Higher education reporter for the San Jose Mercury-News
Katy Murphy on KCRW
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Son of late ‘Famous Amos’ reflects on dad’s joy and optimism
HistoryThe founder of Famous Amos Cookies, Wallace “Wally” Amos, died this week at age 88.
Prop 4: Here’s what’s in California’s $10B climate bond measure
Climate changeTen billion dollars doesn’t go far when it comes to adapting to climate change, but the state has a lot of projects planned, should this bond measure pass.
Cell Dogs offers second chances for inmates, rescued canines
AnimalsCell Dogs rescues canines from local shelters and facilitates pup training programs at correctional facilities.
Do Californians have the right to a clean environment?
CaliforniaCA Assemblymember Isaac Bryan’s Green Amendment would ensure Californians have the right to clean air and water. Would it bring real changes?
Zyndemic! How SoCal is handling the nicotine tin shortage
CaliforniaThe tobacco-free nicotine pouch Zyn has been in short supply all summer. How did flavored pouches become the hottest nic fix?
Amtrak trains are slow and late. Why do West Coasters still use it?
TransportationTrain passengers up and down California and Oregon say it’s worth keeping Amtrak as a vital lifeline and a nostalgic leisure activity.
Dying harms the planet. So CA legalized human composting
ScienceBody disposition can have a major environmental impact. That’s partly why 12 states and counting have legalized human composting in the past five years.
Will lowest-paid CA workers get a raise? Voters to decide
Business & EconomyVoters will have the chance to raise the state minimum wage to $18 with Prop 32. Wages are usually a hot topic in the state, but campaign spending is low.
Rainy winters and sewage are worsening CA beach water quality
EnvironmentNonprofit Heal the Bay is out with its annual report card on water quality at CA beaches. It found that rainy winters may be making the ocean more toxic.