Fewer Crops in California

Increasing temperatures are threatening the productivity of California farmers. A recent study at UC Davis shows that potential problems exist because temperature increases are reducing days of winter chill. Many crops like walnuts, peaches, plums, and cherries need a certain number of “chilling hours” to break out of dormancy and produce harvestable crops.

Read the full article from KQED.org

Battle of the Gas-Sippers

It is very exciting to see that more and more people are conscious of their vehicle’s gas mileage. Whether or not it’s for the environment or the wallet, there is a clear increase in the amount of hybrids on the road. But which hybrids are fairing the best? Last month the Toyota Prius (right) sold 12,998 units whereas the Honda Insight (left) only sold 2,079. Despite their similar looks, the Prius is outcompeting the Insight, and unfortunately for Honda, their actual sales are falling well below estimates. An article in the LA Times goes in depth about why the Prius is the green giant of the road.