By Eric Johnson
Published Apr 21, 2024

Earth Day: Resilience vs. Disaster

Happy Earth Day! Today we celebrate the efforts our fellow humans (including some powerful Californians) have made and are making to help heal our planet and connect us, while we simultaneously consider what we must do to protect our communities as the climate crisis worsens. We begin with a tribute to a man who is given credit for lighting the spark that led to this holiday.

Below, as always, find a carefully curated selection of local news; a short tribute to a local nonprofit, and a tasty recipe.

Seeing the World Anew

Just a few months before Apollo 8 astronaut Bill Anders took the "Earthrise" photo above, Stewart Brand convinced NASA to release the first color photo of the earth that had ever been seen. He believed people would be deeply affected by that image and he was right: The founders of Earth Day cite that photo as their inspiration. Here are several other ways this former Merry Prankster changed the world.

Stewart Brand’s ‘Whole Earth’ and its Place in the Universe

Meet the hippie intellectual who changed the world with the first published photograph of our entire planet.

Organizing Against Disaster

Worsening winter storms and the lengthining wildfire season are forcing us to confront unprecedented challenges. Here's how communities are coping and some ways you can help.

Budgeting for Resilience

West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz, California, following a storm in January 2023. Throughout the state, communities are being forced to budget for disaster.

California communities are focusing resources in response to the effects of climate change and other challenges.

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.

These scones won’t curb your enthusiasm

These strawberry and cream scones are perfect for a spring brunch or tea.

NEW Strawberries and cream scones with orange zest

Recent Statewide News

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● Newsom Calls Out Republican Abortion Policies in New Ad Running in Alabama

California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s new ad blasts GOP efforts to make it harder for people to leave states with abortion bans and seek treatment elsewhere.

(04/21/2024) Los Angeles Times

● As Salmon Are Released Into the Klamath River, Tribal Leaders See a 'Symbol of Hope'

California has released 500,000 salmon into the Klamath River. As dams are removed, the fish will be some of the first to return to a free-flowing river.

(04/20/2024) Los Angeles Times

● A Private Calif. Ranch Holds Important State History — And It Might Be in Danger

Some residents fear development could destroy parts of the historic land.

(04/19/2024) SF Gate

● After Previously Being Cleared, Three Alameda Police Officers Now Face Manslaughter Charges

The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has charged three East Bay police officers with involuntary manslaughter in the 2021 death of 26-year-old Mario Gonzalez.

(04/19/2024) SF Gate

● A Plan to Change Your Utility Rates Is Dividing California Environmentalists. Here’s Why

The California Public Utilities Commission will consider on May 9 a new proposal that would change how Californians pay for electricity.

(04/18/2024) CalMatters

● California Sets Nation’s First Water Standard for Cancer-Causing Contaminant

Water suppliers say the costs will be massive, with rates increasing for many consumers. Known as the “Erin Brockovich” chemical, hexavalent chromium is found statewide.

(04/17/2024) CalMatters

● Senate Impeachment Trial Begins for Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas

Alejandro N. Mayorkas, a Cuban immigrant who grew up in California, is the first U.S. Cabinet official impeached in nearly 150 years.

(04/17/2024) Los Angeles Times

● Paris Hilton Speaks Up for California’s ‘Troubled’ Teens

Heiress Paris Hilton is on a mission to shine a light on the "troubled teen industry," a largely unregulated multibillion-dollar industry that is gaining public scrutiny for alleged abuse of vulnerable youths.

(04/17/2024) California Healthline

● In San Francisco’s Chinatown, a CEO Works With the Community to Bolster Hospital

Chinese Hospital, located in the heart of this city's legendary Chinatown, struggles with many of the same financial and demographic challenges that plague small independent hospitals in underserved areas across the country.

(04/16/2024) California Healthline

Government Announcements

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	FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ground Beef Products Due to Possible E. Coli O157:H7 Contamination
WASHINGTON, April 20, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for ground beef products that may be contaminated... United States (04/20/2024)

	Primal Kitchen Issues Voluntary Recall of Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil (750mL Glass) Due to Packaging Issue
Primal Kitchen is announcing a voluntary recall of approximately 2,060 cases of three code dates of Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil (750mL) because the glass may be prone to breakage, causing the product to spill. United States (04/19/2024)

	Infinite Herbs, LLC Expands Recall of Fresh Organic Basil to Include Melissa's Brand Organic Basil Received by Illinois and Missouri Retailer
Infinite Herbs LLC of Miami, Florida, is expanding its April 18th recall to include Melissa's brand fresh organic basil in 2.0 oz ( 96 packages, UPC 0 45255 14142 9) and 4.0 oz packages (24 packages, UPC 0 45255 14439 0) available for sale at Dierberg's stores in Illinois and Missouri between Febru United States (04/19/2024)

	Sammy's Milk Providing a Warning Against the Use of Goat Milk Toddler Formula as Infant Formula
Newport Beach, California - Sammy's Milk, a local company, has been asked by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to provide a warning against the use of its Goat Milk Toddler Formula as an infant formula because the FDA is concerned that the formula may not meet all FDA requirements for infant fo United States (04/18/2024)

	Infinite Herbs, LLC Voluntarily Recalls 2.5-Ounce Fresh Organic Basil Sold From February 1 Through April 6 Because of Possible Health Risk
Infinite Herbs LLC of Miami, Florida, is voluntarily recalling 2.5-ounce packages of Infinite Herbs fresh organic basil sold between February 1 and April 6, 2024, and bearing the UPC 8 18042 02147 7 (see photos below) because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella United States (04/18/2024)

	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. 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 United States (04/12/2024)

	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 United States (04/11/2024)

	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. 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 United States (04/10/2024)