regulate toxic substances in consumer products after publicly releasing in late June the mechanics of how its so-called Green Chemistry Initiative would work. 

Researchers at Washington State University and the University of Georgia have concluded that balanced ecosystems – such as those found in organic agriculture – are better at controlling pests and growing healthier plants than those found in conventional farm fields. 

Two important signs of economic recovery turned up in the San Jose Mercury News this week.  First is an apparent boom in the chip industry, and second is an uptick in business at Buck’s Woodside Café. 

California started a new fiscal year last week with no budget, something which happens with alarming regularity.  Sacramento legislators faced with a choice between staying there and collecting a per diem with nothing to vote on or hightailing it home for July, opted for the extended vacation.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman, having weathered a primary against one of the more dogmatic opponents in recent years, appears to be headed for either a landslide victory or a landslide defeat, with little margin for error in between.

Based on several early polls in July, our nation remains polarized over President Obama, frustrated with Congressional performance, and pessimistic about the future.