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.
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El Dorado County's Homepage |
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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
Get to Know a Group
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Golden Empire Council |
The Golden Empire Council of the Boy Scouts of America pursues the mission of this national organization to “instill values in young people and prepare them to make ethical choices during their lifetimes, to take leadership roles as adults, and to reach their full potential.”
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From Our Media Allies |
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William Brooks Students Ready for Hands on Experience With Own Business Fair |
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A group of fourth and fifth grade students at William Brooks Elementary School in El Dorado Hills are about to step into the business world for hands-on experience and experiential learning. |
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1 Millionth Rider Takes TART Connect |
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Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit's innovative micro-transit service (TART Connect) recently hit a 1 million rider milestone. Since its inception, the on-demand, curb-to-curb transportation solution has revolutionized mobility for residents and visitors in the North Lake Tahoe and Truckee areas. |
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Tahoe Chamber Launches CEO Search |
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The Tahoe Chamber, a bi-state membership organization has announced the launch of recruitment efforts for a new President and CEO. |
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City of South Lake Urges Residents to Take Community Survey |
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As the City of South Lake Tahoe 2024 Community Survey nears its closure date, city staff are urging those who have yet to participate to take the survey. |
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South Tahoe Ongoing Efforts for and Against a Vacancy Tax; Signature Deadline Looms |
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A red, white, and blue clad Uncle Sam has jumped into efforts opposing the vacancy tax, waiving a rally sign, followed by a newly launched website from a recently formed coalition advocating against the tax and other measures. |
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Obituary: Folsom Community Remembers George Meese |
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George Earl Meese April 20, 1936 – March 6, 2024 |
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SOS Outreach; Heavenly Mountain Teach Local Youth About Career Paths |
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Heavenly Mountain is partnering with local youth development nonprofit, SOS Outreach, to connect teens and young adults to jobs in the ski industry. |
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Folsom Times Launches Community Business Directory |
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The Folsom Times offers an online community business directory to help those in Folsom find what they need, where to eat, shop and more. |
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El Dorado Community Foundation Consolidated Grant Cycle Now Open |
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The El Dorado Community Foundation has opened its 2024 consolidated grant cycle. |
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El Dorado County Launches Online Tool to Help Public Better Access, Understand Development Projects |
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El Dorado County's Planning and Building staff launched the "Projects in Your Area" online tool that makes it easier to find the current status of and information about proposed, in progress, and approved projects in the County. |
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El Dorado Hills Soccer Club Announces Partnership With Republic FC |
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As Republic FC continues its 2024 season, the club and El Dorado Hills Soccer Club are partnering to advance player development at various levels of youth soccer. |
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Internationally Acclaimed Theater Professional Now Leads Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival |
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When Joe Atack was 11, growing up in a small village in Northern England, he had a drama teacher who had an incredible impact on him. |
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Recent Local News |
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• Online Tool Provides Development Project Status
The Planning and Building Department of El Dorado County announced a new online tool for information and status of local development projects.
(04/15/2024) → Village Life• Sugar Pine Village Affordable Housing Project Opens Applications
Applications are open for the completed first phase of the Sugar Pine Village Affordable Housing Project located at Lake Tahoe Boulevard and Tata Lane.
(04/13/2024) → South Tahoe Now• Input Sought for Tahoe Area El Dorado Plan
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency is presenting its Tahoe Area El Dorado plan for unincorporated parts of the county in the Tahoe Basin with a series of four workshops to be held in early June and is soliciting early input with an online survey.
(04/12/2024) → South Tahoe Now• Sly Park Intertie Project EIR Approved
The El Dorado Irrigation District certified the Sly Park Intertie Improvements Project environmental impact report paving the way for the next phase of the effort to replace an interconnection pipeline decommissioned since 2013.
(04/12/2024) → Mountain DemocratThe bi-state Tahoe Chamber has begun the recruitment process for a new CEO to lead the membership organization.
(04/10/2024) → South Tahoe Now• LTCC to Host Earth Day Event
An Earth Day celebration is taking place at Lake Tahoe Community College on Saturday, April 27 10AM - to 3PM.
(04/08/2024) → South Tahoe Now• Coloma-Lotus Cerified Firewise
The Firewise USA Community designation recognizes the results of the Coloma-Lotus Fire Safe Council fire resistance and defensible space programs.
(04/08/2024) → Mountain Democrat|
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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 South Lake Tahoe (04/12/2024) SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BOTTLED WATER ORDINANCE GOES INTO EFFECT ON APRIL 22 |
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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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County of El Dorado (04/11/2024) Mosquito Road Closure Times Increase to 10:00PM |
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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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City of South Lake Tahoe (04/10/2024) Applications Being Accepted for the Cannabis Revenues Grant Program |
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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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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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United States (04/09/2024) Baron Spices, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Soy and Wheat in Blues Hog Sweet & Savory Seasoning |
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Baron Spices, Inc. of St. Louis, MO is recalling 708 units of Blues Hog Sweet and Savory Seasoning, because it may contain undeclared Soy and Wheat allergen. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to Soy and Wheat run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consum
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