This week—in addition to our carefully curated News Digest, our tasty Recipe of the Week, and news you can use from the California Local Media Alliance and other trusted sources—we bring you two tales of policies and technologies that could help save the planet. And: One Good Thing from Davisville!
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By Eric Johnson
Published Apr 14, 2024
Gov. Jerry Brown meets with Chinese leader Xi Jinping at an economic summit in LA in February, 2012. Since being named Chinese president later that year, Xi has earned harsh criticism for human rights violations, and praise for his environmental policies.
Image credit: David Starkopf / Office of Antonio R. Villaraigosa
CC BY-NC 2.0 DEED
California's Power Beyond its Borders
Exporting Clean-Tech Policy
In 2014, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide emitted by Chinese factories were wafting across the Pacific Ocean and causing smog alerts in LA. Not only that: Vehicles in China were pumping out dangerous amounts of greenhouse gasses that posed a global threat. Here's the remarkable story of how California leaders—from the government, nonprofit, and business sectors (hi, Elon)—helped fix that big problem.
How California Helped Clean China’s Bad Air
A Tesla lobbyist, an LA-based environmental group, and Gov. Jerry Brown brought a rule minted in Sacramento to Beijing, and helped launch China’s EV industry.
Bad Name, Good Tech
We have seen how technology (which admittedly caused the problem in the first place) can play a huge role in combatting the climate crisis. Here is a nerdy device that could make a big difference (sorry, HVAC fans). As you'll see, it has a bit of a branding problem: a heat pump is actually exteremely efficient at pumping cool, too.
6 Million New Heat Pumps: Essential to California's Climate Future
Heat pumps, an energy-efficient way to both heat and cool homes, are a necessary element of California's climate goal of net zero carbon emissions. Here's what they are, how they work, and how to get one.
Community Love from Davis
Bill Buchannan has created an award-winning radio show and podcast that brings local issues to life on KDRT (and the internet), and shows what a person with a mic and a passion for his hometown can do.
We take a look, or rather a listen, to Davisville, a radio show and podcast on low-power but high-energy KDRT 95.7, broadcast out of Davis, California.
Recipe of the Week
Our friends at Sacramento Digs Gardening publish a recipe from their gardens every Sunday, which we feature here so you can start your week with some yum.
See more recipes in their Taste Spring! cookbook.
Bright fruit compote perfect for spring
NEW Strawberries shine, raspberries add color to versatile sauce
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From Our Media Allies |
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When Will Highway 1 Reopen in Big Sur? Caltrans Projects Fall 2024 for Passage Through All Slides. |
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One scenic stretch of highway through Big Sur, four current blockage points. |
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Monterey County Civil Grand Jury Seeks Jurors for 2024-25 Term |
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Many residents have never heard of a Civil Grand Jury, or if they have, they know little about its purpose. In California, a Civil Grand Jury is required in each of the 58 counties. |
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Coastal Commission Votes 9-1 in Favor of American Tin Cannery Hotel Project. |
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The California Coastal Commission voted 9-1 on Thursday, April 11 in favor of a revised plan to build a luxury hotel at the American Tin Cannery site in Pacific Grove, two years after a P.G. City Council approval was appealed… |
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Big Sur International Marathon Will Be Rerouted Due to Highway 1 Closure. |
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This year's Big Sur International Marathon will still see plenty of stunning scenery from the route along Highway 1, but will omit the southern portion and instead be an out-and-back route beginning and ending in Carmel. |
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County of Monterey Planning Commission Deadlocks on Pajaro Farmworker Housing Project. |
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A shorthanded County of Monterey Planning Commission was split on its decision over a proposed farmworker housing project in Pajaro on Wednesday, April 10. |
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Scheid Family Wines Enters 7th Year of 100% Wind-Powered Wines |
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This Earth Month, Scheid Family Wines celebrates nearly seven years of being 100% powered by renewable wind energy. |
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Marina’s Downtown Plan Envisions Changes in Density, Traffic Flow and Landscaping. |
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The City of Marina is known for its coastal access, diverse community and an array of international food options, but it’s missing a well-defined downtown area. |
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Salinas Is Working on an Ordinance That Would Control Rent Increases and Protect Tenants From Evictions Without Cause. |
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Signs announcing “housing is a human right” and “rent is too high,” along with demands for rent control and stories of evictions, have become commonplace at Salinas City Council meetings. |
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County of Monterey and Most Cities Failed to Meet State Deadline for Housing Plans. |
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There is one brass ring in California housing right now, the coveted certification of eight-year housing plans of cities and counties by the California Department of Housing and Community Development. |
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Fourth-Term Salinas City Councilmember Steve McShane Resigns. |
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Halfway through his fourth term as a member of Salinas City Council, Steve McShane announced his resignation, effective May 10. |
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Kim Stemler Is Leaving Wine Growers Organization for Carmel Foundation. |
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Kim Stemler, executive director of the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association, is leaving the position after nearly 11 years to take on a new leadership role as the CEO/president of the Carmel Foundation. |
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SNIP Bus Launches Wellness Program in South Monterey County |
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Last year SNIP Bus spayed and neutered more than 5,426 animals in Monterey County, and now SNIP Bus is launching a public wellness program in South Monterey County that will offer additional low-cost services for pets beginning this week. |
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Bat Tests Positive for Rabies in Toro Park |
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A bat found on April 2 near Toro Creek Road, in the Toro Park area of unincorporated Monterey County, has tested positive for the rabies virus. |
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Group Sues County and State Over Use of Pesticides Near Schools. |
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A lawsuit filed April 4 against farms and county and state agencies allege that the approval of pesticide use near three schools in North Monterey County is disproportionately harming those who live and work in the area. |
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Santa Cruz County Actors’ Theater Presents Powerful Local Drama: White Sky, Falling Dragon |
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White Sky, Falling Dragon is a play in two acts by playwright, and Director, Steve “Spike” Wong. The play runs April 19 through May 5. |
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Bradley Union School District Joins League of Innovative Schools to Advance Innovation in Education |
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Bradley Union School District has been accepted into the League of Innovative Schools, a national network of school districts that connects and supports the most forward-thinking leaders in education. |
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Recent Local News |
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• CalTrans Set for Memorial Day for Highway 1 Rocky Creek Signal
CalTrans is working to stabilize the slip-out of the road edge south of Rocky Creek Bridge and have a one-way signal installed by May 27.
(04/12/2024) → Monterey Herald• Carmel Chamber of Commerce Names New Executive Director
The Carmel Chamber of Commerce announced Kati Enea has been appointed as the new executive director.
(04/11/2024) → Monterey Herald• Civil Grand Jury Mental Illness Response Recommendations
A Monterey County Civil Grand Jury report made recommendations for improvements to law enforcement and first responder procedures.
(04/11/2024) → Monterey Herald• Rocky Creek Focuses on Stabilizing Roadway
CalTrans is concentrating work on stabilizing the edge of the lane at the location of the slip-out with a goal of installing a temporary stoplight so one-way traffic can resume.
(04/10/2024) → Monterey Herald|
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Recent Statewide News |
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• PG&E Hit With $225-Million Lawsuit for 2021 Dixie Fire Damages
A coalition of timber businesses filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against the embattled Pacific Gas & Electric Co., alleging $225 million in damages caused by the 2021 Dixie Fire.
(04/14/2024) → Los Angeles Times• Officials Search for Gray Whale Seen Trapped in Fishing Net Off Bay Area Coast
Obstacles are mounting for officials who are attempting to rescue a young gray whale that was discovered entangled in a gillnet off Laguna Beach was recently sighted off the coast of Thornton State Beach in Daly City .
(04/14/2024) → SF Gate• TSA Found More Than 1,500 Firearms on Airline Passengers in First 3 Months of 2024
A majority of the guns found were loaded, according to the TSA.
(04/11/2024) → Los Angeles Times• California's Largest Reservoir Is Close to Full
California's reservoirs are brimming with water, and even Shasta Lake could fill up.
(04/11/2024) → SF Gate• California Requires New Homes to Have Solar Panels. Should Wildfire Victims Get a Break?
A California Republican’s bill would exempt low and middle income wildfire victims from solar panels requirements on rebuilt homes that didn’t have them when they burned down.
(04/11/2024) → CalMatters• Electric Vehicle Drivers May Not Be Able to Ride Solo in Calif. Carpool Lanes Anymore
A program that allows solo drivers of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to use carpool lanes on freeways and bridges in California may be removed for good next year.
(04/09/2024) → SF Gate• California Fails to Track Its Homelessness Spending or Results, a New Audit Says
There’s so little data available, it’s impossible to even tell if several of California’s largest homelessness programs are working, according to a statewide audit released Tuesday.
(04/09/2024) → CalMatters• We Must Take Better Care of Our Home-Based Child Care Providers
These professionals provide essential services, but their pay and working conditions do not reflect their value, and their health suffers.
(04/09/2024) → EdSource• California Fails to Adequately Help Blind and Deaf Prisoners, US Judge Rules
Thirty years after prisoners with disabilities sued the state of California and 25 years after a federal court first ordered accommodations, a judge found that state prison and parole officials still are not doing enough to help deaf and blind prisoners.
(04/08/2024) → California Healthline• Business Groups and Lawmakers Battle Over Ballot Measure to Limit California Tax Increases
Anti-tax groups in California have qualified a measure for the November ballot that would make raising state and local taxes much more difficult. It’s a showdown that’s been building for nearly five decades.
(04/08/2024) → CalMatters|
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Government Announcements |
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United States (04/12/2024) Roly Poly Bakery Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Egg Ingredient in Multigrain Bread |
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Roly Poly Bakery of New Britain, CT is recalling its 20 ounce loafs of Roly Poly multigrain bread because the product contains undeclared egg product. People who have allergies to eggs run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
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United States (04/12/2024) Gracie's Kitchen Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Sesame and Wheat Allergens in "Broccoli Cutlets" |
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Gracie's Kitchens of New Haven, CT, is recalling its 20-ounce packages of "King Kullen Broccoli Cutlets with Bread Crumbs and Parmesan" because they may contain undeclared sesame and wheat. People who have allergies to sesame and wheat run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if
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City of Monterey (04/12/2024) Rental Assistance Program Application Opens, Wed., April 17 from Noon to 8:00 p.m. |
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United States (04/11/2024) Feel Good Foods Issues Voluntary Recall of Gluten-Free Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Bagels |
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Feel Good Foods is voluntarily recalling its Gluten-Free Plain and Everything flavored Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Bagels. The products may contain undeclared gluten that may be present due to cross-contamination. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to gluten run the risk of serious aller
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City of Monterey (04/11/2024) Assault With a Deadly Weapon, Child Endangerment, and Hit and Run Resulting in Injury - Arrest |
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United States (04/10/2024) Oregon Spice Company Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Sesame in Johnny's Parmesan Garlic Seasoning |
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Oregon Spice Company, Portland, OR is recalling Johnny's Parmesan Garlic Seasoning 5oz because it may contain undeclared sesame. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to sesame run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.
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State of California (04/10/2024) Dawn Addis CA Assembly 30: |
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Bill to Protect Residents from Oil and Gas Pollution Passes Committee
sanchema
Wed, 04/10/2024 - 11:11
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
SACRAMENTOA bill by Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) that safeguards local governments' authority to protect residents from oil and gas pollution secured approval in its first policy hearing.
Assembly Bill 3233, the Local Environmental Choice and Safety Act, passed out …
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United States (04/10/2024) Home Style Foods, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Egg in Kowalski Simply Sides - Jack's Potato Salad |
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Home Style Foods, Inc., of Hamtramck, MI, is voluntarily recalling 43 cases of "Kowalski Simply Sides - Jack's Potato Salad" due to an incorrect label resulting in an undeclared egg allergen. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to eggs run the risk of serious or life-threatening allerg
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City of Marina (04/09/2024) Workshop on General Plan Update, Coastal Planning, and Gateway Signs! |
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United States (04/09/2024) Belgian Yummies Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Allergens of Wheat, Soy, Egg, Coconut and/or Peanuts and FD&C Yellow #5 in Ice Cream Sandwiches and Gelato |
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Belgian Yummies of Fort Myers, FL, is alerting the public that its 4-ounce packages of Ice Cream Sandwiches and 5-liter containers and 4.75-liter pans of Gelato contains undeclared allergens.
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