Center News and Notes

Out West student blog

A front-row seat to policymaking at the National Conference of State Legislatures

September 3, 2025

Elijah Meltzer reflects on a summer with NCSL’s elections and redistricting team.

Center News
Happenings

Honoring his extraordinary contributions to the American West, the Bill Lane Center bids “happy trails” to its director, Bruce Cain

September 2, 2025

Bruce Cain steps down from his directorship at the Bill Lane Center after more than a decade of visionary leadership.

Out West student blog

Reading California: A summer at Heyday

September 2, 2025

2025 editorial intern, Sala des Rosiers, takes you along down the rabbit hole to discover the world of Heyday books.

Out West student blog

Exploring new pathways for forest restoration financing

August 27, 2025

JJ Murphy reflects on a summer at Blue Forest. During her internship, Murphy explored carbon and biodiversity market participation to help finance forest management work.

& the West

Santa Cruz water utility grapples with a paradox: what to do when conservation becomes bad for business

August 27, 2025

Hemmed in by aging infrastructure, water scarcity and ratepayer resistance, utility managers in Santa Cruz seek to balance maintaining equitable service and remaining solvent.