Ethan Elkind
@ethanelkind.bsky.social
Director of the Climate Program at Berkeley Law CLEE, author of Railtown (book on history of LA Metro Rail), and host of KALW’s Your Call (Mondays/Fridays) & State of the Bay.
Tonight @stateofthebay.bsky.social:
- Bay Area Olympians w/@annkillion.bsky.social @sfchronicle.com
- Free childcare in SF? @fitzthereporter.bsky.social & Mark Ryle
- @ken-goldberg.bsky.social & @tiffanyshlain.bsky.social new exhibit
Stream live 6pm PT @kalwradio.bsky.social: shorturl.at/Rk8Tb
- Bay Area Olympians w/@annkillion.bsky.social @sfchronicle.com
- Free childcare in SF? @fitzthereporter.bsky.social & Mark Ryle
- @ken-goldberg.bsky.social & @tiffanyshlain.bsky.social new exhibit
Stream live 6pm PT @kalwradio.bsky.social: shorturl.at/Rk8Tb
Bay Area Olympians / Free Childcare in SF / Trees as Inspiration
Three Olympic athletes from the Bay Area, Mayor Lurie's plan for expanded free childcare, the exhibition "Ancient Wisdom for a Future Ecology: Trees, Time, and Technology"
shorturl.at
February 3, 2026 at 12:10 AM
Tonight @stateofthebay.bsky.social:
- Bay Area Olympians w/@annkillion.bsky.social @sfchronicle.com
- Free childcare in SF? @fitzthereporter.bsky.social & Mark Ryle
- @ken-goldberg.bsky.social & @tiffanyshlain.bsky.social new exhibit
Stream live 6pm PT @kalwradio.bsky.social: shorturl.at/Rk8Tb
- Bay Area Olympians w/@annkillion.bsky.social @sfchronicle.com
- Free childcare in SF? @fitzthereporter.bsky.social & Mark Ryle
- @ken-goldberg.bsky.social & @tiffanyshlain.bsky.social new exhibit
Stream live 6pm PT @kalwradio.bsky.social: shorturl.at/Rk8Tb
$1B for an 8-mile bikeway along the LA River would probably make this the most expensive bike lane in history. Here Joe Linton describes how LA Metro could actually build the (admittedly complicated) project with the money it actually has, namely by shrinking the width from 20' to 10-12 feet.
Metro is planning a $1billion 8-mile bike path along the L.A. River. SBLA editor @lintonjoe.bsky.social urges Metro to pare down the design to a project that Metro can actually afford to build. Submit your comments by Monday Feb 2.
la.streetsblog.org/2026/01/30/c...
la.streetsblog.org/2026/01/30/c...
Comment on Metro L.A. River Path Project by Monday February 2 - Streetsblog Los Angeles
I have some strong opinions about the L.A. River walk/bike path. I have advocated for L.A. River bikeways since the 1990s. I wrote a book about the L.A. River. Here’s my take on Metro’s latest frustra...
la.streetsblog.org
January 31, 2026 at 2:18 AM
$1B for an 8-mile bikeway along the LA River would probably make this the most expensive bike lane in history. Here Joe Linton describes how LA Metro could actually build the (admittedly complicated) project with the money it actually has, namely by shrinking the width from 20' to 10-12 feet.
Reposted by Ethan Elkind
Holy shit. So this just happened at Minneapolis's legendary First Avenue club. That's Tom Morello introducing Springsteen. www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jHe...
Bruce Springsteen - Streets of Minneapolis - First Ave 260130
YouTube video by Nate Reiter
www.youtube.com
January 30, 2026 at 11:39 PM
Holy shit. So this just happened at Minneapolis's legendary First Avenue club. That's Tom Morello introducing Springsteen. www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jHe...
Reposted by Ethan Elkind
“Bus Cuts” is a short documentary by Brown University student filmmaker Maya Kelly. It follows five @RIPTA.com riders and one bus operator, highlighting how service cuts have impacted them. 🚌🚏⚓️
youtu.be/tgsHYMenMCA
youtu.be/tgsHYMenMCA
Bus Cuts
YouTube video by Maya Kelly
youtu.be
January 30, 2026 at 3:17 PM
“Bus Cuts” is a short documentary by Brown University student filmmaker Maya Kelly. It follows five @RIPTA.com riders and one bus operator, highlighting how service cuts have impacted them. 🚌🚏⚓️
youtu.be/tgsHYMenMCA
youtu.be/tgsHYMenMCA
New Mexico homebuilder foregoes gas hook-ups to avoid costs & delays, and units are selling well.
Example customers: "Both women said they appreciated not having to worry about gas leaks, or whether [her] 3-year-old daughter might accidentally turn on the stove."
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/29/c...
Example customers: "Both women said they appreciated not having to worry about gas leaks, or whether [her] 3-year-old daughter might accidentally turn on the stove."
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/29/c...
Why a New Mexico Developer Quit Natural Gas
www.nytimes.com
January 29, 2026 at 6:41 PM
New Mexico homebuilder foregoes gas hook-ups to avoid costs & delays, and units are selling well.
Example customers: "Both women said they appreciated not having to worry about gas leaks, or whether [her] 3-year-old daughter might accidentally turn on the stove."
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/29/c...
Example customers: "Both women said they appreciated not having to worry about gas leaks, or whether [her] 3-year-old daughter might accidentally turn on the stove."
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/29/c...
Reposted by Ethan Elkind
I wrote this song on Saturday, recorded it yesterday and released it to you today in response to the state terror being visited on the city of Minneapolis. It’s dedicated to the people of Minneapolis, our innocent immigrant neighbors and in memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
Stay free
Stay free
Bruce Springsteen - Streets Of Minneapolis (Official Audio)
YouTube video by Bruce Springsteen
youtu.be
January 28, 2026 at 5:02 PM
I wrote this song on Saturday, recorded it yesterday and released it to you today in response to the state terror being visited on the city of Minneapolis. It’s dedicated to the people of Minneapolis, our innocent immigrant neighbors and in memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
Stay free
Stay free
In case you missed our @cleeberkeley.bsky.social @uclalawemmett.bsky.social webinar on ways to increase demand for clean trucks, the recording is now available:
www.kaltura.com/index.php/ex...?
www.kaltura.com/index.php/ex...?
January 28, 2026 at 9:54 PM
In case you missed our @cleeberkeley.bsky.social @uclalawemmett.bsky.social webinar on ways to increase demand for clean trucks, the recording is now available:
www.kaltura.com/index.php/ex...?
www.kaltura.com/index.php/ex...?
Reposted by Ethan Elkind
Imagine being a 400th generation rat, thinking you are the apex predator, and then along comes fuzzy Godzilla.
sfstandard.com/2026/01/27/c...
sfstandard.com/2026/01/27/c...
Wily coyote who swam to Alcatraz gets ‘much fatter’ on prison island diet
Officials are monitoring if the canine is preying on the island’s seabirds.
sfstandard.com
January 28, 2026 at 8:03 PM
Imagine being a 400th generation rat, thinking you are the apex predator, and then along comes fuzzy Godzilla.
sfstandard.com/2026/01/27/c...
sfstandard.com/2026/01/27/c...
Reposted by Ethan Elkind
Where and what are the most affordable new California homes? @ethanelkind.bsky.social has answers. legal-planet.org/2026/01/27/w...
Where and What Are the Most Affordable New California Homes? - Legal Planet
No issue defines both the affordability and climate challenge in California more than housing. High housing prices have pushed many prospective homebuyers to what some consider to be “affordable” outl...
legal-planet.org
January 27, 2026 at 5:41 PM
Where and what are the most affordable new California homes? @ethanelkind.bsky.social has answers. legal-planet.org/2026/01/27/w...
Where & what are the most affordable new homes in California?
New @cleeberkeley.bsky.social report examines data in 3 key markets & found urban townhomes are 30% cheaper than same BR/BA single-family exurban when considering ALL homeowner costs.
Read more 👇
www.law.berkeley.edu/research/cle...
New @cleeberkeley.bsky.social report examines data in 3 key markets & found urban townhomes are 30% cheaper than same BR/BA single-family exurban when considering ALL homeowner costs.
Read more 👇
www.law.berkeley.edu/research/cle...
Affording the California Dream: Optimal Locations and Product Types to Increase Home Ownership Opportunities
January 2026 No issue defines the affordability challenge in California more than housing. The state’s infamously high housing prices have pushed many residents seeking to buy a home to what […]
www.law.berkeley.edu
January 27, 2026 at 4:35 PM
Where & what are the most affordable new homes in California?
New @cleeberkeley.bsky.social report examines data in 3 key markets & found urban townhomes are 30% cheaper than same BR/BA single-family exurban when considering ALL homeowner costs.
Read more 👇
www.law.berkeley.edu/research/cle...
New @cleeberkeley.bsky.social report examines data in 3 key markets & found urban townhomes are 30% cheaper than same BR/BA single-family exurban when considering ALL homeowner costs.
Read more 👇
www.law.berkeley.edu/research/cle...
Satellite and ground data showing big air quality benefits in California from EVs:
“…on average, for every 200 zero-emission vehicles added to each neighborhood, that area saw a 1.1% decrease in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels.”
www.theautopian.com/one-state-ha...
“…on average, for every 200 zero-emission vehicles added to each neighborhood, that area saw a 1.1% decrease in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels.”
www.theautopian.com/one-state-ha...
One State Has Purchased Enough Electric Cars To Make The Air Measurably Cleaner: Study - The Autopian
A study released by USC that used satellite imaging shows that the adoption of electric cars has lead to a decrease in air pollution.
www.theautopian.com
January 27, 2026 at 3:03 AM
Satellite and ground data showing big air quality benefits in California from EVs:
“…on average, for every 200 zero-emission vehicles added to each neighborhood, that area saw a 1.1% decrease in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels.”
www.theautopian.com/one-state-ha...
“…on average, for every 200 zero-emission vehicles added to each neighborhood, that area saw a 1.1% decrease in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels.”
www.theautopian.com/one-state-ha...
Reposted by Ethan Elkind
Join a Forum with California Gubernatorial Candidates!
🗓️Wednesday, January 28
🕰️4:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Sign up for the livestream: envirovoters.org/gubernatoria...
CLEE has also developed briefing materials that you can access on our project website: climatevote.org.
🗓️Wednesday, January 28
🕰️4:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Sign up for the livestream: envirovoters.org/gubernatoria...
CLEE has also developed briefing materials that you can access on our project website: climatevote.org.
January 26, 2026 at 11:50 PM
Join a Forum with California Gubernatorial Candidates!
🗓️Wednesday, January 28
🕰️4:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Sign up for the livestream: envirovoters.org/gubernatoria...
CLEE has also developed briefing materials that you can access on our project website: climatevote.org.
🗓️Wednesday, January 28
🕰️4:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Sign up for the livestream: envirovoters.org/gubernatoria...
CLEE has also developed briefing materials that you can access on our project website: climatevote.org.
Trump's 2025 tax bill is taking this country in the wrong direction:
"The U.S. clean energy industry lost at least 10,000 manufacturing jobs last year, part of an overall decline that saw the country shed about 72,000 manufacturing jobs in 2025..."
www.eenews.net/articles/us-...
"The U.S. clean energy industry lost at least 10,000 manufacturing jobs last year, part of an overall decline that saw the country shed about 72,000 manufacturing jobs in 2025..."
www.eenews.net/articles/us-...
US green manufacturers lost at least 10,000 jobs last year
Employment losses across the clean energy sector undercut the Trump administration's broader push to revive U.S. manufacturing.
www.eenews.net
January 26, 2026 at 5:47 PM
Trump's 2025 tax bill is taking this country in the wrong direction:
"The U.S. clean energy industry lost at least 10,000 manufacturing jobs last year, part of an overall decline that saw the country shed about 72,000 manufacturing jobs in 2025..."
www.eenews.net/articles/us-...
"The U.S. clean energy industry lost at least 10,000 manufacturing jobs last year, part of an overall decline that saw the country shed about 72,000 manufacturing jobs in 2025..."
www.eenews.net/articles/us-...
The Measure ULA apartment-building tax is a major factor here.
San Diego is more welcoming to developers than L.A., industry insiders say, with fewer regulations and fees, better planning and less rent control. Last quarter, the number of apartments under construction in San Diego County had risen 10% from three years earlier; in L.A. County, it tumbled 33%.
San Diego shows what happens when a city actually lets builders build
Why does San Diego lead California in apartment construction?
www.latimes.com
January 23, 2026 at 7:42 PM
The Measure ULA apartment-building tax is a major factor here.
LA Metro wants to have their cake and have no one eat it, too.
“Metro staff report said SB 79 could harm the transit agency’s expansion by galvanizing opponents against new light rail stations & dedicated bus lanes,” because law requires higher densities there.
But if a transit station area isn’t planned for higher densities… the station shouldn’t be built.
But if a transit station area isn’t planned for higher densities… the station shouldn’t be built.
L.A. Metro, the main transit operator for Los Angeles, just voted to oppose SB 79, a law legalizing the construction of housing near stations. You can't make this stuff up. Legislators should remember this the next time they come to Sacramento begging for more money.
laist.com/news/housing...
laist.com/news/housing...
January 23, 2026 at 6:58 PM
LA Metro wants to have their cake and have no one eat it, too.
Reposted by Ethan Elkind
Multibillion-dollar transit project to tunnel through the Santa Monica Mountains is approved by L.A. Metro—The busy corridor and solutions to improve it have been under discussion for decades. @ethanelkind.bsky.social a rail expert… www.latimes.com/california/s... @cshalby.bsky.social @latimes.com
Multibillion-dollar transit project to tunnel through the Santa Monica Mountains is approved by L.A. Metro
Billions of dollars are still needed to fund the project, which is considered one of the most significant transit projects in the country.
www.latimes.com
January 23, 2026 at 6:06 PM
Multibillion-dollar transit project to tunnel through the Santa Monica Mountains is approved by L.A. Metro—The busy corridor and solutions to improve it have been under discussion for decades. @ethanelkind.bsky.social a rail expert… www.latimes.com/california/s... @cshalby.bsky.social @latimes.com
Reposted by Ethan Elkind
"We’re going to need to figure out some new approaches if we want to have a government that implements the law in a rational, even-handed way."
— Opinion by Professor Daniel Farber, faculty director of @cleeberkeley.bsky.social, via @legal-planet.org https://bit.ly/49BNr8j @dfarber1950.bsky.social
— Opinion by Professor Daniel Farber, faculty director of @cleeberkeley.bsky.social, via @legal-planet.org https://bit.ly/49BNr8j @dfarber1950.bsky.social
What Critics of the Unitary Executive Missed - Legal Planet
The Supreme Court's embrace of the unitary executive theory gave birth to the politicization of every government by the Trump Administration.
legal-planet.org
January 23, 2026 at 1:04 AM
"We’re going to need to figure out some new approaches if we want to have a government that implements the law in a rational, even-handed way."
— Opinion by Professor Daniel Farber, faculty director of @cleeberkeley.bsky.social, via @legal-planet.org https://bit.ly/49BNr8j @dfarber1950.bsky.social
— Opinion by Professor Daniel Farber, faculty director of @cleeberkeley.bsky.social, via @legal-planet.org https://bit.ly/49BNr8j @dfarber1950.bsky.social
Reposted by Ethan Elkind
“Metro staff report said SB 79 could harm the transit agency’s expansion by galvanizing opponents against new light rail stations & dedicated bus lanes,” because law requires higher densities there.
But if a transit station area isn’t planned for higher densities… the station shouldn’t be built.
But if a transit station area isn’t planned for higher densities… the station shouldn’t be built.
L.A. Metro, the main transit operator for Los Angeles, just voted to oppose SB 79, a law legalizing the construction of housing near stations. You can't make this stuff up. Legislators should remember this the next time they come to Sacramento begging for more money.
laist.com/news/housing...
laist.com/news/housing...
LA transit agency seeks to override state law allowing more homes near train and bus lines
The L.A. Metro Board of Directors voted to oppose implementation of SB 79, calling for a countywide exemption.
laist.com
January 22, 2026 at 10:46 PM
“Metro staff report said SB 79 could harm the transit agency’s expansion by galvanizing opponents against new light rail stations & dedicated bus lanes,” because law requires higher densities there.
But if a transit station area isn’t planned for higher densities… the station shouldn’t be built.
But if a transit station area isn’t planned for higher densities… the station shouldn’t be built.
Every apartment built near rail means more riders, which means less public subsidy and more overall use of an expensive taxpayer-funded transit system. Absolute malpractice for a transit agency to oppose this policy.
L.A. Metro, the main transit operator for Los Angeles, just voted to oppose SB 79, a law legalizing the construction of housing near stations. You can't make this stuff up. Legislators should remember this the next time they come to Sacramento begging for more money.
laist.com/news/housing...
laist.com/news/housing...
LA transit agency seeks to override state law allowing more homes near train and bus lines
The L.A. Metro Board of Directors voted to oppose implementation of SB 79, calling for a countywide exemption.
laist.com
January 23, 2026 at 1:16 AM
Every apartment built near rail means more riders, which means less public subsidy and more overall use of an expensive taxpayer-funded transit system. Absolute malpractice for a transit agency to oppose this policy.
Reposted by Ethan Elkind
Folks, next Wednesday at 4 p.m. I am moderating a climate forum with the leading candidates for California governor! So much important stuff to ask Xavier Becerra, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer and Eric Swalwell.
Hope you'll watch the livestream. Register here: envirovoters.org/gubernatoria...
Hope you'll watch the livestream. Register here: envirovoters.org/gubernatoria...
Gubernatorial Forum | California Environmental Voters
Tune in to watch EnviroVoters' 2026 Gubernatorial Forum, focused on climate and how candidates plan to address the impacts of the climate crisis on Californians’ homes, wallets, and health.
envirovoters.org
January 23, 2026 at 12:44 AM
Folks, next Wednesday at 4 p.m. I am moderating a climate forum with the leading candidates for California governor! So much important stuff to ask Xavier Becerra, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer and Eric Swalwell.
Hope you'll watch the livestream. Register here: envirovoters.org/gubernatoria...
Hope you'll watch the livestream. Register here: envirovoters.org/gubernatoria...
Reposted by Ethan Elkind
“It’s a lot of land. And the more land you have to go through, the more expensive it is, the more logistically challenging it is,” Ethan Elkind, director of the Climate Program at @cleeberkeley.bsky.social, told @latimes.com: https://lat.ms/4pOxW1l #BerkeleyLaw @ethanelkind.bsky.social
This multibillion-dollar transit project could improve traffic across L.A. It goes to a vote today
Billions of dollars are still needed to fund the project, which is considered one of the most significant transit projects in the country.
www.latimes.com
January 22, 2026 at 6:11 PM
“It’s a lot of land. And the more land you have to go through, the more expensive it is, the more logistically challenging it is,” Ethan Elkind, director of the Climate Program at @cleeberkeley.bsky.social, told @latimes.com: https://lat.ms/4pOxW1l #BerkeleyLaw @ethanelkind.bsky.social
What you would expect and hope for given declining battery prices and the end of federal tax credits.
While other legacy automakers are scaling back on EVs, it’s good to see Kia/Hyundai still trying to compete.
While other legacy automakers are scaling back on EVs, it’s good to see Kia/Hyundai still trying to compete.
Kia slashes EV prices with aggressive new deals and more
Kia slashes EV prices with aggressive new deals and more
Kia is cutting EV prices and rolling out new financing deals in response to similar moves from rivals, including Tesla.
more…
electrek.co
January 22, 2026 at 4:52 PM
What you would expect and hope for given declining battery prices and the end of federal tax credits.
While other legacy automakers are scaling back on EVs, it’s good to see Kia/Hyundai still trying to compete.
While other legacy automakers are scaling back on EVs, it’s good to see Kia/Hyundai still trying to compete.
Reposted by Ethan Elkind
Our Prof. Ann Carlson's new book, “Smog and Sunshine: the Surprising Story of How Los Angeles Cleaned Up Its Air,” will be released on April 7. "It’s been a long time coming." legal-planet.org/2026/01/20/s...
"Smog and Sunshine" Has a Release Date - Legal Planet
My book, “Smog and Sunshine: the Surprising Story of How Los Angeles Cleaned Up Its Air,” will be released on April 7! It’s been a long time coming. My author page is here And you can find links to p...
legal-planet.org
January 20, 2026 at 5:04 PM
Our Prof. Ann Carlson's new book, “Smog and Sunshine: the Surprising Story of How Los Angeles Cleaned Up Its Air,” will be released on April 7. "It’s been a long time coming." legal-planet.org/2026/01/20/s...
New 419-vehicle parking garage coming to Santa Monica near a light rail stop, with 401 apartments and some ground-floor commercial space up top.
The project would replace offices across the street from the Water Garden
https://la.urbanize.city/post/mixed-use-building-slated-1655-26th-st-santa-monica
https://la.urbanize.city/post/mixed-use-building-slated-1655-26th-st-santa-monica
Mixed-use building slated for 1655 26th St. in Santa Monica
Across the street from the Water Garden in Santa Monica, a low-rise office complex is set to give way to housing.
la.urbanize.city
January 15, 2026 at 9:18 PM
New 419-vehicle parking garage coming to Santa Monica near a light rail stop, with 401 apartments and some ground-floor commercial space up top.
We have the technology (heat pumps, induction cooktops) to decommission this dangerous and polluting fossil gas infrastructure and avoid threats or worse like these.
It's already cost-effective - we just need the political will to deploy it rapidly.
It's already cost-effective - we just need the political will to deploy it rapidly.
A natural gas leak prompted the evacuation of a high school and surrounding homes and businesses in Alameda as crews worked to fix the leak, officials said.
Gas leak forces evacuations at East Bay high school, nearby homes
A natural gas leak prompted the evacuation of a high school and surrounding homes and businesses in Alameda as crews worked to fix the leak, officials said.
bit.ly
January 14, 2026 at 11:26 PM
We have the technology (heat pumps, induction cooktops) to decommission this dangerous and polluting fossil gas infrastructure and avoid threats or worse like these.
It's already cost-effective - we just need the political will to deploy it rapidly.
It's already cost-effective - we just need the political will to deploy it rapidly.