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Commentary

Cities are shaped by dynamic visions, both individual and collective. Commentary brings together diverse perspectives on the future of California by looking into its history and generating innovative possibilities to what could be.

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A close-up shot of the robot WALL-E, whose expressive machine eyes reflect the camera flashes and a crowd of humans as it stands in front of a pink-colored background.
From Spinach-Sent Emails to 'WALL-E': Where Plants and Technology Intersect
In today's view, plants can only live up to their full, world-saving potential by way of human and technological intervention — framing plants as both an environmental savior and a tool for furthering human progress. But our relationship with plants wasn't always so optimistic.
Preparedness Now
The Big One, in Graphic Form
A video depicts the impact of a major earthquake, and encourages preparedness. Now.
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Fast, Faster L.A.: Looking at History to Steer Our Future
We hang L.A. history on imperial expansion, of Spain and the United States.
perfection-mistakes
Making Mistakes and the Perfection of Trying Again
Being human isn't about achieving perfection, it's about running aground.
Fading Tinsel: New Report Pictures Trouble in Hollywood
Good jobs will continue to flee Hollywood.
Explainer: Sriracha, Irwindale, and the Politics of Hot Sauce
Sriracha, the almost mythical red sauce made in Irwindale, is actually pretty simple stuff.
twelve-years-a-slave-review-analysis
Awards, But No Audience: What '12 Years a Slave' Tells Us About America Today
As "12 Years A Slave" demonstrates, the stories we celebrate on screen are not necessarily the ones we celebrate in real life.
After Indictments, 5 Lessons from Ron and Tom Calderon
The several lessons to be learned from the FBI's investigation of Tom and Ron Calderon aren't pretty.
Persistence of Memories at a Roadside Shrine
A community of mourners has maintained a roadside memorial at least since 2008.
The statue of James Meredith at the University of Mississippi.
Statue of Limitations: A Vandalized Civil Rights Monument Reveals the Unexpected
The recent attack of a civil rights memorial at Ole Miss is another teaching moment.
The view from Poinsettia Pavilion in Ventura, CA. | Photo: Courtesy Hank Tovar
Ventura's Poinsettia Pavilion, a Tale of Community in America
Community in this country has not faded away.
Mikey Diaz. | Photo: Douglas McCulloh
A Bushwhack Wedding, an Ambush Reception: A Vietnam Vet's Love Story
I unexpectedly spent the afternoon at an "Ambush Wedding Reception."
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