earth witness news by harryo

Lt. Governor Newsom brings green footprint to Sacramento - Sacramento Environmental News | Examiner.com

2011-02-08T09:45:00.000-08:00

Lt. Governor Newsom brings green footprint to Sacramento - Sacramento Environmental News | Examiner.com

American Rivers awarded Orvis Grant to help restore Californiaâ€™s Yuba Watershed - Sacramento Environmental News | Examiner.com

2010-09-14T09:31:00.000-07:00

American Rivers awarded Orvis Grant to help restore Californiaâ€™s Yuba Watershed - Sacramento Environmental News | Examiner.com

L.A. Lacks the Juice to Land Electric Car Plant | Los Angeles Business Journal

2010-09-13T16:00:00.000-07:00

L.A. Lacks the Juice to Land Electric Car Plant | Los Angeles Business Journal

Climate change law's suspension slammed by UC Berkeley study - Sacramento Business, Housing Market News | Sacramento Bee

2010-09-10T10:03:00.000-07:00

Climate change law's suspension slammed by UC Berkeley study - Sacramento Business, Housing Market News | Sacramento Bee

Sacramento SPCA urges boycott of circus - Sacramento Environmental News | Examiner.com

2010-09-10T09:47:00.000-07:00

Sacramento SPCA urges boycott of circus - Sacramento Environmental News | Examiner.com

State of Emergency in San Bruno, Red Cross and Humane Society seek donations - Sacramento Environmental News | Examiner.com

2010-09-10T09:33:00.000-07:00

State of Emergency in San Bruno, Red Cross and Humane Society seek donations - Sacramento Environmental News | Examiner.com

National security leaders say Prop 23 puts California and nation at risk - Sacramento Environmental News | Examiner.com

2010-09-09T14:40:00.000-07:00

National security leaders say Prop 23 puts California and nation at risk - Sacramento Environmental News | Examiner.com

Oil spill prevention bill goes to governor for signature - Sacramento Environmental News | Examiner.com

2010-09-08T10:59:00.000-07:00

Oil spill prevention bill goes to governor for signature - Sacramento Environmental News | Examiner.com

State government inaction: no votes, no dress code, no budget, no nothing - Sacramento Environmental News | Examiner.com

2010-08-28T22:03:00.000-07:00

State government inaction: no votes, no dress code, no budget, no nothing - Sacramento Environmental News | Examiner.com

State lawmakers punt on any legislative action, except to enforce dress code - Sacramento Environmental News | Examiner.com

2010-08-27T15:58:00.000-07:00

State lawmakers punt on any legislative action, except to enforce dress code - Sacramento Environmental News | Examiner.com

CA legislative action: No budget but water measure vote possible - Sacramento Environmental News | Examiner.com

2010-08-26T16:14:00.001-07:00

CA legislative action: No budget but water measure vote possible - Sacramento Environmental News | Examiner.com

CA legistlative action: No budget but water measure vote possible - Sacramento Environmental News | Examiner.com

2010-08-26T16:14:00.000-07:00

CA legislative action: No budget but water measure vote possible - Sacramento Environmental News | Examiner.com

Sacramento Environmental News Examiner - Environment | Examiner.com

2010-08-26T16:09:00.000-07:00

Sacramento Environmental News Examiner - Environment | Examiner.com

California moves to ban plastic bags, maybe - Sacramento Environmental News | Examiner.com

2010-08-26T11:57:00.000-07:00

California moves to ban plastic bags, maybe - Sacramento Environmental News | Examiner.com

2010-08-26T10:38:00.000-07:00

California moves to ban plastic bags, maybe - Sacramento Environmental News | Examiner.com

California moves to ban plastic bags maybe

2010-08-26T10:24:00.001-07:00

February of 2010 saw the introduction of Assembly Bill (AB) 1998, the measure to regulate single-use plastic bags. AB 1998 may be passed or not today.

As usual the campaign concerning an Assembly bill (not even a ballot proposition) has inflamed an hysterical debate fueled by emotions, fear mongering and not surprisingly, out of state money.

Comments sections in various online publications contain warnings of the slippery slope ("plastic knives and forks will be next"), lost jobs and the end of life as we know it.

Some comments are less dramatic and just want the "convenience" of single-use plastic bags.

Here are two video perspectives of the dilemma.

This column supports conservation, therefore single-use anything deserves scrutiny.

That said, reuse of "single-use" bags is a good idea.

Development of biodegradable bags is a good idea.

BTW those funding "No on AB 1998" are plastic bag producers. Single use plastic bags are now created from petroleum by products. Material that otherwise would be hazardous waste.

Instead of remediating that waste, the industry manufactures plastic bags and sells them in our communities.

State AG busts phony recyclers - Sacramento Environmental News | Examiner.com

2010-08-25T21:56:00.000-07:00

State AG busts phony recyclers - Sacramento Environmental News | Examiner.com

State lawmakers set to pass bill encouraging green tech - Sacramento Environmental News | Examiner.com

2010-08-25T16:38:00.000-07:00

State lawmakers set to pass bill encouraging green tech - Sacramento Environmental News | Examiner.com

Whoa: Voracious Oil-Eating Bacteria Swiftly Cleaning Up Gulf Spill - SFist

2010-08-25T14:43:00.000-07:00

Whoa: Voracious Oil-Eating Bacteria Swiftly Cleaning Up Gulf Spill - SFist

The Earth will move: Poisoned Hamden neighborhood braces for epic cleanup (video)- The New Haven Register - Serving New Haven, Connecticut

2010-08-22T21:23:00.000-07:00

The Earth will move: Poisoned Hamden neighborhood braces for epic cleanup <span style="color: #ff0000">(video)</span>- The New Haven Register - Serving New Haven, Connecticut

Business does not need regulation to go greener - Sacramento Environmental News | Examiner.com

2010-08-21T09:32:00.000-07:00

Business does not need regulation to go greener - Sacramento Environmental News | Examiner.com

Some politics of Prop 23 - Sacramento Environmental News | Examiner.com

2010-08-19T22:19:00.000-07:00

Some politics of Prop 23 - Sacramento Environmental News | Examiner.com

State Water Project ups allocation to Central Valley

2010-02-26T11:15:00.000-08:00

The California State Water Project says the heavy snowfall in the Sierra will allow Central Valley buyers of water from SWP to get a slight bump in water deliveries. Before this most recent determination water allocation to the customers in the valley had been set at five percent. Now the delivery will be fifteen percent of contracted amounts.

“This is still one of the lowest allocations in the history of the State Water Project,” says Director Mark Cowin of the California Department of Water Resources.

According to the Central Valley Business Times, Cowin predicted that eventual water deliveries will be up to 35 to 40 percent.

State EPA eliminates waterless urinals

2010-02-24T15:53:00.000-08:00

Citing longstanding complaints about wet and smelly restroom floors in its headquarters in Sacramento, the California Environmental Protection Agency has removed its 56 waterless urinals. According to KCRA-TV the devices are estimated to have saved about a million gallons of water during their service life of six years.

The urinals were state of the art technology when they were installed in 2004. They have been replaced by low-flow urinals that use about a half-gallon of water per flush.

Globally it's estimated that humans flush down the drain up to 20 percent of the supply of potable water.

Sacramento County free service helps business comply with enviro regulations and "go green"

2010-02-12T15:56:00.000-08:00

The Business Environmental Compliance Center is an initiative focused locally that is another tool online and by other media in helping enterprise anywhere reduce its environmental impact. Starting in 1993 BERC has been providing "one-stop, non-regulatory permit assistance" enabling Sacramento County businesses "to understand and comply with federal, state, and local environmental regulations". Those words from the website. >>>more>>>

Green police fuels new crisis

2010-02-10T18:23:00.001-08:00

The ad touting the advent of an "official" green police to enforce "eco-mandates" has ignited a VOC (volatile organic controversy) and sent millions to their keyboards to flame in solitude about this latest salvo in the eco-wars. As if Iraq and Afghanistan are not enough. more>>

Sacramento Tree Foundation seeks volunteers to get dirty

2010-02-10T15:25:00.001-08:00

Since 2002 the Sacramento Tree Foundation has been hard at work "building the best urban forest" in Sacramento and vicinity. The Foundation is openly looking for individuals to "get dirty" and to help in various tree planting activities.
According to their website, "Volunteering is a simple, fun way to make a difference in your community and the environment." <<>>

Sacramento Press / Vegan bake sale raises funds for Haiti relief

2010-01-15T11:13:00.001-08:00

Sacramento Press / Vegan bake sale raises funds for Haiti relief

Wyclef's plea for earthquake relief in Haiti: "We must act now"

2010-01-15T10:40:00.001-08:00

Wyclef's plea for earthquake relief in Haiti: "We must act now" - KCBA - Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz

What You Can Do to Help Haiti — YES! Magazine

2010-01-14T14:30:00.000-08:00

Reports from Haiti indicate massive trauma and casualties from the January 12 earthquake. Outside help is needed for people who were already the poorest in the western hemisphere. But the wrong kind of help can feed corruption, dependence on outsiders, and even exploitation. How can we support the right kind of aid, the kind that builds local self-resilience, strengthens the local economy, and fosters local leadership?

Missionary Flights International- Haiti response

2010-01-14T09:26:00.001-08:00

Haiti earthquake

2010-01-13T13:30:00.001-08:00

UNICEF appealing for funding to help Haiti recovery

2010-01-13T10:15:00.000-08:00

Despite heavy damages to its own offices in Port-au-Prince, UNICEF is ready to provide immediate support to the estimated 3 million victims of the unfolding humanitarian crisis following the earthquake that hit Haiti yesterday. UNICEF officials estimate that half of those affected by the quake are children.

Harry O's Swingin' Christmas podcasts

2009-12-22T14:56:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of the holidays here is an original radio show hosted by yours truly featuring vintage tracks from Christmas of the 30's, 40's and 50's. Hope you enjoy!! Talk to you after the First.

Cheers, Harry O

Part one:

Part two:

2009-12-22T14:53:00.001-08:00

8/17/09 Vientiane, Laos, is dealing with unclean water, chicken waste better than
food-based biofuel, UN concern about slow progress to Copenhagen Climate
Confab. Putin in submersible.

Interview with author of Tales from the Job Site mp3

2009-08-23T21:17:00.001-07:00

Interview with the author of Tales from the Job Site, Michael A. Pesola. Recorded at California State Fair.

ewn talks to Labor at California State Fair mp3

2009-08-23T21:15:00.001-07:00

Interview with Mandy Gibbens of Carpenters Local Union 46 at California State Fair.

Today's radio interview with the president

2009-08-20T11:26:00.001-07:00

Interview with conservative host who endorsed Obama.

Cancer Prevention Coalition urges ban on aspartame

2009-08-18T12:45:00.001-07:00

The artificial sweetener aspartame has been shown to cause cancer in lab rats, and should be banned for human consumption, warns the Cancer Prevention Coalition.

Under the explicit provisions of the 1958 Delaney Law, which requires an automatic ban on carcinogenic food additives, the Coalition is calling on Dr. Margaret Hamburg, the newly appointed Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and public health advocate, to promptly ban the continued use of aspartame.

First discovered in 1965 by the pharmaceutical company G.D. Searle, aspartame is an artificial sweetener marketed by Ajinomoto Sweeteners under trademark names including Nutrasweet, Equal and Canderel.

Aspartame is the second most widely used artificial sweetener in the world. It is found in more than 6,000 products including carbonated and powdered soft drinks, hot chocolate, chewing gum, candy, desserts, yogurt, and tabletop sweeteners, as well as some pharmaceutical products like vitamins and sugar-free cough drops. More than 200 million people worldwide consume it.

The sweetener has been used for more than 30 years, having first been approved by the FDA in 1974.

After saccharin, aspartame is the commonest sweetener, consumed by over 200 million people worldwide, and represents about 60% of the artificial sweetener market.

Climate change and water drive legislative agenda

2009-08-16T09:16:00.000-07:00

We're gearing up for the coming legislative session in Sacramento. Much of the speculation about the legislative agenda in post-budget California (post 2009 budget) centers on the issue of water including people, fish, dams and other infrastructure concerns. Add to the mix skirmishes over solutions proposed for the remediation of climate change. The Sacramento Bee opines on that brewing debate here. Let me add that there are abundant reasons for weaning us from fossil fuel dependence exclusive of climate change.

Governor discusses public service, commemorates Eunice Kennedy Shriver

2009-08-14T22:12:00.000-07:00

It's always tempting to mock mothers-in-law in general and this governor in particular. But at this time this governor is discussing public service in general and his late mother-in-law in particular. I had wanted to acknowledge Eunice Kennedy Shriver, but this governor did the heavy lifting.

Here is the mp3 of his weekly address.

High end audio "Eco-System" unveiled

2009-08-14T20:16:00.000-07:00

Here's an eco-system with no habitat nor plants, but it does feature watts and ohms. Is this "greening" thing going too far?

"The “earth friendly” juggernaut continues, with even high-end home automation specialists feeling the need to slap some green on their spec sheets. more>>

Food crisis means rations, veggies in Britain

2009-08-13T21:32:00.000-07:00

The British may face food rationing and a vegetarian diet in the event of a world food shortage, according to an official U.K. assessment of British food security covered by the Times. Citing risks including climate change, higher oil prices and more crops being grown for fuel instead of food, Hilary Benn, UK cabinet minister responsible for food policy, has directed officials to prepare a plan for Britain to feed itself. Thanks to our friends at panna.org

Paula Abdul promotes recyclable sports mats

2009-08-13T12:11:00.000-07:00

Reinventing yourself is the key to survival especially in show business. Drawing on several stages of her career the former 'American Idol' judge is touting an "earth-friendly" item. It's recyclable but who knows at what centers? BTW they won't have Paula to walk over anymore.

Million Boat Float to defend Delta from canal

2009-08-12T12:28:00.000-07:00

On the day before the California Legislature will hold an informational hearing on a package of water bills that provide a road map to the construction of the peripheral canal, boaters from throughout the Delta will converge on Sacramento in the first-ever Million Boat Float.

The massive two-day flotilla from August 16-17 is being organized to show that boaters and their allies are united in the defense of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta against plans by the Governor and Legislators to build the peripheral canal and destroy the largest estuary on the West Coast of the Americas. The proposed canal would approximate the Panama Canal in width and length. Details of the historic aquatic event are being finalized.

Neil Young honored by Grammys

2009-08-11T13:49:00.000-07:00

He never liked the Grammys but the academy saw a way to pay homage. He's done a lot for the community; let's note the veggie powered bus tour of a few years back and this year's eco car album.

Woodstock in Golden Gate Park? Yes!!

2009-08-11T10:48:00.000-07:00

It's hard to say who is headlining but there are uncounted numbers of artists scheduled to appear.

Hundreds of San Francisco stars and musical luminaries will perform at this historic event to commemorate the original principles of peace, love and spirituality. The Woodstock 40th is October 25 th and will begin with a blessing by the American Indigenous People and several Beat Generation poets. There will be many speakers from the Peace Movement, the Free Speech Movement and the Anti-War Movement along with many of the acts who originally performed at Woodstock (to be announced). There will also be an “Eco Friendly Green Village” highlighting the products, services, and information of the emerging green movement.

Governor cancels energy summit appearance in Las Vegas

2009-08-10T12:53:00.000-07:00

Governor Schwarzenegger has postponed plans to attend the Energy Summit that started today.

He had been scheduled to appear on a panel with such environmental luminaris as Al Gore.

He is instead doing work in Sacramento before returning to the east coast to rejoin his wife, Maria Schriver, at the bedside of her mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who is quite ill.

Is CA banning big screen TVs? Industry groups say yes!

2009-08-10T11:44:00.001-07:00

Is CA banning big screen TVs? Industry groups say yes!

Posted using ShareThis

Patriots and tea party people want to put families before a fish

2009-08-09T09:17:00.001-07:00

Patriots and tea party people want to put families before a fish

Posted using ShareThis

N-JOY Top Ten mit Harry O

2009-08-08T11:02:00.000-07:00

N-JOY is a radio station in Hamburg, Germany. Each week as part of the countdown show I unveil the week's top ten tunes in the USA.

My friend, Cyrus is the host of the program.

US EPA launches online forum for water enforcement program

2009-08-08T07:42:00.001-07:00

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has launched an online discussion forum to receive public input on the future direction of EPA’s national water enforcement program. The public will be able to provide feedback through EPA's web site until August 28th. Citizen have a forum to address any concerns about EPA’s efforts to protect the water in their communities.

Placer County Water Agency wants local not state contol over water

2009-08-07T18:52:00.000-07:00

Directors of the Placer County Water Agency expressed strong opposition to any State legislation that would reduce protection of PCWA’s area of origin water rights that imposes added costs upon the agency and customers or places State mandates on the use of water by agency water customers.

San Francisco Peninsula Press Club: YouTube gets into the local TV news business

2009-08-07T18:17:00.000-07:00

San Francisco Peninsula Press Club: YouTube gets into the local TV news business

Senate President pro Tem to sue governor over line item vetoes

2009-08-07T16:29:00.001-07:00

Senate President pro Tem to sue governor over line item vetoes

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Hybrid gets 68 mpg in DOE evaluation

2009-08-07T09:05:00.001-07:00

Toyota advanced fuel cell hybrid vehicle completes government field evaluation, achieves 431 mile estimated range & 68 mpg. Test route was a drive down SoCal coast.

Cash for Clunkers through Labor Day and Gov signs motorized mining ban

2009-08-06T21:38:00.001-07:00

Cash for Clunkers through Labor Day and Gov signs motorized mining ban

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Cash for Clunkers can be green in the environment and in the economy

2009-08-06T15:42:00.001-07:00

Cash for Clunkers can be green in the environment and in the economy

Posted using ShareThis

Governor signs bill aiding independent gas station owners

2009-08-06T11:55:00.001-07:00

Governor signs bill aiding independent gas station owners to help comply with clean air standards.

Statewide gas station green retrofit begins in West Sacramento

2009-08-06T08:41:00.001-07:00

Statewide gas station green retrofit begins in West Sacramento

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Cash for Clunkers, should there be an EIR?

2009-08-05T23:03:00.001-07:00

Cash for Clunkers, should there be an EIR?

Posted using ShareThis

Victory (for now) for advocates of roadless wilderness

2009-08-05T22:07:00.000-07:00

A three judge panel of the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals has upheld a lower court ruling that overturned a controversial Bush administration policy.

The Bush White House had instituted a framework whereby formerly roadless areas of national forests would see some road projects. The new roads would facilitate logging and motorized recreational activities in previously untouched wilderness.

The panel ruled that the Bush policy violated at the Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental Policy Act.

Environmental groups hailed the decision which does not end the political wrangling. The Obama administration should make the roadless policy a permanent one. Those are the sentiments of Earthjustice and others.

On another side:

"Everything is in a state of flux right now," said Dennis Porter, attorney for the California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs in Sacramento, which was named as a defendant-intervenor in the case. Mr. Porter was quoted in the Washington Times.

Restore the Delta wants its voice heard in water debate

2009-08-05T09:50:00.001-07:00

Advocates for the Delta are expressing concern that Governor Schwarzenegger will be appointing four members of the proposed seven-member Delta Stewardship Council. The Council is proposed as part of water legislation unveiled August 4th. The other three members would be appointed from other resources.

The governor favors a peripheral canal (anathema to Delta advocates) and the fear is that the council will fast track canal development.

Restore the Delta out of Stockton is a leader in preserving Delta resources. From the website:

Restore the Delta seeks the reduction of water exports to restore and sustain the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta’s ecosystem, to protect native and desirable species, to protect public health, and to improve water quality to meet federal and state water standards. Clearly Governor Schwarzenegger is so beholden to his corporate agribusiness supporters on the Westside of the Central Valley that he will use whatever political capital he has left to try to bring about the most expensive water grab in history.

This concern about diverse viewpoints is not new. The Delta Vision Task Force, a previous gubernatorial project, had no representation from San Joaquin County.

One American's take on Presidents' Day

2009-08-04T22:37:00.000-07:00

August 4th was as an outstanding example of presidents' day as I can remember. Obama and Clinton in the spotlight and being dignified and efficient. Happy Birthday, Mr. President (Obama).

Here's an article I wrote in February:

President's Day is observed in February and our thoughts naturally turn to those beloved occupants of the White House and their continuing contributions and influences to our country.

Since January 1st I have written about Presidents Bush and Obama. A haircut essay yielded a photo of Harry S Truman. He was president when I was born; I'm even a "Harry S.". My middle initial stands for something. Truman's didn't.

We did an "Onaugural" piece about Bush Street in San Francisco and mentioned many more presidential names. But I did not discuss that the origin of the name for Bush Street is in some debate. The name is not presidential. Apology for the oversight.

We've done two pieces recently on Habitat for Humanity, of which Jimmy Carter is an active supporter.

But we have 44 presidents to honor in February.

Besides the portraits on the vanishing bills in our pocketbooks, how are we connected to the presidents personally? Do most Americans believe they are distantly related to one or more presidential families? There are rumors within my family but those who keep the secrets do it really well...in the cemetery.

My point here is to do a comprehensive post on as many presidents as I can from personal knowledge. I am a product ot San Francisco's public schools and attended Andrew Jackson elementary and George Washington High School. I attended Marina Junior High School (now Middle School) which is on Fillmore Street.

Other presidential street names in San Francisco have been treated. What's next?

Presidents from California: Hoover, Nixon and Reagan. Hoover was an equipment manager for the football team at Stanford in the late 1890's. Nixon established the Environmental Protection Agency. Reagan (as governor of California said, "If we all threw our car keys away tomorrow, we would end smog. But we can't do that" Or something like that. He also was quoted as saying trees cause pollution. Some experts have said that through some tortured logic that statement might be true.

Kennedy sparked the Peace Corps and the spirit of idealism behind the Peace Corp endures. Jimmy Carter's mother, Lillian, was a member of the Peace Corps. JFK's nephew, Robert F. Kennedy, Junior, is a top environmental attorney and co-host of a green radio show. He appeared on my show, The Green Hour, in the '90s and advocated for the Hudson Riverkeepers.

Not to further name drop, but presidential daughter Susan Ford was a guest on my show in 2005. At the time she was running the Betty Ford Clinic and our topic was abuse of prescription drugs within families.

Eisenhower created the interstate highway system, the issues raised by its establishment are debated with frequency in this space. The car culture was solidified by the system's completion. Drive 55, anyone? Ever? And it has been said that all freeway exits in the USA are wide enough for tanks to navigate and hence the impetus for building the system. Urban myth?

FDR led the nation through WWII and gave his health and life in the undertaking. Roosevelt also structured the New Deal, causing many in this country to still call him "a traitor to his class".

George W. Bush probably called himself "Commander-in-Chief" publicly more times in his 8 years in the Oval Office than did FDR in his 12.

Don't know much about Coolidge. There's a story about him where the punchline is "you lose". You might know it.

Harding died in San Francisco. So have a lot of other comedians. Kidding.

Wilson was an enthusiastic promoter of the League of Nations, which the USA never joined. Eventually the idea of a league of nations was realized with the formation of the United Nations, founded in...San Francisco.

Taft had a special large bathtub installed in the White House. Rumors says he became stuck and had to be rescued. He also busted more trusts than the "trustbuster", Teddy Roosevelt. Taft ended his career happily as Chief Justice of the United States. Republicans, both.

TR founded the National Parks systems. The Presidio of San Francisco is a national park. Yosemite is unsurpassed for majesty. And the mansion of John Muir in Martinez falls under the aegis of the National Park Service.

On the paradoxical side, Gerald Ford was assaulted by gunfire in both San Francisco and Sacramento.

I saw LBJ's motorcade pass through North Beach in the '60s. It's easy to criticize Johnson in many policy areas; but he also was a key element in shaping an America that could see the installation of Barack Obama as President of the United States.

That's it; I have not profiled them all, but have mentioned a number of presidents. There's a story about William McKinley's wonder about meeting Haitians around the turn of the 20th century, but, in the parlance, I won't go there.

There used to be separate observances for both Lincoln (February 12th) and Washington (February 22nd). Martin Luther King (January 15th) remains the only individual honored in this country with a holiday with his name on it. Although they've moved it around to give us another three-day weekend.

Presidents Day is a unique opportunity to learn American history. The cable network C-SPAN is the only entity, it seems, that treats the observance with due respect. Check them and see.

For a global perspective, click on the radio for the latest earth witness news mp3.

Harry Osibin hosts earth witness news on radio and the Internet. Information at earth witness news. My email. My blog.

Matsui hosts small business workshop at City College

2009-08-04T16:23:00.000-07:00

Representative Doris Matsui is hosting a workshop that should help small business owners learn how to gain access to federal stimulus funds and other other financial resources. The meeting is August 6th at City College and goes from 9:30 to noon.

Staff from the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Federal Technology Center will provide information about American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds and federal grants. They will explain how both can assist people who own small businesses or who are considering starting them.

“Even in these challenging economic times, there are opportunities for entrepreneurs to start a new business here in Sacramento, or for existing business to help make ends meet, build off successful business models, and grow their business – all of which will help foster our economic recovery and create new jobs for Sacramentans,” Representative Matsui said in a statement.

Panelists will discuss how to get financing, starting small businesses and business planning. Participants also will have an opportunity to network with people from government, banks and local businesses.

Space is limited. Those interested must RSVP to Matsui's Sacramento office at (916) 498-5600.

Cal Expo gets feedback from developers on arena, fairgrounds

2009-08-03T13:20:00.000-07:00

How far along are plans to create suitable playing venues for the NBA Kings and WNBA Monarchs? Will Cal Expo be refurbished, demolished or none of the preceeding?

On July 31st developers and Cal Expo officials huddled to talk but did not finalize anything. There was mixed news from the confab.

First of all the economy throws a damper on everything and funding is a major drawback.

The consensus among the builders is that this is a good idea, but money's tight right now. Estimates for costs range up to $2,000,000,000.

The financial environment is one hurdle; the physical environment also comes into play. Land use issues are always a point of discussion. If any site other than the fairgrounds is considered, where will it be and, at the very least, will the neighbors allow the fair, the sports teams and all that comes with them into the neighborhood.

Clean-up may be an issue. Environmental remediation has stalled other projects in the region. Accessibility also comes into play. RT coaches serve CalExpo but the light rail station is a distance away. Any new venue(s) should be public transit friendly. The need to drive should be minimized.

Cal Expo chief Norb Bartosik says nothing is settled; the scheme is a “concept at this point, not a project."

Here's a detailed run down of the game plan.

Join ReStore on Labor Day Weekend

2009-08-02T11:09:00.000-07:00

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami ReStore will have a booth this Labor Day weekend at the Home Design and Remodeling Show. We invite you to come see Henry Almanzar of ChiAlma Lifestyle collaborate with a local TV personality to design and create a room entirely from items found at the ReStore.Benefit those in need.Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami ReStore sells new and used goods to the public at a discount prices, and all proceeds go to fund the construction of homes for low-income families. That means you can get great home furnishing items at low-cost and impact your community.

California sticks toe in green chemistry pond

2009-08-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

In about a decade California's "green chemistry" laws are expected to start affecting most products made in or brought into the Golden State, including fuel, building materials and retail items. Proponents predict that the regulations not only won't drag down the state's currently ailing economy further but will act as a tonic — creating more jobs than the Internet, as one regulator phrased it.

Green chemistry, also known as "sustainable chemistry," refers to processes that cut harmful environmental substances during manufacturing, usually by reducing waste, using nontoxic components and improving efficiency. Although not a new concept, it's not well known outside the chemical industry.

No other states are as far along on the concept as California — see its nascent green chemistry regulations wiki here — but federal officials say the idea has been a priority in Washington, D.C., since the Clinton administration. More>>

Drifting pesticides threaten frogs in Sierra

2009-07-31T19:25:00.000-07:00

Pesticide drift from two insecticides -- chlorypyrifos and endosulfan -- travels by wind and water to cause deadly conditions for Pacific treefrogs and foothill yellow-legged frogs, two species native to mountain meadows in the Sierra Nevada range. New research shows that after the two pesticides are applied in California's Central Valley, they drift on easterly winds, land in the Sierras through rain and snow and are spread by runoff. The research was published in the August 2009 issue of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry.

More from Pesticide Action Network.

Drought most important environmental issue for nearly 1 of 5 Californians new poll shows

2009-07-30T08:11:00.000-07:00

Nearly one out of five Californians (18 percent) named water supply and drought as the most important environmental issue, a nearly four-fold percentage increase from last year, according to the new annual Public Policy Institute of California Survey, Californians and the Environment.

Despite this rising concern, the poll also showed that more Californians (50 percent) prefer that the state focus on water conservation and efficient use of the current supply than those who favor building storage systems and increasing the water supply (43 percent).

Christian church fundamentally green

2009-07-29T17:55:00.000-07:00

When the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) decided a few years ago to go green, it wasn't clear to John Davidson how serious the commitment was to theologically based environmentalism.

"Everybody voted for it," he said, "but they didn't know what it was."

If there is any lingering confusion about what it means to live green, worship green and preach a green Bible, it should be cleared up this week when more than 6,000 Disciples gather in Indianapolis for a biennial convention. A key theme is showing what the church can do to help heal the earth. Attendees will get tips on developing community gardens that can feed the poor and help the faithful reconnect to the earth.

Davidson and others will teach how to make church buildings more earth-friendly -- from adding insulation in old chapels to making sure new buildings aren't any bigger than necessary. They will learn about climate change's impact around the globe and will hear, again and again, that the Bible repeatedly makes the case for caring for creation.

"We are kind of circling back to our roots of thrift and using and reusing things," said the Rev. Sharon E. Watkins, general minister and president of the Disciples, which she notes was founded on the American frontier. "Now we understand that it has a kind of ultimate importance as it plays a role in contributing to the health of the planet." more>>

US Mint goes green

2009-07-28T23:41:00.001-07:00

The United States mint has revived the ongoing campaign to popularize dollar coins for general use. In spite of the stunning failures of the Susan B. Anthony and Sakagawea issues of one-dollar coins, the money people want to phase out paper and go all coins, all the time. The mint wants to do away with"folding money".

In this year’s restart of the acceptance campaign, mint officials have selected four cities — Austin, TX; Grand Rapids, MI; Portland, OR and Charlotte, NC — as test markets.

The latest scheme takes a "green" approach, marketing how paper dollars waste resources both monetary and environmental. Citizens of the test markets are encouraged to use "100 percent recyclable" coins that last decades instead of 21 months, as is the lifespan for the typical paper dollar.

Published in December, 2008.

Pioneering zero emissions vehicle EV-1 is now museum piece

2009-07-28T23:20:00.000-07:00

The California Auto Museum in Sacramento now touts futuristic cars, such as the EV-1.

Twelve are left from their 1995 unveiling. Only about 2300 were built by GM. Those who were leasing the vehicles were forced to surrender them. Those who tried to buy their EV-1 were denied.

Now it's a museum piece. I test drove one in 1995.

Michael Jackson and UFOs

2009-07-27T16:04:00.000-07:00

Recently above the Harvard campus as Michael Jackson was being flown in a UFO, the vehicle was pulled over. The police officer demanded to see the alien's driver's license. All she could produce was an HMO card, which officer accidentally dropped. She was charged for an office visit. Is this a case of space-ial profiling?

Capitalist blog calls for green tea party at Capitol

2009-07-27T15:54:00.001-07:00

Capitalist blog calls for green tea party at Capitol says USA under eco-tyranny.

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Pat Brown's California takes a beating in Sacramento

2009-07-26T01:18:00.000-07:00

Forty-two years after Pat Brown left office and 13 years after he died, his California took quite a beating last week.

The visionary governor swept into office in 1959, and by the time he was swept out eight years later, he had created the 16-dam, multiple-aqueduct state water project, devised the three-tier college and university system, constructed nine major campuses and built more than 1,000 miles of freeways to connect regions of his burgeoning state. To this day, much of what gets us where we are going -- literally and figuratively -- stems from what he did in his two terms.

It was hard not to think of that era last week as his successor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the Legislature agreed to a plan to deal with the state's $26-billion deficit, mostly by cutting the kinds of programs Brown championed.

The end of farming in the Fertile Crescent

2009-07-25T23:32:00.000-07:00

earth witness news link - In this evocative and beautiful feature the filmmakers say that for the first time in human history, Iraq cannot feed itself due to the destruction of the American invasion and subsequent occupation. Agriculture was developed in the region that we now call "Iraq".

Nestlé Waters to set up plant in Sacramento warehouse

2009-07-25T22:19:00.001-07:00

Nestlé Waters North America Inc. will pump $14 million into the local economy to convert a warehouse in the Florin Fruitridge Industrial Park into a two-line water bottling plant.

The new bottling plant initially will bottle up to 150 acre-feet of water annually, purchased from the city of Sacramento and from nearby private springs. The plant will bottle water under the company’s Nestlé Pure Life brand and Arrowhead Mountain Spring Water brands for distribution to its customers primarily in Northern California.

Environmental impact of war in Kosovo

2009-07-23T20:57:00.000-07:00

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has investigated the environmental impact of the Kosovo war. The conclusion is that the war did not result in an environmental disaster affecting the entire Balkan region. Nevertheless, some environmental hot spots were identified, namely Belgrade, Pancevo, Kragujevac, Novi Sad and Bor. >>more>>

California budget agreement could allow offshore oil drilling

2009-07-21T16:59:00.001-07:00

California budget agreement could allow offshore oil drilling

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H2O Africa and WaterPartners merge to deliver on safe water promise for those in need

2009-07-20T07:33:00.001-07:00

H2O Africa and WaterPartners merge to deliver on safe water promise for those in need earth witness news link

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Sierra Club recruits in Sacramento to beat Big Coal

2009-07-19T22:54:00.001-07:00

Sierra Club recruits in Sacramento to beat Big Coal

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Higher speed limits cost lives everywhere

2009-07-19T22:35:00.001-07:00

Higher speed limits cost lives everywhere

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Reducing how much we drive should be a national goal

2009-07-10T10:27:00.001-07:00

Green Diary Rescue & Open Thread: Driving Less

Last month, Senators John D. Rockefeller and Frank Lautenberg introduced a bill that would establish performance-based goals for our surface transportation system. The bill would, according to Senator Lautenberg, “establish a national policy that improves safety, reduces congestion, creates jobs, and protects our environment.”

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North Oakland Farmers’ Market opens at the Children’s Hospital Oakland with broad based support in an effort to fight childhood obesity

2009-07-09T08:38:00.000-07:00

The North Oakland Farmers’ Market opened June 23rd at the Children’s Hospital Oakland and received a warm welcome from hospital staff, patients, and North Oakland residents.

The market runs year round every Tuesday from 2-7pm at the Children’s Hospital
Oakland (747 52nd St @ M.L.K. Jr. Blvd.) in conjunction with the hospital’s
childhood obesity clinic. The market is a partnership between the
Children’s Hospital Oakland and Phat Beets Produce, a volunteer collective
in North Oakland.

According to a recent study done of California health demographics,
¨Fifty-seven percent of adults are overweight or obese and rates of
overweight and obesity in African American (66%) and Hispanic adults (71%)
are even higher. Additionally, more than one out of every three 9 to
11-year-olds in California is at risk for becoming overweight or is
already overweight. Fortunately, recent studies show that certain chronic
diseases, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease and some types of
cancers can be reduced through a healthy diet and physical activity.¨

Urban communities face even greater challenges do to the phenomenon of the
urban food desert, with liquor and convenience stores as the only options
for many communities.

The North Oakland Farmers’ Market (NOFM) aims to connect small farmers
with urban communities in order to combat the growing food deserts in
urban centers. The NOFM is currently in the process of applying to accept
WIC (Women Infants and Children) checks as well as EBT (food stamps) in
order to make the market more accessible to the greater community.
Vouchers will also be available to families attending the obesity clinic
starting in July.

The market currently hosts two farmers and hopes to expand to include a
local bakery, and other affordable artisan products:

J &P Organics is a small 5-acre farm in Salinas, Ca. The Perez family
(J&P Organics) farms at the Rural Development Center at The Agriculture
and Land Based Training Association (www.albafarmers.org) in Salinas, Ca.
The Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association (ALBA) provides
educational and business opportunities for farm workers and aspiring
farmers to grow and sell crops grown on two organic farms in Monterey
County, California. J&P Organics grows organic berries, flowers, and about
twenty to thirty mixed fruits and vegetables.

J and J Farms (Jorge Ramos) is a pesticide free tree fruit grower from
Hughson, Ca. They grow everything from grapes to apricots, peaches, and
apples. They also sell dried fruits and nuts from their orchard.

Phat Beets Produce aims to provide equal, affordable access to organic
fresh fruits and vegetables to North Oakland families through wholesale
pricing and affordable farm stands. Supported by community events, Phat
Beets facilitates youth in leadership roles engaging their peers in
healthy eating and nutrition discussions through fruit and vegetable
sampling. Phat Beets works to connect small farmers to urban communities
via the creation of farm stands and farmers markets in local
establishments.

earth witness news

2009-07-08T23:15:00.001-07:00

earth witness news

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Restoring Sacramento salmon could revive Northwest whales

2009-07-06T23:05:00.001-07:00

Restoring Sacramento salmon could revive Northwest whales

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Environmental justice event scheduled for Kettleman City

2009-07-06T11:28:00.001-07:00

Environmental justice event scheduled for Kettleman City

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Feds may seize CA state parks in budget crisis

2009-07-02T00:38:00.001-07:00

Feds may seize CA state parks in budget crisis

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Governor declares fiscal emergency, blames lawmakers for budget crisis

2009-07-01T20:54:00.001-07:00

Governor declares fiscal emergency, blames lawmakers for budget crisis

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CA fuel consumption predicted to rise and earth witness news mp3 7/1/09

2009-07-01T01:17:00.003-07:00

CA fuel consumption predicted to rise and earth witness news mp3 7/1/09

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US EPA grants CA waiver on greenhouse gas emissions

2009-06-30T10:22:00.001-07:00

US EPA grants CA waiver on greenhouse gas emissions

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earth witness news mp3 6/30/09

2009-06-29T23:24:00.003-07:00

earth witness news mp3 6/30/09

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Climate bill is a start even if diluted

2009-06-28T12:12:00.001-07:00

The House passed the so-called climate bill on Friday. There are credible critics to the plans and there are conservativerepublicans commenting also.

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Michael Jackson, the green economy and the charitable legacy

2009-06-26T22:52:00.000-07:00

This post has a purely exploitative title, but there is method to this. Michael Jackson was, among other things, a supporter of many charitable causes.

He gave money as well as performed at charitable events. Ironically, he is most often praised for his work with children. Here's more detail from Katie McKoy, Atlanta Special Needs Kids Examiner.

Of course, the mega-star hit "We Are the World" from 1985 is front-and-center in the environment of social consciousness.

The song was co-written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and Wikipedia reports the combined revenues raised from the sales of "We Are the World" and Hands Across America (a related event) was almost $100 million.

The song benefited an organization called USA for Africa, which still exists over 20 years later feeding the starving of Africa.

"Earth Song" is to some a curious matter. It is Jackson's biggest selling single ever in the U.K. while it was never released as a single in the U.S. It is the third single from the album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I.

The song has resurfaced as an anthem for World Environment Day.

SF's Van Jones goes all the way to DC

2009-06-24T20:16:00.000-07:00

LAO says balance CA budget, don't borrow more and more

2009-05-08T17:16:00.000-07:00

Governor at Solar Summit in Silicon Valley

2009-05-08T00:19:00.001-07:00

Earthjustice wants you to know what's in your household cleaner

2009-05-07T21:51:00.000-07:00

All we do now to save salmon could mean nothing

2009-05-03T08:13:00.000-07:00