News, deep dives, and analysis — every California story, newest first.
A new study using drone technology has uncovered a potentially serious environmental threat in the Arctic. Researchers have discovered that permafrost along the Yukon River contains alarmingly high levels of mercury, posing risks to local communities and ecosystems as the frozen ground thaws. Drone-Assisted Research Uncovers Hidden Danger Researchers led by Isabel Smith from the…
San Francisco police have been using drones to catch car break-in suspects and investigate sideshows for months, but internal emails reveal the department knowingly broke the law by purchasing these crime-fighting tools. Now, the SFPD is asking city leaders to approve the drones retroactively, after ignoring warnings from within its own ranks, reports The San…
The Beverly Hills City Council has voted 4-1 to oppose Senate Bill 99, which would prohibit the use of several drones operated by the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD). This information comes from a report on the Beverly Hills city website. Proposed Bill Targets Chinese-Made Drones SB 99, authored by Senator Tom Umberg (D-Santa Ana),…
Rain, a startup founded by Maxwell Brodie, is developing software that could revolutionize wildfire response by enabling autonomous helicopters to tackle fires in their earliest stages. This innovative approach aims to significantly reduce response times and prevent small fires from growing out of control, according to Fast Company. From Personal Experience to Innovative Solution Brodie’s…
Belmont, California is set to launch a new drone program, equipping its police department, first responders, and public works officials with unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for the first time. This move, reported by The Daily Journal, puts the Peninsula city in line with a growing national trend of adopting drone technology for municipal operations. Enhancing…
SharkEye, a pioneering initiative at the University of California Santa Barbara’s Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory (BOSL), is using drones and artificial intelligence to monitor shark activity and protect swimmers at Padaro Beach, California. According to CNN, this innovative approach combines drone surveillance with machine learning to enhance shark detection accuracy. The SharkEye System SharkEy
The South San Joaquin County Fire Authority (SSJCFA) in California has added a new tool to its water rescue arsenal – a waterproof drone capable of landing on and taking off from water. According to Tracy Press, this cutting-edge technology aims to enhance the speed and safety of water rescue operations in the area. SwellPro…
The Palm Springs Police Department in California has launched a new initiative using drones to catch drivers who run red lights, marking a significant shift in traffic enforcement strategies. High-Tech Drone Solution to a Persistent Problem Last week, the department began deploying drones as part of a novel approach to improve road safety and reduce…
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