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
NEW Strawberries shine, raspberries add color to versatile sauce
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From Our Media Allies |
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Davis Pride to Celebrate 10th Anniversary |
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The Davis Phoenix Coalition plans a month full of events to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride, beginning with its 10th annual festival on June 1. Activities also include a festival after party, fun run, skate and comedy nights, and plenty of drag … |
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Congresswoman Makes Annual Visit to West Sacramento |
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Congresswoman Doris Matsui made her annual visit to West Sacramento, focusing on flood control, transportation, and fire safety, on March 28. |
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Bond Issue Brings School Board Meeting to Boil |
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A resolution to refund a bond based on market conditions caused some controversy at the March 28 Washington Unified School District (WUSD) Meeting. |
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Recent Local News |
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• UC Davis Celebrates Eggheads
UC Davis is celebrating a "Year of Eggheads" in honor of the 30-year anniversary of the installation of Robert Arneson's site-specific sculptures sprinkled throughout the central campus.
(04/14/2024) → Daily Democrat• Woodland Toughens Illegal Fireworks Ordinance
The City of Woodland is increasing fines for possession or use of illegal fireworks to $1,000 per device.
(04/11/2024) → Daily Democrat• UC Davis Launches ‘Year of the Eggheads’
UC Davis is commemorating the 30-year anniversary of its beloved Eggheads.
(04/11/2024) → The California Aggie• 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.
• Supervisors Discuss Local Medi-Cal Health Coverage in County
In their April 9 meeting, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors discussed the plight of 17,000 local Medi-Cal recipients who are scrambling to find new primary care providers by May 1.
(04/09/2024) → Davis Enterprise• Davis Seeks Commission Applicants
The City of Davis is seeking local residents to fill openings on city commissions.
(04/09/2024) → Davis Enterprise• Cool Pavement Funding Announced
The City of Davis will receive $24M in federal funding for roadway upgrades utilizing cool pavement technology and other roadway rehabilitation projects.
(04/09/2024) → Davis Enterprise|
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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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State of California (04/12/2024) Bill Dodd CA Senate 03: |
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Friday, April 12, 2024SACRAMENTO Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, issued the following statement today in response to reports that President Joe Biden plans to expand Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. The presidents expected action comes as Sen. Dodds own resolution urging Berryessa expansion is heard in a state Senate committee early next week.
I thank the president for recognizing the incredible …
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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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City of Woodland (04/11/2024) Multiple Bulky Waste Events Coming to Woodland This Year |
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Disposal event scheduled for Saturday, April 27 at the County Fairgrounds
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State of California (04/11/2024) Bill Dodd CA Senate 03: |
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Thursday, April 11, 2024VALLEJO Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, issued the following statement today in response to the settlement agreement between the Vallejo Police Department and Attorney General Rob Bonta over a slate of departmental reforms to ensure justice, eliminate racial bias, identify disparities in policing and support officers:
Building trust and professional standards is essential, and we need accountability to …
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State of California (04/11/2024) Bill Dodd CA Senate 03: |
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Thursday, April 11, 2024SACRAMENTO Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, issued the following statement today on the Legislatures passage of its own early action budget plan, agreed to by Gov. Gavin Newsom, to reduce the states budget shortfall by $17 billion:
Being proactive about addressing this daunting shortfall is absolutely the right thing to do, Sen. Dodd said. Its not fun to …
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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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State of California (04/10/2024) Bill Dodd CA Senate 03: |
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Wednesday, April 10, 2024SACRAMENTO Legislation advanced today from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, that would build on efforts to safeguard students from sexual misconduct and violence on college campuses by adopting new requirements recommended in a California State Auditor report and by extending those rules to the University of California, California State University and community college systems.
Providing safer college campuses …
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State of California (04/10/2024) Bill Dodd CA Senate 03: |
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Wednesday, April 10, 2024SACRAMENTO Legislacion presentada hoy por el Senador Bill Dodd, Democrata de Napa, que se basaria en directivas recientes del Presidente Joe Biden y el Gobernador Gavin Newsom que abordan el crecimiento sin precedentes de la tecnologia de inteligencia artificial fomentando la innovacion continua y garantizando al mismo tiempo que los derechos y oportunidades de todos los californianos …
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