Courtesy Solar Trust and Calif. Energy Commission

Putting the Brakes on the World's Largest Solar Project

The solar energy industry has been a bright spot in California's economy. That's especially true in desert communities with lots of sunshine. Blythe, in the southeast corner of the state, was excited about a huge solar project planned in the Mojave Desert there. So when the developer declared bankruptcy this week, it raised some questions about the industry's future.

• More: Waning Support for Alternative Energy Among Westerners
• More: Job and Climate Concerns Driving Support for Large-Scale Solar
• More: SoCal Shines Brightest in Solar Rankings

Courtesy Orbic Air

L.A.'s Helicopter Noise Spurs Legislation

Helicopters are ubiquitous in the skies over Los Angeles. There are police and fire helicopters and TV news choppers, tracking the latest car chase. There are also tourist helicopters dipping down over sites like the Hollywood sign. Residents complain they're noisy and annoying. Now, a local congressman is hoping a federal law can bring some peace and quiet.Reporter: Colin Berry

Julia Scott/KQED

Hard Times for 'Airpark' Communities

There are more than 30 "airpark" communities throughout California, where cars and airplanes share the road. But the recession and a decline in pilots are threatening their future.Reporter: Julia Scott

Courtesy HomerJoy.com

California Songs: Homer Joy's 'Streets of Bakersfield'

Bakersfield stars in a new exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, called the "The Bakersfield Sound: Buck Owens, Merle Haggard and California Country." Buck Owens helped put Bakersfield on the country music map. Later, a song about the city and its dusty streets helped Owens restart his career. But Buck Owens didn't write "Streets of Bakersfield." We hear from the original songwriter about how the song came about, and how he got it recorded back in 1972.

• More: California Songs series page
• More: About Homer Joy : at HomerJoy.com

Joseph Robinson/Courtesy Al Young

One Poem a Month: April

At the start of each month, we get a visit from former California poet laureate Al Young. This week, he tells us why "April is the Coolest Month."

• More: Read Al Young's poem for March
• More: About Al Young : at AlYoung.org