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
Get to Know a Group
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Big Brothers Big Sisters |
Big Brother Big Sisters provides children facing adversity with strong, enduring, professionally supported mentorship. The chapter serves Sacramento and Yolo counties, as well as southern Placer County.
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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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6 Community Leaders Elected to North Tahoe Community Alliance Board Seats |
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The North Tahoe Community Alliance (NTCA) members elected six local leaders to its board of directors. |
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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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Construction Kicks Off on Pickleball Courts |
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Auburn is on its way to adding three pickleball courts and a multiuse space at School Park Preserve. Construction has officially begun on the space, a cement pad which formerly housed school facilities. |
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Community to Gather to Clean Up American River April 20 |
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The clean-up event is 8AM - noon Saturday, April 20. Participants are asked to register at the Confluence Information Kiosk, three miles below Auburn near the Highway 49 river crossing, for clean-up supplies, snacks and a free Auburn SRA trails … |
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NTCA Invests $4.3 Million in TOT-TBID Funding for 13 Community Projects |
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The North Tahoe Community Alliance Board of Directors voted to invest $4.3 million in Transient Occupancy Tax and Tourism Business Improvement District Dollars At Work funding toward 13 projects benefiting the North Lake Tahoe community. |
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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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'The Big Dill': Lincoln's Pickleball Courts Grand Opening April 20 |
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The City of Lincoln Recreation Department and Lincoln Hills Pickleball Club are putting the “pickle” in pickleball with the grand opening of the McBean courts on April 20 at 65 McBean Park Drive from 10AM - to 2PM. |
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Woman's Club of Lincoln Clubhouse Packed During 100th Anniversary Celebration |
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Nearly 100 Lincoln residents and surrounding community members celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Woman’s Club of Lincoln with delicious fruits and cheeses, wine and champagne and the company of friends. |
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Additional Utility Rate Increases Proposed |
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Roseville Electric proposed additional utility rate increases this year and in 2025 on top of its 8-percent temporary energy surcharge becoming permanent at the April 3 Roseville City Council meeting. |
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Rocklin Reports Crime Decrease in Annual Report |
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The Rocklin Police Department presented its 2023 annual report at a city council meeting last month, revealing overall crime was down in comparison with last year. |
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North Tahoe Recreation and Parks Commission Shares Developments |
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\The Recreation and Parks Commission brought a wave of positivity to the North Tahoe Public Utility District Board of Directors' regular meeting on Tuesday afternoon. |
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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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Workforce Housing Preservation Program Resumes in Eastern Placer |
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Up to $150,000 is again available to eastern Placer workers looking to buy a home in the North Lake Tahoe region. |
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Downtown Auburn Hosts Spring Festival With Cornhole Competition April 20 |
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The street fair will close Lincoln Way from Cleveland Avenue to High Street, welcoming vendors, street sales and various food offerings. Vendors will be selling jewelry, clothing, hats and more. Food vendors include local restaurants, food trucks and Old Town … |
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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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Tahoe Prosperity Center Seeks Project Ideas for Economic Prosperity |
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The California Jobs First Initiative, with the Tahoe Prosperity Center as the sub-regional lead, is spearheading efforts in the Tahoe/Nevada Subregion to identify visionary projects that will drive economic growth across various sectors. |
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Community Resiliency Grants Continue to Keep Truckee Thriving |
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Ben Martin remembers the day the music stopped in Truckee. |
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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 Democrat• Applications Open for Placer Conservation Authority Public Advisory Committee
The Placer Conservation Authority is seeking to fill two vacancies on its 12-member public advisory committee, which is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Placer County Conservation Program’s land conservation planning.
(04/12/2024) → Gold Country Media• Tahoe Chamber Seeks New CEO
The 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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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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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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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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United States (04/05/2024) Global Mix, Inc Recalls Tejocote Products Because of Possible Health Risk |
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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
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United States (04/02/2024) World Green Nutrition, Inc. Announces Expansion of Recall of Tejocote Products Due to the Presence of Yellow Oleander |
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World Green Nutrition, Inc is announcing the expansion of their January 12, 2024 recall to include GREEN ELV NUTRITION brand Elv Control Herbal Supplement 90 capsules, due to the presence of yellow oleander. These additional products have been found via random FDA testing to contain yellow oleander,
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United States (04/02/2024) Abdallah Candies Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Almond in Abdallahs 8 oz. Sea Salt Almond Alligators |
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Abdallah Candies of Apple Valley, MN is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of Abdallah Candies 8 oz. sea salt almond alligators. The products have a chocolate covered cherries label with code 0315 on the bottom of the box. The boxes do contain sea salt almond alligators but have an incorrect i
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