A Geospatial Assessment of Social Vulnerability to Sea-Level Rise in Coastal San Luis Obispo

This project is an assessment of social vulnerability to sea-level rise in the unincorporated coastal area of the County of San Luis Obispo (County) using geospatial and statistical analysis. The intention of this assessment is to inform local climate adaptation efforts now required by state legislation. A social vulnerability index was generated at the Census block group level using 32 variables positively correlated with social vulnerability. The social vulnerability score for each block group is the sum of scores generated for the following principle components: (1) race/ethnicity and disability status, (2) social isolation and age, (3) income, and (4) housing quality and dependence on social services. This study uses Geographic Information Systems software to map social vulnerability scores and building footprints attributed each block group in the coastal planning area. To provide a preliminary assessment of exposure to sea-level rise hazards, social vulnerability and buildings are overlaid with existing spatial datasets for inundation, bluff erosion, dune erosion, and wetland migration induced by sea-level rise in the year 2100. Implications for existing plans and further research include the incorporation of sea-level rise vulnerability into the general plan (safety, land use, and environmental justice elements in particular), local hazard mitigation plan, and local coastal programs

Cal Poly Climate Action Plan

The Cal Poly Climate Action Plan (PolyCAP) is designed to achieve the California State University (CSU) Chancellor’s mandate to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% below 1990 levels by 2040 (CSU, 2014). California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) Facility Management and Development (FM&D) and the City and Regional Planning (CRP) Senior Community Planning Laboratory developed the PolyCAP during the Fall 2015 and Winter 2016 quarters, with editing and refinement in subsequent quarters. The goal of the PolyCAP is to reduce Cal Poly’s GHG emissions and to adapt the Campus to a changing climate. The PolyCAP aims to exceed the CSU mandate and achieve Net Zero GHG emissions by 2050, in accordance with Cal Poly’s signing of the Second Nature Climate Commitment. Cal Poly is updating its Master Plan to 2035, examining University academics, buildings, housing, transportation, agriculture, and more. The PolyCAP is intended to aid the Draft Master Plan Update to achieve its goal to be responsive to climate change. Many strategies of the PolyCAP can also be implemented as mitigation measures in the Draft Master Plan Update Environmental Impact Report (EIR)

Persistence and Subtype Stability of ADHD Among Substance Use Disorder Treatment Seekers

OBJECTIVE: To examine ADHD symptom persistence and subtype stability among substance use disorder (SUD) treatment seekers. METHOD: In all, 1,276 adult SUD treatment seekers were assessed for childhood and adult ADHD using Conners' Adult ADHD Diagnostic Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV; CAADID). A total of 290 (22.7%) participants met CAADID criteria for childhood ADHD and comprise the current study sample. RESULTS: Childhood ADHD persisted into adulthood in 72.8% (n = 211) of cases. ADHD persistence was significantly associated with a family history of ADHD, and the presence of conduct disorder and antisocial personality disorder. The combined subtype was the most stable into adulthood (78.6%) and this stability was significantly associated with conduct disorder and past treatment of ADHD. CONCLUSION: ADHD is highly prevalent and persistent among SUD treatment seekers and is associated with the more severe phenotype that is also less likely to remit. Routine screening and follow-up assessment for ADHD is indicated to enhance treatment management and outcomes