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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. 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

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!


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

Gov. Gavin Newsom tours a Chinese electric-car factory in October, 2023.
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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San Benito County's Homepage

Direct your browser to https://sanbenito.californialocal.com/ to catch up on the latest news in California and San Benito County. Bookmark the link and visit often, there's a lot happening in your community!


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

California has a goal of 6 million heat pumps cooling and heating buildings by 2030.
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.


Davisville

Davis is in California. Davisville is off the charts.
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

This is, as they say, a serving suggestion: Strawberry-raspberry compote dresses up cheese blintzes, but could just as easily work on pound cake, ice cream or pancakes.
NEW Strawberries shine, raspberries add color to versatile sauce


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Get to Know a Group

San Benito County Historical Society logo San Benito County Historical Society

Since 1957, the Historical Society has devoted itself to collecting and preserving materials pertaining to the San Benito County of yesteryear.

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From Our Media Allies

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SanBenitocom logo Abandoned Appeal Ends Landfill Expansion Push

After months of intense community debate over a proposed expansion of the John Smith Road Landfill, the saga has ended with the landfill operator withdrawing from the approval process.

SanBenitocom logo Visit Aromas for May 11 Garden Tour

Winter’s gone and sunny spring days prompt us to step outside and work in our gardens. Don’t worry, expert advice is near.

Gilroy Dispatch logo Gourmet Alley Work Begins

Construction began this week on the City of Gilroy’s grant-funded makeover of Gourmet Alley in the downtown, and some business and property owners are concerned about the possible impact the work will have on their operations.

Gilroy Dispatch logo Earthquake Reported Near Morgan Hill

A 3.2-magnitude earthquake occurred near the city of Morgan Hill early in the morning April 10, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

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Recent Local News

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• Cease-and-Desist Demand Issued

The City of Hollister has issued a cease-and-desist demand against San Benito Foods due to odors from wastewater operations.

(04/12/2024) → Benito Link

• San Benito Health Foundation to Receive Federal Funding

Representative Zoe Lofgren announced $1.4M in federal funds have been allocated to the San Benito Health foundation.

(04/11/2024) → Benito Link

• San Benito Supervisors Approve Public Defender Contract

In a unanimous vote the Board approved a two-year contract to hire attorney Harry Damkar for public defense services beginning May 1 as they study the feasibility of establishing a public defender’s office.

(04/10/2024) → Benito Link

• BL Special Report: Bankruptcy Protection Denied Hospital Over $15 Million Discrepancy

San Benito Health Care District intends to appeal.

(04/09/2024) → Benito Link
  California Local Pin Marker  

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
  California Local Pin Marker  

Government Announcements

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Image of United States seal. United States   (04/12/2024)

Roly Poly Bakery Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Egg Ingredient in Multigrain Bread

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.
Image of United States seal. United States   (04/12/2024)

Gracie's Kitchen Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Sesame and Wheat Allergens in "Broccoli Cutlets"

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
Image of United States seal. United States   (04/11/2024)

Feel Good Foods Issues Voluntary Recall of Gluten-Free Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Bagels

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
Image of United States seal. United States   (04/10/2024)

Oregon Spice Company Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Sesame in Johnny's Parmesan Garlic Seasoning

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.
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (04/10/2024)

Dawn Addis CA Assembly 30:
Bill to Protect Residents from Oil and Gas Pollution Passes Committee

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 …
Image of United States seal. United States   (04/10/2024)

Home Style Foods, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Egg in Kowalski Simply Sides - Jack's Potato Salad

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
Image of United States seal. 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

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.
Image of United States seal. United States   (04/09/2024)

Baron Spices, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Soy and Wheat in Blues Hog Sweet & Savory Seasoning

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
Image of United States seal. United States   (04/05/2024)

Global Mix, Inc Recalls Tejocote Products Because of Possible Health Risk

Global Mix, Inc. of New York, is recalling tejocote products to include the following brands: Eva Nutrition, Science of Alpha, Niwali, NWL Nutra. The recalled products are labeled as tejocote root but are toxic yellow oleander. Ingestion of yellow oleander can cause neurologic, gastrointestinal, an
Image of State of California seal. State of California   (04/05/2024)

Dawn Addis CA Assembly 30:
Addis Bill on Ratepayer Transparency Passes First Committee

Addis Bill on Ratepayer Transparency Passes First Committee sanchema Fri, 04/05/2024 - 09:22 Wednesday, April 3, 2024 SACRAMENTOA new bill by Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) to address soaring utility rates by increasing transparency to consumers successfully passed its first committee today. The legislation, Assembly Bill 2847, passed out of the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee with bipartisan support. "It's …