Crosscurrents

Back in 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that sentencing juveniles to life without parole for any crimes besides murder is cruel and unusual punishment.This week the high court took another look at life in prison, except this time for juveniles under the age of 14 convicted of homicide.

NPR reports that currently 79 people are serving life terms for crimes committed when they were 14 or younger. Justice Anthony Kennedy is expected to be the deciding vote on a decision expected by early summer.

Oakland Mayor Jean Quan will not disclose the location of her "100 block" plan, a proposal to focus police operations and social services in the area where 92% of the city's violent crime occurs. City Council members have expressed frustration with the Mayor's office, demanding more transparency and voicing concerns that they have not vetted the plan.

The only thing more powerful than human will is Mother Nature. At San Francisco’s Ocean Beach, the two forces have done battle for years over wave erosion, but only the city has something to lose. With the safety of its wastewater treatment plant at stake on the one hand and a lawsuit on the other, San Francisco’s planners are attempting to find a solution that will placate Mother Nature and avoid the most expensive fix: retreat.

The California Public Utilities Commission is preparing to open most of its records to the public, a move that would allow state residents to learn how safe pipelines are in their area…

Tim Anderson, Bay Area DIY superhero; urban farmer Novella Carpenter; and local band Pins of Light.