Economic stimulus to shape up Central Valley highways
A list of 57 transportation projects – totaling $625 million – has been approved by the California Transportation Commission as the first in line to get infrastructure-focused federal economic stimulus dollars.
Central Valley Business Times article

Times are good in the alternative energy field
Fueled by the surge in interest in renewable energy, north state companies are primed to cash in.
Redding Record Searchlight article

AT&T launches $565M alternative-fuel vehicle strategy
Billing it as a way to not only go green but also create infrastructure and jobs in a flagging economy, AT&T said its spending will either create or save about 1,000 jobs each year for the next five years.
Sacramento Business Journal article

Alternative power revenue soars
Global revenue from the photovoltaics, wind and biofuels industry increased 50 percent last year, according to a just-released report.
Sacrameto Business Journal article

Most California residents polled say no to a split state
A hefty 71 percent didn't like the idea of formally dividing Northern California from Southern California.
Sacramento Bee article

Environment, profits go together
"The word sustainability is part of the lexicon now," said Richard Waycott, president and CEO of the almond board. "But in our business, it's been at the core of what we do for a long time."
Capital Press article

Glenn County projects $2.3 million deficit for next year
Glenn County Board of Supervisors began a fresh round of budget talks Tuesday, with a summary of initial requests for the next fiscal year that would plunge the county into a $2.3 million deficit.
Chico Enterprise Record article

Gridley teachers receive layoff notices
With the state budget finally passed, the Gridley Unified School District sent out layoff notices to teachers and employees, reducing 7.8 full-time equivalent teaching positions.
Gridley Herald article

Economy stalls Meriam Park construction
The builder said residential development will not take place until at least 2011, although construction of an affordable housing project within Meriam could happen this year.
Chico Enterprise Record article

Commentary: Only time will tell if voters made the right decision on Proposition 2
Oprah, Hilary Duff, Alicia Silverstone and Ed Asner all joined in the campaign for voting "yes" on Proposition 2. In the state's general election on Nov. 4, 2008, nearly 64 percent of California voters voted "yes."
California Farm Bureau Federation article

Editorial: Homelessness is worth a summit
As the recession deepens, the number of people who are homeless and destitute continues to rise. The most visible manifestation is the scattered tent city that has risen in Sacramento next to the Blue Diamond plant and the American River.
Sacramento Bee editorial