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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Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe |
When it was formed in 1998, the Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe was focused on two priorities: addressing the impacts of local agencies on the building trade, and fostering professionalism within the industry.
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From Our Media Allies |
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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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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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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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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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Rocker Memorial Skatepark Receives $100K Grant for Construction of New Skate Park in Truckee |
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The Tahoe Mountain Resorts Foundation presented a $100,000 grant to the Truckee-Donner Recreation & Park District (TDRPD) during its March Board of Directors meeting. |
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Truckee Town Council Discusses TART Connect Microtransit Program Update |
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The Truckee Town Council met on Tuesday, Apr. 9, to receive an update from staff and LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc. (LSC) regarding the Truckee TART Connect Microtransit Pilot Program(s). |
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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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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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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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• The History and Importance of the South Yuba Canal
A deep dive into the history and central importance of the South Yuba Canal in delivering water to the Nevada Irrigation District.
(04/13/2024) → YubaNet• Nevada City Hosts 3rd Annual Earth Fest Street Fair
The 3rd annual Nevada City Earth Fest Street Fair will is taking place downtown on Sunday, April 21 from 11AM - 5PM.
(04/12/2024) → YubaNet• Grass Valley and Nevada City Go Green
The City of Grass Valley and City of Nevada City have engaged with Pioneer Community Energy to power municipal operations with 100% renewable energy.
(04/12/2024) → YubaNet• Pre-Approved House Plans Available
Four different master housing plans are available in Nevada County which are pre-approved by the Nevada County Building Department to help reduce costs in housing construction.
(04/12/2024) → YubaNet• Fire Safe Council of Nevada County Suspends Operations
The Fire Safe Council of Nevada County announced on April 12 the furlough of all staff and suspension of operations until the funding "impasse with our long–standing partner, the County of Nevada – Office of Emergency Services" is resolved.
(04/12/2024) → YubaNet• CHIRP Woolman Project Fundraising Advances
Having reached the Phase 1 fundraising goal of $1.5M, the project to acquire the 230+ acre project and return it to the descendants of its original native inhabitants is advancing.
(04/10/2024) → YubaNet• Community Forum to Focus on Local Media
Leaders from YubaNet, KNCO and The Union will discuss the future of local media and other topics at the Nevada County Community Forum on Friday, April 19th 10:30 - 11:30AM.
(04/09/2024) → YubaNet• NID: 'Drought Level Conditions'
An update of progress in repairs to the Spaulding Powerhouse by the Nevada Irrigation District.
(04/08/2024) → The Union|
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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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State of California (04/11/2024) Alex Lee CA Assembly 24: |
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Sunol Glen Unified School District Superintendent Recognized as Woman of the Year
channi
Thu, 04/11/2024 - 11:45
Nicholas Chan
Email
nicholas.chan@asm.ca.gov
Phone
(916) 319-2392
Title
Communications Director, Office of Assemblymember Alex Lee
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Assemblymember Alex Lee recognized Molleen Barnes as Assembly District 24s Woman of the Year. She is currently the Sunol Glen Unified School District Superintendent …
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State of California (04/11/2024) Esmeralda Soria California Assembly 27: |
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AB 1960 To Increase Penalties for Retail Theft Approved by Assembly Public Safety Committee
gonzalju
Thu, 04/11/2024 - 09:46
Email
julian.gonzalez@asm.ca.gov
Phone
(916) 319-2027
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
SACRAMENTO, CA Today, Assemblywoman Sorias AB 1960, a bill to increase penalties for retail theft passed the Assembly Public Safety Committee with unanimous support.
Crime, especially retail theft, is not only a …
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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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City of Milpitas (04/10/2024) Overview and Update on Current ADU Programs and Incentives |
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This Memorandum provides an overview and update on the status of various Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) programs and initiatives, including the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for ADU permit fees.
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State of California (04/10/2024) Alex Lee CA Assembly 24: |
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Bill To Streamline Train Electrification Projects Passes First Policy Committee
channi
Wed, 04/10/2024 - 15:32
Nicholas Chan
Email
nicholas.chan@asm.ca.gov
Phone
(916) 319-2392
Title
Communications Director, Office of Assemblymember Alex Lee
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Assemblymember Alex Lee has introduced legislation to streamline the expansion of green public transportation infrastructure. AB 2503 would enable transit agencies to more rapidly electrify their …
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State of California (04/10/2024) Esmeralda Soria California Assembly 27: |
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Assemblywoman Soria Introduces AB 2281 To Protect Tribal Court Judges
gonzalju
Wed, 04/10/2024 - 14:51
Email
julian.gonzalez@asm.ca.gov
Phone
(916) 319-2027
Thursday, February 8, 2024
SACRAMENTO, CA Today, Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria introduced Assembly Bill 2281 to enact legal protections for tribal court judges that are commensurate with those legal protections afforded to state and federal judges.
An Indian tribe in California …
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State of California (04/10/2024) Dawn Addis CA Assembly 30: |
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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 …
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