Environment Sacramento

Spay Day Sacramento on Sunday, February 22nd

2009-02-18T18:33:09Z

On the heels of the human octuplets, let's heed the lessons we're being taught about overpopulation. Period. Human over-population is one issue; pet (domestic animal) overpopulation is another.

Think globally; act locally.

The Sacramento Area Animal Coalition is sponsoring locally Spay Day USA 2009 on Sunday, February 22nd. You can schedule an appointment now by calling 916 808-SPAY (7729).

The cost is 15 dollars for feline spay/neuter or 20 dollars for canine spay/neuter. In the parlance, "Restrictions apply."

Studies have shown that your pet would be healther if s/he were fixed. And the companion animal would wander less, jump fewer fences and behave better. "Better" is a subjective word.

Go here to learn more. Sunday I won't see you. The five loved-ones in my household are all spayed. And they run the house.

We all know the tragedy of pet-overpopulation, which includes puppy mills, culling, animal neglect and abuse. Also, American pets eat higher on the food chain that most humans. So we need to limit the number of domestic animals in this country.

The human octuplet story is growing in controversy. Every child born in America will consume on average 13 times the resources as a child born into the "developing world". 14 more American consumers? One mother? Whoa!

Conservation is key. Conservation in all things. Globally.

As far as those who think that resource depletion could be brought in-line by limiting population in "other" countries, controlling consumption by rich countries is a major part of the equation of sustainability.

Shooting at another recycling center, second in week

2009-03-04T22:48:08Z

Sacramento County sheriff's deputies are searching for a gunman in connection to the shooting early Wednesday morning of an employee at Pacific Recycling on Stockton Boulevard. Sources indicate that one man was shot in the arm and that the injuries are not life-threatening. The injured man has not been identified

This is the second shooting at an area recycling facility in about a week. There were two arrests in a non-fatal shooting last month in Citrus Heights.

Some speculate the violence is connected to illegal resource recovery (theft) but in Wednesday's case robbery for cash appeared to be the motive, according to authorities.

There have been a rash of resource thefts from residences and businesses in the region in the past year. Copper is one of the most stolen materials. A copper garden hose caddy was stolen from my home's front yard in 2008.

Greenest skis on the planet take on the slopes

2009-01-20T07:22:57Z

Dubbed the ‘Sexiest Skis on the Planet’, Boone Skis are now the greenest. The company’s three lines: Twins Skis, Superfreak and Magic Sticks combine the newest technology with sustainable elements. The skis contain a vertical laminated wood core made from bamboo.

"It was really important to us that we be environmentally conscious when we designed our skis," says Erik Boone, founder of Boone Skis. "We take this green movement to heart. The double benefit for us is that bamboo is a terrific material for our high performance skis. Using bamboo is not a compromise. It truly is a great product."

Boone's skis come in both 93mm and 82mm lengths. The 93mm is ideal for powder skiing on any slope. The 82mm version is just right for park or urban settings.

Boone Skis is the only California-owned and operated ski company. Based in Alameda, you can also find them retail in Berkeley. Find out more by going here.

BTW just for discussion sake, what's the greenest way to get to ski country? A bicycle equipped with tire chains is not an option.

Shooting at recycling center

2009-02-27T21:16:00Z

Our friends at News 13 got the scoop on this one. I'm just reposting. Reduce, reuse, recycle, remix, but don't rip off.

Obama takes oath, I'm in Land Park

2009-01-20T07:06:09Z

Tuesday, January 21, 2009, Barack Hussein Obama becomes the 44th President of the United States.

Mr. Obama is the first U.S. president who was born in a former sovereign kingdom. That is Hawaii, the 50th state.

He is the first President to spend a substantial portion of his childhood outside of the contiguous 48 states.

He is the first President to have a surname of African origin. Obama is a Luo name and associated with Kenya, Tanzania and other nations. His first and middle names are Arabic.

His perspective and his background may set him apart from past Chief Executives.

His education, ideals, political skills and commitment to this country certainly bring him into the circle of patriots who have served the nation in its highest office.

From all political appearances Mr. Obama is a mainstream Democrat, who will be sorely tested both within and without his party. As his predessor did say, Mr. Obama also indicates he will be President for all the people.

This column will be examining his environmental initiatives closely. Clean coal? We'll see if it's any more real than cold fusion.

I'm going to at least 3 observances. Two in Sacramento, the first at Dad's Kitchen and I'm going to stop by Butch 'n Nellies just because I like their coffee. Their official observance doesn't start til later. I'm going to SF for a radio station party. Where else? Green 960.

BTW thanks to Kim Alexander of the California Voter Federation for hosting the breakfast viewing party.

There is more: Please click here.

Sacramento airport seeks authority to kill birds

2009-01-16T18:40:24Z

In the wake of the near air-disaster in New York on Thursday, we are reminded that Sacramento lies in the Pacific Flyway for bird migration and experiences more bird strikes than any other part of the west. Regional airports in and around Sacramento usually try to track birds and control them by frightening them away. The Sacramento Bee has reported that officials at Sacramento International are seeking legal authority to kill the birds that don't scare easy. More on the story here.

Earth Day 2009, on campus at Sac State

2009-04-22T23:11:10Z

Earth Day at Sacramento State was a midday affair held in the Library Quad under sunny skies. Among the exhibitors were varied organizations, both political and scientific.

Students Lisa Faulkner and Carlos Rojas staffed the table of the Progressive Students Association at CSUS.

According to Lisa Faulkner progressives are vexed about the economy but other on-going concerns include giving voice to the disenfranchised globally and (in her words) “the earth is one of the disenfranchised” along with the poor and the otherwise voiceless.

Olga Rosander, who is on staff at CSUS, was enthused about the recycling successes at the institution. She said last year the campus had an “87% recycling rate in spite of major construction projects.”

There is a continuing effort to make recycling convenient on campus so that more discarded materials can be diverted from the landfill.

Gina Turbill and Lily Douglas staffed the table of the Field Biology Group at the event. They were accompanied by two local snakes. King and Gopher, their species, not nicknames.

Gina Turbill indicated that the Group is encouraging citizens to cultivate “native plants to help save water because we are in a drought.”

Prominant at the table was a poster display entitled “Endangered Sacramento.” When asked what was the primary pressure on the endangered local plants and animals Lily Douglas said, “Primarily habitat loss affects that them all.”

She expressed concern about Swainson’s hawk found around here during summer. The bird migrates as far south as Argentina and is often poisoned by its prey (insects) due to pesticide use in other countries. Ironically some of those pesticides are banned in the USA, but are sold to other countries’ farmers by American firms.

The event was a low-key observance and the exhibitors interviewed above mentioned the interest shown by the passersby, mostly students.

Yes We Can save big!

2009-01-19T17:45:52Z

Noticed on Sunday night what should have been obvious to me. The appropriation of the Obama slogan *Yes We Can" for crass commercial purposes.

After all, it's the American way.

Capital Nursery's marquee on Freeport Boulevard reads in part "Yes we can control crabgrass."

Further down the street Gem Auto Wash is featuring a Yes We Can" inaugural special, car washes are 9.99. I'd prefer 9.88, could be luckier.

A quick search online revealed Yes We Can book sale and my favourite, Jeep Australia is offering a Yes We Can truck sale.

Gee, it's the Australian way, too. Gidday!

Note: in Sacramento it's the bicycle culture that's growing. Jeeps are okay as long as they are always packed with gear and/or people and rarely driven. Hybrid? Same deal.

Capitol Corridor Stitch 'n Ride 2009, knitting for a cause

2009-02-20T07:04:53Z

Capitol Corridor is the vehicle for fun, frolic and a stitch in time on February 28th as CC's annual Stitch ‘n Ride™ event transports knitters and those who love them to Stitches West 2009, the West's biggest and best knitting expo. What a sentence!

Stitch‘n Ride is a non-stop mobile knitfest where knitters and crocheters from Sacramento and the Bay Area can hop on board the Capitol Corridor train, contribute to cancer patients and breeze down to the Santa Clara Convention Center. CC sources say, "The Stitch ‘n Ride is a special dedicated train just for yarn-o-philes that combines fun with charity. Capitol Corridor is teaming up with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) to promote knitting for a good cause by hosting a chemo cap drive to provide warm hats for patients currently undergoing chemotherapy. Riders are urged to help this cause by providing finished knit or crocheted chemo caps by the end of the Stitch 'n Ride trip.

A donated cap also serves as a rider’s ticket for the great on-board prize giveaways. Tickets for the public must be purchased on-line at www.capitolcorridor.org. See you on board.

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

2010-02-12T21:26:43Z

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.

By the way BERC services are free. That is to say without cost.

"Landmark project" is the phrase used by Duane O'Donnell, Sacramento Regional Recycling Market Development Zone Administrator for BERC in describing the organization. The staff bring a wide variety of consulting expertise for business. O'Donnell is teacher of the Certified Food Safety Managers Class.

BERC also sponsors events and forms partnership to assist in the flow of information. BERC has announced a new partnership with the California Community Colleges Environmental Training Center to establish a training location locally. The first such training is February 24th.

BERC is a Sacramento County initiative that is setting the trend "greening business" everywhere.

Earth Day at Southside Park includes Soil Born Farms

2009-04-27T17:16:06Z

Among those exhibiting their green consciousnesses (sp) at Sunday's Earth Day in Sacramento was urban organic farmers Soil Born Farms. Saturday, May 2nd, they are staging their annual organic plant sale A Day on the Farms at American River Ranch in Rancho Cordova.

Climate change documentary for Earth Day in Sac

2009-04-22T03:01:34Z

The public on Wednesday is invited to three free screenings of a new documentary film explaining how climate change will affect California.

The 22-minute film, "A Climate of Change," was produced jointly by the state Department of Water Resources and the nonprofit Water Education Foundation. It aims to illustrate the challenges California faces as a result of global warming, and adaptation strategies being considered. >>> The Bee.

Sacramento Tea Party commentary w/link to video

2009-04-17T04:31:26Z

Wednesday's national day of protest was a spirited affair in Sacramento. I attended most of the set-up before noon, recording video as I tried to control my production assistant, Keely, who was on a leash and trying to greet every other dog that was there. As others have commented the vibe at the midday event was surprisingly mild.

The signs and placards were more angry and pointed than were those folks holding them. There was a child holding a sign reading "Obama is the 4th beast". I'm not sure of the reference (and didn't ask), but I don't think I like it. It was, how do you say, uh, nasty.

I missed most of the speakers but heard the organizer, Mark Meckler, call the attendees "patriots" to great cheers. He also indicated his abject fear for the future of this republic.

The music segment was pleasant, a band and a female solo singer. Heck, it was a soft spring day in the capital of the world's sixth or seventh largest economy.

I just got a few moments more of video and my camera died (temporarily) so I decided to interview an attendee the old-fashioned way, face-to-face (cara-a-cara).

I learned a lot talking to Brian Weller. He is not affiliated with any group, but does have a website.

During our (low-tech) chat I was reminded that it is easy to lump other people into neat packages. To act out of fear and leave reason, if you have any, behind. To believe rumors, to jump to conclusions about people is a comfortable trap for most of us.

Mr. Weller was there to protest the erosion of our constitional rights. He feels the "country's been going downhill for the past 10 years" or so. He said that Bill Clinton was the worst president in US history.

I tried to pin him down on political affiliation and he said he was a conservative. I believe him. Thank goodness, he is not a "conservative republican".

We talked about some of his other concerns. He feels that there should mandatory conscription for everyone. Not necessarily military conscription. I agree with him. (Heck, I was drafted, don'cha know.) Weller is a Marine. (I don't think there are any ex-Marines.)

I asked if he liked libertarian (formerly Libertarian presidential candidate) Ron Paul. He said he hadn't made up his mind. There were pro-Ron Paul placards at the event. He said he really didn't care one way or another (my wording) about the current resident of the White House. His advice for Obama was to "get out (your) veto pen".

It was refreshing to talk to someone who is not a stereotype. We found common ground in a setting that I would think would not be conducive to such an occurence.

Brian Weller's claim that "80%" of the attendees were not against taxation so much as they are for "value" for their tax dollars, is in my mind an exaggeration. I doubt if the percentage would be that high.

His response to my last question was the best thing I had heard all day. "This Tea Party doesn't mean anything; it's the tea parties to follow that will make the difference."

That's the truth, regardless of your political leaning. Think globally; act locally.

Thanks, Brian.

Here is my video essay on the event.

Capital Mall haz mat scare, nothing detected

2009-01-13T20:40:08Z

The Sacramento Fire Department responded Tuesday morning to 320 Capitol Mall for a report of a suspicious package. Firefighters arrived and were told by California Highway Patrol Officers on scene that an employee of the Department of Insurance had opened a package and came into contact with an unknown substance and became ill. She was taken to a local hospital by her Supervisor.

The room that the package was in was closed and the area evacuated. Firefighters requested our Haz Mat Team. Sacramento Fire Haz Mat personnel entered the room with the package and removed the package from the building for testing. Test showed that nothing toxic or hazardous was found.

Two Highway Patrol Officers who came into contact with the envelope were also taken to a local hospital as a precaution. The apparent substance was thought to be a wax seal, used to seal envelopes. In addition to the California Highway Patrol, crews from Sacramento County Haz Mat and the California State Department of Insurance were on scene.

Mother Lode Animal Outreach benefit dinner April 18th: A Taste of Italy

2009-04-10T21:56:21Z

Animal Outreach of the Mother Lode is benefiting from the proceeds of A Taste of Italy, a wonderful evening of music, prizes and Italian dining. Material supplied by the organizers indicates, "The mortgage crisis has caused more pets to be abandoned and surrendered to animal shelters than animal rescue workers have ever seen before."

Animal Outreach of the Mother Lode has taken in hundreds of cats from foreclosures. In 2008, the agency placed almost one thousand cats and provided low-cost spay/neuter services to 6,000 pets.

Animal Outreach of the Mother Lode needs help to continue saving as many animals as possible in the coming year which promises to see even more pets lose their families and homes.

A Taste of Italy promises to be a fun night with great light rock music by the band The Mack. Attendees will have a chance to win one of 40 raffle prizes. The event is at the Lion's Club Hall at Missouri Flat and Pleasant Valley Roads in Diamond Springs. Adults $12 and Children 10 and under $6.

The Animal Outreach Cat Sanctuary in Diamond Springs houses between 80 and 100 cats at any one time.

Officials say, "We also have almost 100 cats in foster care. We adopt these cats out through our Diamond Springs headquarters, as well as through three PetSmart stores in the Sacramento area.

We are grateful to our many volunteers who keep our facility running, adopt out cats and kittens, foster, and help with our large low cost spay/neuter program. Animal Outreach has been rescuing cats and kittens in El Dorado and Sacramento Counties for 17 years."

Sacramento cyclist in "crack" bust

2009-01-19T17:58:07Z

It's here.

2008 Top 13 ground level ozone exceedence locations in Sacramento region

2009-01-11T22:01:43Z

Clumsy title, 15 locations, serious topic:

This ranking reflects number of exceedence days by location:

1. Folsom-42

2. Placerville-24

2. Roseville-24

4. Cool-21

5. Sacramento-Del Paso Manor-18

5. Sloughouse-18

7. Auburn-17

8. Sacramento T Street-10

9. Colfax-9

10. Davis-8

11. Vacaville-6

12. Elk Grove-5

12. Woodland-5

13. North Highlands-4

According to the Air District the heavy measuring period is May through October. These numbers reflect state one-hour ozone exceedence standard of .09 parts-per-million.

Ground-level ozone is formed when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) react with the sun’s ultraviolet rays. The primary source of VOCs and NOx is mobile sources, including cars, trucks, buses, construction equipment and agricultural equipment.

Yes, a key (perhaps the key) preventive is less fossil fuel comsumption. Drive less.

Sac fire fighters douse grass fire on Stoner Drive

2009-07-30T04:32:43Z

It took seven minutes for Sacramento fire fighters to extinguish a grass fire on Stoner Drive in South Sacramento Wednesday. No injuries and no reports that everyone went for pizza afterwards.

Watching history from a diner

2009-01-20T22:03:50Z

Dad's Kitchen in Land Park, great place. Tuesday moring about 20 neighbors of all ages gathered to watch the Presidential inauguration. At times it seemed as though I had flashed back to Berkeley in the '70s. There was an activist "feel" to the room and I suspect that most of the guests were experienced at holding a hand-lettered sign with a political message. But this was a small gathering of 21st century Sacramentans intent on celebrating a world changing event over coffee or other beverage. There were cheers for Dianne Feinstein, our M.C., and cheers for Aretha Franklin (our group was a good demographic for her; many of us remember when "Respect" was released). Aretha energized the crowd with a stirring rendition of "My Country 'tis of Thee."

Rick Warren, controversial choice to lead the invocation, was greeted by our small group with respectful quiet, not silence. As a matter of fact, there was surprisinglly little of the vitriol in our group one could associate with partisan politics these days in this country.

We stood as the oath was administered to the new President We clapped when each speaker finished. I have not addressed nor appluaded the video screen so directly since Joe Montana was winning Super Bowls with the 49ers.

However as Bush (former president) and Obama (the president) descended the Capitol steps with their wives, one of our group yelled out to Bush on the screen, "Don't let the door hit you where the Good Lord split you!" to laughs all around.

One would hope that the civil and political discourse in future years is no more venomnous than that.

Then we had breakfast; good coffee.

Thanks to the gang at Dad's Kitchen and to Kim Alexander, who organized a gathering of neighbors who could become friends.

The Presidential motorcade included the armored vehicle known as "The Beast" in which was carried the leaders of the new administration. What kind of mileage must the behemoth get? Is there a hybrid? The First Couple walked along part of the route and waved to the cheering crowds. Didn't see bicyclists along the route.

As for the environment, climate change and the other challenges facing us these days, the words of the new president sounded a confidedent, but challenging note to the American people. Critics are saying that Obama promised a little something for everyone. I didn't hear him make any promises that did not involve the activism and participation of the American people.

Sacramento Tree Foundation seek volunteers to get dirty

2010-02-12T21:17:57Z

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." Since the organization manages a number of sites and many locations need attention the actual part of the urban forest needing work will not be determined until about a week before the event.

One of the benefits of participation in tree-related activities sponsored by the Sacramento Tree Foundation is that volunteers will have access to space not ordinarily open to the public and be able to experience and enjoy natural areas not usually available to the general populace. The next scheduled maintenance is Saturday, February 27 from 9 AM until noon. All training, tools, and materials are provided by the Foundation on site.

You can register for this event by emailing volunteer@sactree.com.

Recycling Rush: Is he relevant?

2009-01-29T02:52:57Z

I used to listen to Rush Limbaugh for laughs when he was on weekends on KGO in SF. Michael Savage also had a slot weekends on KGO. I never wanted to listened to Savage for laughs or any other reason.

Over the years I've heard Savage say some amazing things! If you listen between the lines; he's a greenie! I once heard him say his audience doesn't know about environmentalism because they haven't been taught. I also heard him say that a strong leader like Saddam Hussein would be a solution for Iraq. This, along with his usual nonsense.

Rush has always been wrong.

He once confused ground level ozone (bad) and the ozone layer (good). Just plain wrong. That's one example specifically. Yet, his minions say he's right (about what?)

Now the President of the United States has mentioned the R-word.

Why? Rush's national choices for office all lost. Where is Rush's credibility?

"His schtick has gotten old, and as evidenced by the last election, the country's sensibilities seem to be moving away from his viewpoints," opines Sacramento radio vet John Walker. "In the end he is an entertainer. I think he exaggerates, prods and puts on a good show."

Read more here. What say you?

Earth Day 2009: Christmas for the environment-not!

2009-04-21T14:25:25Z

A couple of bromides to ponder:

In the nineties I interviewed activist Darryl Cherney, who lives north of here. During an interview with me he said he appreciated the awareness that Earth Day engenders, but with the orgy of green consumerism each year, the day is not "Christmas for the environment."

We cannot buy ourselves into sustainability.

Amen!

Earth Day in Sacramento will be observed on Saturday, April 26th from 11-6 at Southside Park.

Organizers describe the Event as featuring "Over one hundred booths/vendors, good real food, interactive activities for all ages, and amazing performances, including Northern California reggae artists Zion Roots."

The free event is brought to you by the Environmental Council of Sacramento (ECOS) and Friends of ECOS.

As part of its activism, a few years ago, ECOS developed a 50-Year Transportation Vision, which emphasizes walking, biking, public transit, and better road maintenance on existing roads rather than new road construction or expansion.

Elsewhere in town from the news page at the website of Sacramento State:

"CSUS will celebrate Earth Day on campus with a series of events in the Library Quad from 11-2 on Wednesday, April 22.

Sponsors will offer a rock-climbing wall, door prizes including three Peak Adventure trips and a bicycle, trees from SMUD and live music from student-run radio station KSSU. Tote bags, organic fruit and water bottles will be available to the first 500 students at the event.

Guest speaker Don Lotter will be in the Orchard Suite of the University Union at 6 p.m. to discuss genetically modified foods. Don Lotter will be in Eureka Hall 107 at 7 p.m. for a screening and discussion of the movie “River of Renewal: Myth and History of the Klamath Basin.”

“This event may only take place one day a year, but it is important for us to remember that we need to nurture our planet every day,” says Kathryn Kay, Associated Students vice president of Academic Affairs."

See you at both since every day is Earth Day.

Mayor Johnson joins Sacramentans in sending condolences to Oakland

2009-03-22T20:05:53Z

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson Sunday issued this statement regarding the day of extreme violence Saturday in Oakland in which five people were killed including four OPD officers:

“Sgt, Dunakin, Sgt. Romans, Sgt. Sakai and Officer Hege dedicated their careers to protecting the City of Oakland and keeping Oakland families and neighborhoods safe. I am joining all Sacramentans in sending our prayers and condolences to their families and friends and our support to Mayor Ron Dellums, the Oakland Police Department and the residents of Oakland for this significant loss.”

Sacramento residents urged to watch for animal abuse

2009-04-07T04:31:03Z

Residents of Sacramento County (well, everyone, actually) are urged to be vigilant in the prevention of cruelty to animals. The county animal shelter notes that the down economy is affecting some animals owners who may, as a result, be neglecting or abusing their animals.

“People may have trouble paying for the care of their animals and may be getting in over their heads,” said Pat Claerbout, Animal Shelter Director. “We depend on the community to be our eyes and ears and report signs of potential animal cruelty and neglect, and we want to make sure that the animals are taken care of and are not suffering unnecessarily.”

Through the “Critter Tip” program, operated by the Shelter’s non-profit affiliate TEAM (Teaching Everyone that Animals Matter), you may be eligible for a reward of up to $500 for being the first person to report an issue.

“We are not looking to impound animals or unnecessarily penalize owners; we just want the opportunity to investigate and protect the animals,” Claerbout added. “In March alone, the Animal Shelter brought in a large number of animals rescued from neglect and abuse situations, including 66 rabbits that were taken from a private residence and 38 cats that were left abandoned at a church.”

If you observe situations that may indicate abuse or neglect, such as animals being left out in the weather every day with no shelter, or tethered to a fence or post with no food and water, be a “Critter Tipper” and contact the Sacramento County Shelter at 916-368-7387 to report the situation.

Feds set to outlaw hand-me-downs

2009-01-14T04:18:23Z

A friend in San Franciscso has written some great posts on this issue and its flip flops. (Note: flip-flops should never be re-used by a new person. This from Sacramento, the city of flip-flops.)

In my green perspective, also, we also consider re-use of items such as hand-me-downs, furniture, decorative articfacts that people acquireoutside mainstream retail environments.

I have provided links to sources on the topic. It sometimes seems as if we, as “consumers”, are encouraged to relentlessly buy, new, cheap,frequently and to not regard ethical standards such as sustainability, fair trade and corporate responsibility. We are encouraged/scared/cautionednot to re-use. Is this part of the impetus against previously-owned stuff? I don’t know; but I will bet there’s a kernel of truth to it.

However, I have written on environmental hazards in chemical exposure, so I recognize readily the concerns.

I’ve read comments that this "cosumer protection" measure is “hasty (lovely old-fashioned word) and ill-planned.

From the arguments that have been raised, I whole-heartedly agree.

Are there now 5 “R’s”? Reduce, re-use, recycle, re-mix and reconsider?

Toxic impacts of meth labs

2009-01-23T06:38:44Z

In federal agencies such as the DEA and EPA there are the bureaucratic employees and the political appointees. The two factions try their best to coexist in times of conflict. With the change of administrations on January 20th, the lines of authority apparently are not apparent.

There was a medical marijuana bust on Thursday at Tahoe.

Despite the politics involved some drug issues do not lend themselves to interpretation. One example is the continuing problem of methamphetamine use and the toxic results of its manufacture on the environment and the toxic results among the people affected by its use.

DEA says on its website, "Every pound of methamphetamine produced can yield up to five pounds in toxic waste."

Those are the cold, hard facts as far as manufacture of the drug is concerned. Meth labs are a blight (polite word) on their neighboring communities, instilling fear and apprehension among the innocent and their families. "Crack houses" are similar desolate locales. Even if they don't explode in a ball of flames, meth labs ruin their surroundings.

Urban legend? Cocoa mulch poisons dogs

2009-01-23T18:30:20Z

There have been emails going around for perhaps as many as nine years in which dog owners are urged to beware of cocoa mulch and dog poisoning. A link to a website on urban legends in usually included for reference. Those who forward the message are rightfully concerned but looking a little deeper we find that while caution is indicated; panic is not.

In 2007, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) handled 26 cases of cocoa bean mulch ingestion—a third originating in California. “Dogs are attracted to the fertilizer’s sweet smell,” says Dr. Steven Hansen, ASPCA Veterinary Toxicologist and APCC Director, “but like chocolate, cocoa bean mulch can be too much for our canine companions.”

A call to Sacramento's phone service 311 yielded no information on dog poisonings in the city and the website of Animal Care and Control also had no specific mentions about cocoa mulch.

No question about it, chocolate and other products made from cacao beans — e.g., cocoa mulch — contain substances toxic to certain animals, including both dogs and cats.

Give blood, save lives

2009-03-10T16:22:02Z

I am passing this along for a friend:

Editor:

The other day, while waiting and hoping to hear about work, I watched the symposium on health care, brilliantly facilitated by President Obama. It was an inspiring cross section of legislators and professionals from all aspects of the health care field. I do not recall watching anything like it before, and I was inspired.

But there was one thing no one mentioned.

There is a worldwide shortage of blood. Donating blood is the most selfless gesture we can make toward changing our deeply flawed health care system. Our local Blood Centers of the Pacific are working hard to change legislation and eradicate the prejudice toward gay men who want to donate.

But to everyone else...this is a call to arms. We need your blood. Close to 90% of the population can donate right now. From personal experience, when you donate, not only do you help humanity, you are enriching your own life. You feel better about yourself, and you will be a hero.

While we wait for others to make a difference in our lives, make a difference for someone else. Please begin to change our world by donating blood. It is literally the least we can do.

Jeffrey Hickey
Inverness, CA

Thanks, Jeffrey, in Sacramento get information at BloodSource.org. Blood Centers of the Pacific serves the Bay Area mostly.

Earth Day 2009: Earth Month in Sacramento

2009-04-09T17:46:09Z

Some Earth month events in and around the City of Trees:

The NATURE team of the Sacramento Tree Foundation with the help of volunteers has planted hundreds of acorns and seedlings throughout the Sacramento area. The final tree-planting at Stone Lakes Wildlife Refuge is April 18th in a location not usually accessible to the general public. This is a special place to volunteer and see some of the great wildlife around here.

Sacramento Earth Day 2009 is Sunday, April 26th at Southside Park at 8th and T Streets. It's a project of ECOS (Environmental Center of Sacramento) and Friends of ECOS.

The Sacramento Zoo observed Earth Day on April 4th.

We will update the calendar; if you have an event to post let me know.

Harry Osibin hosts Earth Witness News on radio and the Internet. Information at EarthWitnessNews.com.

Sacramento Tea Party, notes from the lawn

2009-04-16T23:00:40Z

The Tax Day Tea Party at the State Capital in Sacramento Wednesday was colorful, festive, windy and there were no crumpets in evidence. There was at least one individual dressed in colonial garb. He may or may not have been looking for redcoats.

The signage was varied in message and ranged from "Don't Take My Guns", "Keep your change" to "Take Back America" and several "Don't Tread on Me" banners. There were signs that were critical of the president and (apparently) his policies.

There was a sign reading, "Obama is the 4th beast".

A number of signs promoted small business in America.

There was live music and tables at which you could register to vote.

The Stars and Stripes was waved everywhere. This writer looked for the confederate flag and saw none. Neither was seen a peace flag nor an eco-flag. There was apparently no "counter" demonstration.

Neil Cavuto of Fox "News" spoke* as did Michael Reagan, son of the former president and California governor. Michael Reagan has a talk show on radio. So does his brother, Ron.

Mr. Cavuto estimated the crowd at about 5,000. The crowd by evidence of observation and video coverage was nearly all white.

I was told later that Mr. Cavuto adjusted the crowd figure up. My estimate was anywhere from one thousand to a million, two hundred fifty thousand.

* Editor's Note: Neil Cavuto did not officially speak at this event, he merely broadcast his show from the event.

Raise gas prices now, cut taxes

2009-03-10T16:47:13Z

No apologies, no what ifs! The American car culture is one of the hallmarks of socialism US-style. Get the oil companies off welfare; get the car off welfare.

Americans should pay the true cost of driving. And we don't, not by a mile.

Politically, this mantra is hot-wired for emotional response, citizen anger and political hari-kiri. But the argument for paying the true cost of our car habit is both complex and simple. We should drive less, find alternatives to "getting around by car", including encouraging local, private enterprise, conserve energy and fuel. This scheme is an intersection of green and libertarian ideas.

Getting the car off welfare is easier said than done. (Obvious understatement). Just wading through the various objections why we can't/won't do this is dizzying.

Americans should pay the true cost of driving. Read more.

America's most endangered rivers: The Sacramento-San Joaquin system

2009-04-07T06:13:44Z

American Rivers, a non-profit green group, annually identifies the ten most endangered rivers in North America. This year the the Sacramento-San Joaquin River System tops the list.

Material supplied by American Rivers indicates:

The largest watershed in California is on the verge of collapse, threatening the water supply for more than 26 million people, placing the capital of the nation’s most populous state at high risk of flooding, and damaging a once productive and healthy ecosystem that supported the nation’s most diverse salmon runs. Climate change, population growth, water supply demands, and endangered species listings have brought this outmoded water and flood management system to the brink. The California Department of Water Resources, and their federal partners, the Bureau of Reclamation and Army Corps of Engineers, are undertaking an overhaul of water management in the basin. Rather than repeating the mistakes of the past, such as building more and larger levees and dams, they need to invest in sustainable options that protect water supply, farms, and cities, while restoring the health of these great rivers and their estuary.

We knew this. Will the leaders lead?

Rush relevant, disregard yesterday's post!

2009-01-29T22:49:37Z

What was I thinking? Rush has the ears of at least 177 people, Big Time. Got it here.

Aside to Rauol: Christine Craft is still around.

Sac Barackomania: Bee covers haircut

2009-01-18T01:13:46Z

The Sacramento Bee showcased on its homepage Saturday a feature article on the growing popularity of the haircut sported by the soon-to-be Chief Executive.

The Bee reported that Obama's barber is known only as Zariff and says the cut costs $21. The reporter then visited numerous barbers in Sacramento to get comments from cutters about the cut. Yes, indeed, customers have come in to ask for some Barack barbering.

Since I needed a haircut for the local Inaugural festivities, I went to my barber, Master Barber Melton, who cuts hair in a shop a few doors down from a Starbucks. Isn't anyplace a few doors down from a Starbucks?

He said that customers have come in asking for the Obama cut. It's actually just a business cut. So I got the tonsorial work done, an Obama cut, and although Melton did a great job, the finished result looks way different on the President-elect than it does on me. He has more hair.

I paid less than $21 and will return in six weeks.

The barber shop, Uncle Jed's Cut Hut, has a bin for recycling newspaper and uses CFC-free spray products.

Tax Day Tea Party brewing

2009-04-14T20:01:55Z

What: Tax Day Tea Party

Where: State capitol west steps

When: 12 noon April 15th

Who: Those exercising freedom of assembly

Why: ??

Political Saturday: Obama, Shriver and KJ

2009-02-07T18:50:36Z

These are serious times, but we can pause for weekend diversions. It's first Saturday in Sacramento and most politicians are ventilating and/or raising money.

The President's weekly address is posted here.

Our state's First Lady (an odious term that should be furloughed) subs for her hub on the weekly radio show.

The mayor hasn't posted to his blog lately; he'll be in Phoenix on February 15th for...a fund raiser. Mayor Johnson has put off (for now) his accountability campaign AKA strong mayor initiative. More of the story is here:

Drive 55 and thrive, apologies to KP

2009-01-09T23:39:01Z

Here's the bit: there's this guy in Sacramento who's active in veterans rights, alternative transportation and the environment, who started this campaign called drive55.org, meaning you don't drive faster than 55 mph.

I interviewed him for my radio show and mentioned him a while back in my "Best of 2008" radio interviews which appeared here. He thinks that American motor vehicle operators should drive no faster than 55 miles-per-hour. Period. If your vehicle is human-powered (not by body fat) I guess you can go faster.

Tim Castleman is a man of patience and vision, who is taking a common sense approach to one of America's most volatile debates. In the '70s in order to preserve oil and blunt OPEC, our federal leaders passed a mandatory 55 mph speed limit into law.

Apparently the nation's vehicles did, in fact, get better mileage and save fuel. Side benefit: Highway deaths went down.

As pump prices leveled over the years and with much political wrangling, the power of the speed limit was returned to the states, which is probably just as well, constitutionally. As a consequence we are legally and illegally driving faster than 55, way faster.

But Tim Castleman is not campaigning for new laws, a constitutional amendment or anything coercive. To paraphrase, he thinks that driving no faster than 55 is the right thing to do.

He says that driving no faster than 55 mph will conserve fuel, save lives, save money, reduce some of our reliance on foreign oil, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, move us closer to true "energy indpendance" and give everyone naturally wavy hair. (Just kidding on the last one.)

By taking these measures (observing all speed limits and never exceeding 55 mph), no new technology need be introduced, no new laws need be passed, wars on multiple-fronts would be unnecessary and everyone gets to keep more of the money they earn.

The issue is neither Republican nor Democratic, liberal nor conservative, Hatfield nor McCoy, Agent versus Agent, Ranger versus Yogi, nor Grizzlies versus RiverCats. (PCL baseball reference).

Since founding drive55.org in 2008 Castleman has maintained the website, been ambushed on FOX and other right-wing media outlets and is now making available peel-away window stickers. He says, they are "removable 4 X 11 window clings for inside vehicles to warn speeders of the conservation-minded driver ahead."

Could anyone object to this simple voluntary step that costs no money?

A sage once said about tea parties

2009-04-14T20:17:26Z

At the original Boston Tea Party the protesters pretended to be Indians. In April 15th's Tea Party many of the protesters will pretend to be Americans.

Cool Cuisine comes to Sacramento in May

2009-03-31T07:00:57Z

Join chef and author Laura Stec for a night of critical discussion about the food system and climate change and take an edible tour through Laura Stec's book Cool Cuisine: Taking the Bite out of Global Warming. There will be discussions on different issues addressed in the book and a variety of seasonal, local, organic and sustainable foods will be prepared. The menu includes local honey sparkler, a platter of California cheeses and roasted vegetables, pasture-raised beef tagliata on crostini with arugula and green peppercorn tahini, carrot-daikon canápes with black olives, international stir-fry over grains three ways and high-vibe ice cream with popping chocolate gomasio. Local wines will be served to complement the menu. The event is Thursday, May 7th at the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op, 1900 Alhambra Boulevard in Sacramento. It's a benefit for the California Food and Justice Coalition.