Author Archives: Tessa Zavala

What is happening? A Napa Valley Vineyard has an autonomous tractor to maintain its grounds. The tractors can operate when it isn’t safe for humans like during wildfires or extreme heat. Why is this important? The self driving tractors are from Monarch, a Livermore, CA company. How will this be important? In California, it will […]

What is happening? Amazon is testing a backyard drone delivery in a town north of Sacramento. Why is this important? Who hasn’t seen the package thefts recorded by security cameras and posted on Next Door or some other neighborhood watch app. How will this be important? The drones can deliver up to 5 lbs safely, […]

What is happening? Massachusetts Supreme Court has ruled that the gig economy labor question: Are drivers employees or contracts, will not be placed on the November ballot. Why is this important? This is similar to what happened in California. Except now this removal comes before the election. In California after the vote favored the drivers, […]

What is happening? Grubhub is partnering with tech start up Cartken for robot delivery. Why is this important? The program is focused on college campuses which are challenging to navigate by automobile. How will this be important? Universities want students back on campus and what student isn’t going to call for food delivery??? Loyalty 360 […]

What is happening? Washington State is studying whether too ban e-bikes from parks. Why is this important? Supporters of a ban say e-bikes cause more damage and are faster making them more dangerous because they’re essentially motorcycles. How will this be important? Research from the International Biking Association in 2015 shows e-bikes caused only a […]

What is happening? In 2020, Alexandria, VA went fare free. Why is this important? Two years into free fare bus service and ridership numbers are up. How will this be important? Funding has been secured of the program for 3 years and is expected to continue thereafter. Governing | For This City, Fare-Free Transit Is […]

What is happening? Highway expansions in Los Angeles and Denver have been cancelled. Why is this important? The decision to cancel an 28 miles expansion from the busiest port complex was canceled due to impact to climate change, the impact to BIPOC communities who live in its path. Colorado says it can no longer afford […]

What is happening? We’ve talked about this before but its worth repeating since the electric F150 is back in the news. It’s still being billed as an electric truck that can power your house during emergencies. Why is this important? Wildfires in California, Major winter storms in Texas, hacking of infrastructure….disasters and the unexpected occur. […]

What is happening? According to @bloombergnef  sales of gas powered cars peaked in 2017. Why is this important? By 2025, electric vehicle sales are expected to triple to more than 20 million globally. How will this be important? Analysts say the switch is purely consumer driven and not policy driven. Consumers want electric cars. @goodgoodgoodco

What is happening? Scooter companies are joining forces with their e-bike brethren as scooters become more ubiquitous. Why is this important? As scooters are considered like e-bikes, they become part of the solution for micro mobility. This allows scooters to be at train stops and bus stops to helps people get to their destination, but […]