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
Strawberries shine, raspberries add color to versatile sauce
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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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Breakthrough Sacramento Celebrates 30 Years of Education |
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Maricela, a 7th grade student at the Language Academy of Sacramento, said she feels more prepared for school each year because of the tutoring and educational experience she receives through Breakthrough Sacramento, a six-year college preparatory program for middle and … |
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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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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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Youth Rowing Returns Home to Lake Natoma This Week |
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The local Capital Crew Youth Rowing Club has just returned from the spring racing season opener at the San Diego Crew Classic (SDCC). |
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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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Recent Local News |
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• Declining Crop Prices Send Shockwave Through Ag Real Estate Market
It's been difficult to be an almond farmer these past few years. But it’s also been difficult to stop being an almond farmer, as orchard owners who try to sell their land have a hard time finding willing buyers.
(04/14/2024) → Sacramento Business Journal• Sacramento Bee Journalists Recognized for Exceptional Coverage in 2023 at Press Club Awards
Reporters, photographers and an opinion writer for The Sacramento Bee earned five top prizes and were recognized as finalists in four categories Thursday evening at the Sacramento Press Club Journalism Awards.
(04/12/2024) → The Sacramento Bee• California Attempts to Increase Access to State Financial Aid for Students as FAFSA Problems Persist
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, underwent updates aimed at broadening its accessibility to students from low-income and undocumented backgrounds. But the National College Attainment Network reported a 36% decrease in FAFSA applications following several technical difficulties with the online portal.
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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 Sacramento (04/12/2024) Registration for summer programs opens April 17. Here’s how to sign up for camps and activities |
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Summer registration day for programs and activities is almost here. Starting at noon Wednesday, April 17, the Citys Department of Youth, Parks and Community Enrichment will open registration for outdoor adventures, water activities and more. Sacramento families will find opportunities for camps, youth programs, pools and other activities. Early online registration is strongly recommended as spots fill [...]
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City of Sacramento (04/12/2024) Sacramento artists invited to apply for mural projects in Aggie Square |
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The City of Sacramento Office of Arts and Culture, in collaboration with developer Wexford Science + Technology, is seeking qualified professional visual artists to create two murals as part of the UC Davis Aggie Square innovation district. The opportunity is open to Sacramento area artists and artist teams experienced in studio painting, large-scale designs, environmental [...]
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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 Sacramento (04/11/2024) Annual BizX event returns May 1 to Sacramento, inviting businesses and entrepreneurs to explore AI innovations |
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Entrepreneurs, small business owners and industry professionals are invited to join the Citys Office of Innovation and Economic Development and Countys Office of Economic Development from 3 to 6 p.m. May 1 to explore the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in various sectors. This years event Leveraging AI Technologies to Stay Ahead of the [...]
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City of Sacramento (04/11/2024) Sacramento recovery program supports over 100 arts and nonprofit organizations |
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The City of Sacramento, in partnership with Sacramento County, supported over 100 Sacramento arts and culture organizations through the Arts and Cultural Nonprofit Recovery Program. The program, managed by the Citys Office of Arts and Culture, aims to retain core organizations within the creative economy, expand employment opportunities, and ensure continued access to arts and [...]
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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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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 Sacramento (04/10/2024) Data Report: How the City responded to homelessness April 1-7 |
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The City of Sacramento has released its weekly progress report for the Citys Incident Management Team responding to homelessness. From April 1-7, the City of Sacramento received 693 calls to 311 customer service related to unsheltered individuals. Through the work of the IMT, 652 calls were closed, meaning that either the issue was remedied, compliance was achieved, [...]
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