Sacramento, California - In response to the state's historic drought and to prepare for the next one, the California Energy Commission approved new standards for showerheads today. The standards are expected to save more than 2.4 billion gallons of water in the first year and 38 billion gallons after full stock turnover in 10 years. The commission also voted to change the start date for the recently adopted standard for lavatory faucets.

San Diego, California - Veterinarians gave their first exam this morning to four capybaras, members of the world’s largest rodent species, born Monday at the San Diego Zoo. The exam included weighing the youngsters; checking their eyes, ears and overall physical health; and taking a sample of hair for use in determining the sex of each one. Like many other species of rodents, there are no visible signs to indicate the sex of these animals until they reach maturity, which is about 18 months to 2 years.

Sacramento, California - Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced that he has signed the following bills.

Merced, California - The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will hold a public meeting on Monday, August 17 to inform the public about the proposed emergency closure of the Merced River to fishing.

Los Angeles, California - Attorney General Kamala D. Harris announced today the takedown of a Long Beach Crip street gang that operated an identity theft scheme to perpetrate tax fraud, stealing over $3.3 million and attempting to steal over $11 million via tax fraud. The operation resulted in 22 members of the Insane Crip street gang being taken into custody on charges that include 283 counts of criminal conspiracy, 299 counts of identity theft, 226 counts of grand theft and 58 counts of attempted theft.

Imperial, California - Today, CalEnergy, a subsidiary of BHE Renewables, executed a contract with the Imperial Irrigation District to provide Imperial and Coachella Valley residents and businesses with 50 megawatts of renewable geothermal energy through 2029.