(received from: Grace marvin)
Last Friday, House Republicans proposed a FY2011 Continuing Resolution that would result in huge cuts to international voluntary family planning programs around the world. The proposed budget would eliminate funding for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), as well as reimpose the Global Gag Rule, thus cutting off funding to clinics and healthcare centers around the world that provide women with comprehensive reproductive health services and access to contraception. The proposal would even cut funding for domestic programs that ensure access to family planning for low-income women and young people.
The ability to plan the timing and spacing of one's children is not only a human right, but also has positive ramifications for women, communities, and our planet. When women have access to family planning services, they tend to have smaller, healthier, better-educated families, and are better able to participate in sustainable resource management within communities. When children are healthier and families are healthier, our earth is healthier. In a year when the world's population is slated to hit 7 billion people, we can not afford to cut off contraceptive access and voluntary family planning services to women anywhere.
Ensuring access to voluntary family planning is the best way to slow population growth, while at the same time empowering women and improving community and environmental health. Call or write your decision makers TODAY and encourage them to reject these devastating funding cuts. To speak with your representative in Washington, call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121. If you do not know your representative's name, provide your zip code and you will be transferred to their office.
Thank you for taking action to prevent this harmful resolution. Women around the world - and our planet - will thank you.
from: Sierra Club Pop News
408 C Street
NE Washington DC 20002
population@sierraclub.org
Thursday, February 17, 2011
EPA looks at Delta stressors
(received from Grace Marvin)
U.S. EPA LAUNCHES EFFORT TO ANALYZE STRESSORS ON THE DELTA
This week the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it will begin an investigation of the pollutants harming the water quality of the Bay Delta ecosystem. The review will focus on several broad areas, including agricultural pesticides, pharmaceutical, discharge from waste treatment facilities, salinity and other chemicals that make their way into the fragile estuary.
The EPA effort, called an "advance notice of proposed rulemaking," comes in response to a 2009 directive by the Obama administration to do more on Delta problems. Much to the chagrin of some stakeholder groups, the EPA does not intend to coordinate this effort as a subset of the Bay Delta Conversation Plan (BDCP); rather, it will be a complementary scientific-analysis of the stressors to water quality harming the Delta ecosystem. Speaking to the importance of this report, Jared Blumenfeld, EPA regional administrator, stated "This, for the first time, tries to look holistically and say, 'What should be done that isn't being done, and are there things EPA should do that we're not.'
from: PLANNING AND CONSERVATION LEAGUE
1107 9th Street, Suite 360, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone (916) 444-8726 • Fax (916) 448-1789
pclmail@pcl.org • http://www.pcl.org/ • http://www.pclfoundation.org/
U.S. EPA LAUNCHES EFFORT TO ANALYZE STRESSORS ON THE DELTA
This week the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it will begin an investigation of the pollutants harming the water quality of the Bay Delta ecosystem. The review will focus on several broad areas, including agricultural pesticides, pharmaceutical, discharge from waste treatment facilities, salinity and other chemicals that make their way into the fragile estuary.
The EPA effort, called an "advance notice of proposed rulemaking," comes in response to a 2009 directive by the Obama administration to do more on Delta problems. Much to the chagrin of some stakeholder groups, the EPA does not intend to coordinate this effort as a subset of the Bay Delta Conversation Plan (BDCP); rather, it will be a complementary scientific-analysis of the stressors to water quality harming the Delta ecosystem. Speaking to the importance of this report, Jared Blumenfeld, EPA regional administrator, stated "This, for the first time, tries to look holistically and say, 'What should be done that isn't being done, and are there things EPA should do that we're not.'
from: PLANNING AND CONSERVATION LEAGUE
1107 9th Street, Suite 360, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone (916) 444-8726 • Fax (916) 448-1789
pclmail@pcl.org • http://www.pcl.org/ • http://www.pclfoundation.org/
CEQA under attack (again)
(received from Grace Marvin)
The Planning and Conservation League
PCL INSIDER: News from the Capitol
NEW CEQA BILL AIMS TO HIJACK THE PUBLIC’S VOICE AND PLACE OUR COMMUNITIES AT RISK
Yesterday, Senator Anthony Cannella (R-Ceres) introduced Senate Bill 241, a bill designed to revoke judicial oversight of the environmental review process for 25 new development and transportation projects each year for five years. These 125 projects would receive a free pass to violate California’s premier environmental law – the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) – by sidestepping the judicial review process designed to ensure developers are accountable for the impacts and the required mitigation of their projects. This would also mean Californians would be unnecessarily exposed to environmental and health impacts and be denied the opportunity to have a say in the future of their communities.
Unfortunately, this new attack on CEQA is not surprising. Previously rejected bad CEQA bills have a way of resurrecting themselves during budget negotiations and new legislative sessions. Whether it be a special exemption for Wal-Mart, or other big-box stores, or a massive football stadium in downtown Los Angeles, or granting a state agency the authority to hand-pick 125 project exemptions, there is a reason these projects do not want to be held accountable. Without CEQA protections, local residents would have no means to prevent the development of new toxic power plants, waste incinerators, or loud, traffic stopping football stadiums near their schools and neighborhoods.
To join the coalition of over the effort of a coalition over 150 (and growing!) environmental and justice groups, housing advocates, businesses and community leaders, and receive the latest CEQA news, please e-mail PCL’s Jena Price.
from: PLANNING AND CONSERVATION LEAGUE
1107 9th Street, Suite 360, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone (916) 444-8726 • Fax (916) 448-1789
pclmail@pcl.org • http://www.pcl.org/ • http://www.pclfoundation.org/
The Planning and Conservation League
PCL INSIDER: News from the Capitol
NEW CEQA BILL AIMS TO HIJACK THE PUBLIC’S VOICE AND PLACE OUR COMMUNITIES AT RISK
Yesterday, Senator Anthony Cannella (R-Ceres) introduced Senate Bill 241, a bill designed to revoke judicial oversight of the environmental review process for 25 new development and transportation projects each year for five years. These 125 projects would receive a free pass to violate California’s premier environmental law – the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) – by sidestepping the judicial review process designed to ensure developers are accountable for the impacts and the required mitigation of their projects. This would also mean Californians would be unnecessarily exposed to environmental and health impacts and be denied the opportunity to have a say in the future of their communities.
Unfortunately, this new attack on CEQA is not surprising. Previously rejected bad CEQA bills have a way of resurrecting themselves during budget negotiations and new legislative sessions. Whether it be a special exemption for Wal-Mart, or other big-box stores, or a massive football stadium in downtown Los Angeles, or granting a state agency the authority to hand-pick 125 project exemptions, there is a reason these projects do not want to be held accountable. Without CEQA protections, local residents would have no means to prevent the development of new toxic power plants, waste incinerators, or loud, traffic stopping football stadiums near their schools and neighborhoods.
To join the coalition of over the effort of a coalition over 150 (and growing!) environmental and justice groups, housing advocates, businesses and community leaders, and receive the latest CEQA news, please e-mail PCL’s Jena Price.
from: PLANNING AND CONSERVATION LEAGUE
1107 9th Street, Suite 360, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone (916) 444-8726 • Fax (916) 448-1789
pclmail@pcl.org • http://www.pcl.org/ • http://www.pclfoundation.org/
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Bioneers Video Series 2011
(received from Susan Wooldridge)
Presented by the Chico Women's Club - http://www.chicowomensclub.net/
Join us at the Club House on February 10, 17 & 24, 2011 for the 2010 Bioneers Conference 3-part video series from 7-9 PM. Voices from the leading edge of the environmental movement on the big screen. Suggested donation $2-5 (Students free). For local information, please call 530-345-5560. A few words from local organizers are here. Visit http://www.bioneers.org/ for information on the upcoming 2011 Bioneers Conference.
Presented by the Chico Women's Club - http://www.chicowomensclub.net/
Join us at the Club House on February 10, 17 & 24, 2011 for the 2010 Bioneers Conference 3-part video series from 7-9 PM. Voices from the leading edge of the environmental movement on the big screen. Suggested donation $2-5 (Students free). For local information, please call 530-345-5560. A few words from local organizers are here. Visit http://www.bioneers.org/ for information on the upcoming 2011 Bioneers Conference.
- Thursday, February 10, 7:00 PM: Local Food Economies
Gary Hirshberg, CEO Stoneyfield Organic Yogurt: From 7 Cows to Values-Based Profitability; Peter Warshall, Dreaming New Mexico Project: Communities Redesigning Foodsheds; Judy Wicks, Local Food Pioneer/Restaurateur: Local Living Economies: Green, Fair and Fun - Thursday, February 17, 7:00 PM: Navigating Our Future
John Warner, Green Chemist: How a Creator of New Molecules Went Green; Elizabeth Kapu'uwailani Lindsey, Anthropologist: Navigating by Indigenous, Ecological Wisdom; Video short: Four Years Go!; Kenny Ausubel, Co-Founder Bioneers: The Shift is About to Hit the Fan; Discussion led by Rosemary Quinn - Thursday, February 24, 7:00 PM: Ramp It Up! Strategic Organizing
Andy Lipkis, Founder L.A.'s TreePeople: Urban Oases: Vibrant Communities/Living Ecosystems; Mary Gonzales, Gamaliel Foundation: Finding Your Inner Agitator/Trainer/Strategist; John Francis, PhD/PlanetWalker: 22 Years of Walking, 17 Years of Silence
Friday, February 11, 2011
Wetlands Oxidation Ponds Grand Opening!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Phil Johnson
570-7139
ptjptj@gmail.com
Wetlands Oxidation Ponds Grand Opening!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
10AM – 1PM
Come enjoy a supreme wildlife habitat area. In Chico!
The City of Chico has a recently re-engineered its wetlands/oxidation pond area. The Altacal Audubon Society and the Sacramento River Preservation Trust would like to invite you to celebrate this wonderful improvement for wildlife. The grand opening and dedication is on Saturday, February 19 from 10am to 1pm.
Altacal Audubon President Scott Huber says: “Chico’s wildlife refuge is within reach of our downtown. We used to have to travel to get a glimpse of the incredible diversity of bird species that are now thriving within our City limits.” When asked about the relationship of the ponds to the wastewater plant, located adjacent to the ponds, Scott continued, “The wildlife habitat is so well integrated you might not know the plant was there.” The ponds and surrounding trees are home to Great Horned Owls, Snowy Egrets, ducks, geese, turtle and much more - all have a renewed and expanded area in which to thrive and share.
The 32 acres of ponds (located at 4827 River Road) has seen veteran birders come for 40 years; its recent expansion and re-design’s main objective is to invite the public to experience the abundance of waterfowl for both education and recreation. The ponds have been re-vegetated with native plants that are typically found in original Sacramento Valley wetlands. New to the ponds is a bird blind, various water depths to attract a wider variety of shorebirds, waders and water birds. Loafing islands have been placed where waterfowl can socialize and nest with a reduced risk of predation. An easily accessed and expanded parking area includes an approved Americans with Disability Act (ADA) accessibility trail going right up to the ponds.
From 10am to1pm, guided walks will commence every half hour and will be led by Altacal-Audubon President, Scott Huber and Altacal member, Phil Johnson. The morning festivities include a visit from Marilynn Gamette and her Bidwell wildlife rehabilitated owl, Checkers.
At 12:00PM there will be a Wetlands Oxidation Ponds dedication.
The ponds are located at 4827 River Road, 3.5 mile out W. 5th Street (toward the river) and behind the the Water Pollution Control Plant.
The hours of operation for the wetlands oxidation ponds are daily: 7am to 7pm, October thru March. Starting in April and through September, hours will expand from 7am to 9pm daily.
Contact: Phil Johnson
570-7139
ptjptj@gmail.com
Wetlands Oxidation Ponds Grand Opening!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
10AM – 1PM
Come enjoy a supreme wildlife habitat area. In Chico!
The City of Chico has a recently re-engineered its wetlands/oxidation pond area. The Altacal Audubon Society and the Sacramento River Preservation Trust would like to invite you to celebrate this wonderful improvement for wildlife. The grand opening and dedication is on Saturday, February 19 from 10am to 1pm.
Altacal Audubon President Scott Huber says: “Chico’s wildlife refuge is within reach of our downtown. We used to have to travel to get a glimpse of the incredible diversity of bird species that are now thriving within our City limits.” When asked about the relationship of the ponds to the wastewater plant, located adjacent to the ponds, Scott continued, “The wildlife habitat is so well integrated you might not know the plant was there.” The ponds and surrounding trees are home to Great Horned Owls, Snowy Egrets, ducks, geese, turtle and much more - all have a renewed and expanded area in which to thrive and share.
The 32 acres of ponds (located at 4827 River Road) has seen veteran birders come for 40 years; its recent expansion and re-design’s main objective is to invite the public to experience the abundance of waterfowl for both education and recreation. The ponds have been re-vegetated with native plants that are typically found in original Sacramento Valley wetlands. New to the ponds is a bird blind, various water depths to attract a wider variety of shorebirds, waders and water birds. Loafing islands have been placed where waterfowl can socialize and nest with a reduced risk of predation. An easily accessed and expanded parking area includes an approved Americans with Disability Act (ADA) accessibility trail going right up to the ponds.
From 10am to1pm, guided walks will commence every half hour and will be led by Altacal-Audubon President, Scott Huber and Altacal member, Phil Johnson. The morning festivities include a visit from Marilynn Gamette and her Bidwell wildlife rehabilitated owl, Checkers.
At 12:00PM there will be a Wetlands Oxidation Ponds dedication.
The ponds are located at 4827 River Road, 3.5 mile out W. 5th Street (toward the river) and behind the the Water Pollution Control Plant.
The hours of operation for the wetlands oxidation ponds are daily: 7am to 7pm, October thru March. Starting in April and through September, hours will expand from 7am to 9pm daily.
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