Josh, a 14-year-old foster child, had been abused and neglected and was failing at school. His focus and outlook changed dramatically once a court appointed special advocate stepped in on his behalf.

Seen & Not Heard

Child advocates could fundamentally shift foster care outcomes, if only there were more volunteers

Over half a million kids live in foster care in the U.S. as a result of abuse, neglect or abandonment. Because they can’t advocate for themselves, many become victims a second time, lost in an overburdened child welfare system that can’t pay close attention to each child. But one program is drastically improving outcomes for foster youth, despite the overwhelming odds.

Oct 14, 2014 Laurie Lauletta-Boshart

A Message for California’s GOP

Acuity with Kaitlyn MacGregor

At 25-years-old, Kaitlyn MacGregor is the new director of communications for the California Republican Party, and she has her work cut out for her. New data from the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California shows that young voters aren’t registering Republican and neither are moderates, African Americans or Latinos. With elections just weeks away, MacGregor will need to make strides quickly. 

Oct 10, 2014 Christine Calvin
(shutterstock)

Break Away from the Beige

Bolder architecture will build a stronger city

Few people are aware of the emotional impact of the built world surrounding them; it’s experienced viscerally. Architecture knits communities together by drawing people out into city streets, influencing how they interact with each other and their surroundings. Buildings and spaces affect people’s perceptions of and connections with a city.

Oct 9, 2014 Jason Silva
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Putting Children First

What to expect when dealing with Child Protective Services

A report was made to Child Protective Services about our young nephew, claiming an abusive environment created by neglect due to my sister-in-law’s drug addiction. My sister-in-law is obviously very upset, and doesn’t know what to do. We’ve never been through anything like this; what should we expect?

Oct 14, 2014 Coral Henning
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Death by Desk Chair

How to combat our national sitting epidemic

Those long hours you’re logging at your desk may be taking a physiological toll that your morning run and bike commute can’t quite undo. We’re in the midst of a sitting epidemic that comes with some pretty scary health implications, but a simple change in our corporate culture might hold the key to better fitness for us all.

Oct 6, 2014 MaryJayne Zemer
(photo: Bill Sessa)

Clean Speed Ahead

UC Davis to help China accelerate electric car use

The cord powering cleaner, plug-in electric cars in China now stretches across the Pacific to California.  A recent information-sharing agreement between UC Davis and the government authority that oversees China’s car industry will connect the world’s acknowledged leaders in creating clean car standards with the globe’s largest and fastest-growing new car market. 

Oct 8, 2014 Bill Sessa
(Zuza Hicks)

In the Dark?

6 steps to navigating Title 24’s new lighting standards

The updated Title 24 energy efficiency standards will greatly impact how property owners design, construct and renovate buildings. Bernie Kotlier, co-chair of the nonprofit California Advanced Lighting Controls Training Program, shares the best ways to navigate the changes:

Oct 9, 2014 Russell Nichols