California’s nearly 50-year legacy of nuclear safety is under direct threat. California’s Nuclear Safeguards Act of 1976 has protected the state for nearly half a century by prohibiting new nuclear reactors until a permanent solution for radioactive waste is in place. AB 305 would dismantle this critical safeguard, opening the door to small modular reactors (SMRs) without addressing the ongoing waste crisis.

While the world around us may feel uneasy, there is one thing I know for sure: the power of community, compassion, and action can guide us through even the darkest times. Our hearts are heavy as we reflect on the devastation caused by the fires in Los Angeles, and our thoughts are with the victims and their families. In times of hardship, we are reminded that even in the face of adversity, hope and resilience have the power to rebuild.

Education has the power to transform lives, particularly for the privileged, yet 20% of the world still lacks access. The visionary innovators below are working tirelessly to close this gap and foster global educational equity.

Next week, the Samuel Lawrence Foundation will host a free symposium at the University of San Diego titled "Radioactive Waste: Growing Threats, Emerging Solutions." The event will assess the increasing dangers of radioactive waste, particularly at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station and other coastal areas, in light of recent federal policy changes. Experts will also explore emerging solutions, including a new initiative to develop a safer storage plan for California that could serve as a national model.

The U.S. Supreme Court is currently reviewing a case that could have major implications for how nuclear waste is stored across the country—including the 3.6 million pounds of radioactive waste at San Onofre. At the center of the case is whether the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has the authority to license private interim storage facilities, such as the one proposed in Andrews County, Texas, which would hold high-level nuclear waste away from reactor sites.

At the Samuel Lawrence Foundation, we’ve seen the power of combining science, education, and the arts to inspire action and drive change. Whether empowering students, amplifying artists, or engaging experts, our collective efforts are building a safer, more sustainable future.

The science is clear, no amount of radioactivity is safe. This month, we highlight the investigative reporting of the Orange County Registrar and call out for action, additionally, we bask in the positive of change for the better in our First Fridays Sustainability Solutions for the Future.

Our Third Thursday newsletter and other electronic mailings keep readers informed on our advocacy to strengthen public policy on nuclear waste storage. We also shine spotlights on our initiatives and great collaborators in science, education and the arts.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has granted Southern California Edison (SCE) sweeping exemptions from emergency planning and safety requirements, putting millions of lives at risk. These alarming exemptions—despite strong objections from state officials—leave the public dangerously unprotected in the event of a nuclear emergency.

Indigenous communities have long taught the value of living in harmony with the land and fostering a deep respect for the natural world. As we gather around our tables, let us honor these traditions by embracing gratitude—not just for what we receive, but for the opportunity to preserve and give back to these cultural legacies.

Confronting the Crisis: "Hope is not a plan..."

Last month, over 150 people gathered at UCSD for a chilling reality: 3.6 million pounds of deadly radioactive waste are still precariously stored in aging metal canisters, just 100 feet from rising seas, in an area notorious for its seismic instability.

This month, we spotlight our commitment to raising awareness about the often-overlooked issue of nuclear waste management. With the haunting legacy of sites like the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, where 3.6 million pounds of nuclear waste pose a critical threat to both environmental and public health, our advocacy efforts have never been more urgent.