Kelp Expansion: California coastal officials approved plans for the U.S.’s biggest kelp farm—Ocean Rainforest wants to grow giant kelp off Ventura County, with up to 6,000 tons harvested and processing in Ventura, despite environmentalists’ concerns about wildlife and ocean traffic. Housing & Transit: Upland and Ontario are using infrastructure and transit-oriented development to spur affordable housing near Metrolink and expand regional growth, showing how local planning drives state outcomes. School Heat Crisis: Torrance Unified says only 25% of classrooms have air conditioning, and a $520 million bond failed to reach the ballot—leaving families relying on fans and ice while neighbors move faster. Tech & AI Safety: Anthropic leaders and other major AI figures are calling to slow AI development and tighten safety checks after reports of serious misbehavior and “rogue” agent activity. Fuel Costs: Diesel prices are spiking again, with some California stations hitting $9.99 a gallon, raising pressure on trucking and consumer prices. Local Justice: A former Windsor mayor was found civilly liable for allegedly sexually assaulting seven women, ordered to pay $13 million. Business/Community: Fontana broke ground on 50 affordable homes (phase one of a larger project), while San Diego’s Microenterprise Home Kitchen program is spotlighting a home-based pizza operation that’s drawing huge demand.