California Teachers Association Chic

I remember this building rising in the early 2000s in downtown Sacramento because it had to fit a really tight space next to the fortress architecture to the left of it - known as 925 L Street. I've always liked it, six stories serving as the Government Relations Headquarters for the powerful California Teachers Union.

The architects express some pride in their creation here, as do the builders here. 

I've tried to learn more online about the design style and locals' opinions about it. But I find almost nothing about this little gem. It's one of the great overlooked buildings in the "power and money" square mile surrounding the Capitol. 

Update May 2014: Sunrise

Big Yellow School Bus Goes Electric

Today I headed back into the California EPA building after a long walk in the February sunshine - and ambled by surprise onto a remarkable mobile architectural feat above. It's the first all-electric bus sold to a U.S. school district. 

Turns out it belongs to the Kings Canyon School District in Reedley near Fresno. I got to talking with the district's transportation chief who gushed enthusiasm over his new wheels. Then he asked flat out if I wanted to go for a ride. Sure enough, we took a slow spin around the block in a silent school bus that gets 120 miles to a charge. 

This is what I love about living in California. As the sign says: The Power to Change the World.