California Issues (Audio)

Sacramento is working on the largest water recycling project on the West Coast, and UC Davis research is behind the technology used to filter and recycle wastewater for such projects.

Mike Falk, received his Ph.D. from UC Davis, and was a consultant for the project. He works on large civil infrastructure projects for public utilities like Sacramento Sewer.

Falk said federal funding helps advance the science to inform decisions and find new, innovative solutions that preserve public health and the environment.

Series: "UC Davis News" [Public Affairs] [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41734]

David Brockman suffered a traumatic accident in 2019 that led to the amputation of his hand from the wrist down. Following his surgery at the UC Davis Medical Center, he was connected with engineering professor Jonathon Schofield, who collaborates with Ph.D. students on prosthetic technology.

Through federally funded research projects, these students were able to design and provide Brockman with a custom myoelectric hand —a prosthetic he can control electronically. He emphasizes that without federal funding, schools and researchers wouldn’t have the resources to develop these innovations.

"My hand prosthetic would not have been available to me without funding.Without that money, these schools can’t do that and give people a chance to see what is possible.” — David Brockman Series: "UC Davis News" [Public Affairs] [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41733]

Valley fever, also known as coccidioidomycosis, is a fungal infection that is contracted when soil borne spores are disrupted and inhaled. The infections can cause symptoms similar to pneumonia or COVID-19, such as cough, headache, fever and, in more severe cases, meningitis. UC Davis Health patient Rex shares his journey with valley fever and how UC Davis doctors and researchers are advancing earlier diagnosis and better treatments through clinical care and laboratory science. Series: "UC Davis News" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Agriculture] [Show ID: 41743]

Jim Wallace's family-run farm and business have relied on UC Davis research on bean varieties for more than 60 years. UC Davis researchers have developed drought and pest-resistant bean varieties that Wallace counts on to stay competitive in an international market. Series: "UC Davis News" [Public Affairs] [Agriculture] [Show ID: 41735]

UC Davis undergraduate student researchers are making exciting discoveries in the world of insects through the Insect Scholars program. From studying monarch butterflies to honey bees, these students gain hands-on experience in entomology, developing crucial lab and field skills. Learn about their journeys, the research they conduct and how they contribute to conservation efforts. Series: "UC Davis News" [Science] [Show ID: 40178]

The dramatic housing shortage in California affects millions of residents and leads thousands to homelessness. The 2024 Arthur N. Rupe Great Debate addresses this issue by asking, “Is Housing a Human Right?” If so, our state faces a massive undertaking. Experts with diverse specialties and experiences wrestle with some of our biggest challenges. How, for example, can we build low and moderate income housing when construction costs are high and community opposition is often present? How can people experiencing homelessness be moved to shelter and housing? [Public Affairs] [Business] [Show ID: 39667]

What can be done to prioritize diversion options for youth instead of filing criminal charges? Steven P. Dinkin (National Conflict Resolution Center) s joined by, Lisa Weinreb Delgadillo (San Diego District Attorney’s Office), Breea Buskey (National Conflict Resolution Center), Monica Felix (Rady Children's Hospital San Diego), and Sunny Chang (Outdoor Outreach) for an in-depth conversation on effective strategies that engage the justice system as well as community organizations. [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 38891]

How can we better serve native youth that find themselves in trouble? The Intertribal Court of Southern California founded the Tribal Youth Court (TYC) to answer that question. TYC empowers youth to engage in tribal restorative justice practices. Tribal leadership, judges, and students share why this model, rooted in culture and community, has been effective. Series: "Education Channel" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 38263]

Focused on training native youth in tribal law and restorative justice practices, the Intertribal Court of Southern California Tribal Youth Court (TYC) aims to create positive change in communities. Learn how the court came to be, how it functions, and how is is transforming the lives of all involved. Series: "Education Channel" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 38892]

What's California doing to address the issue of chronic homelessness? Some say nothing while others point to many efforts at the local and state levels. In this discussion, Dr. Margot Kushel, State Senator John Laird, and Dr. Toby Ewing explore the ways in which California is addressing the problem of the chronically unsheltered, what barriers remain, and how innovative solutions might restore some of the sheen to the state's golden reputation. Series: "UC Center Sacramento" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 38782]