Goats being used to clear brush on a hillside in downtown Los Angeles are a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly way to deal with overgrowth -- and they're attracting fans.
In just a few days the goats can clear acres of brush.
"By now, the fourth year that the goats have been used to clear the steep hillside known as Angel's Knoll, they have become a summer tradition. The herd of mostly female South African Boer goats - roughly 60 adults and 60 kids - came from San Diego, and each day, the throngs of onlookers - bankers and lawyers, tourists and families - have gathered to gawk at the brown and white and spotted creatures. The goats seem unperturbed by the nearby tram, Angels Flight, that carries people up the hill, or the constant photo snapping and the eager hands that reach out to pet them.
These goats, Mr. Gonzales said, are adept at dealing with noise and people. (Don't go looking for urban grass-fed goat meat or cheese from these animals; Mr. Gonzales said he had no plans to market their products for food. Besides, he added, the meat would probably not be tender anyway.)"
FULL STORY: Money Savers and Crowd Pleasers With Cloven Hooves

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Greening Oakland’s School Grounds
With help from community partners like the Trust for Public Land, Oakland Unified School District is turning barren, asphalt-covered schoolyards into vibrant, green spaces that support outdoor learning, play, and student well-being.

California Governor Suspends CEQA Reviews for Utilities in Fire Areas
Utility restoration efforts in areas affected by the January wildfires in Los Angeles will be exempt from environmental regulations to speed up the rebuilding of essential infrastructure.

Native American Communities Prepare to Lead on Environmental Stewardship
In the face of federal threats to public lands and conservation efforts, indigenous groups continue to model nature-centered conservation efforts.
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