SUMMARY
Cities worldwide are becoming overcrowded, overpriced and a source of global warming. That's why a group called "California Forever" is looking to build a livable, affordable, and eco-friendly community near San Francisco. But some local officials and residents are skeptical about the proposal. Paul Solman visited the area to find out if the developers' dreams could come true.
View the transcript of the story.
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
Key terms
water depletion — long-term water-level declines caused by sustained groundwater pumping
WARM UP QUESTIONS
- Who are the key figures behind the California Forever project?
- What is the proposed scope of the project?
- Where is The Line located?
- Why have there been objections to the project?
- When is the project set to commence?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
Do you think it's a good idea to try to plan whole communities like the California Forever project? If you were going to build such a community, what are some features you would include?
Media literacy: What are some of the benefits of affordable housing?
Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to find out more about?
FOR MORE
What students can do:
Watch the Student Reporting Labs video and answer the following question: Why do people go to the Shepherd Place?
Fill out this form to share your thoughts on Classroom’s resources. Sign up for NewsHour Classroom’s ready-to-go Daily News Lessons delivered to your inbox each week.
