San Francisco mayor says speed limits should be lowered

By Alison Hawkes

02/23/2011

SF Streetsblog sat down with new San Francisco mayor Ed Lee to talk peddles and feet. Lee, who describes himself as an occasional MUNI rider, stunned transit activists recently when he said the beleaguered transit system is doing fine. But in the one-on-one he took the side of pedestrians and cyclists in questioning how fast cars should speed down city streets in order to lower pedestrian injuries. Currently the posted limits are 25 to 30 mph, and Lee said the better signpost might be 15 mph. [SF Streetsblog San Francisco]

Enviro review of SF’s America’s Cup race begins tonight

By Alison Hawkes

02/23/2011

San Francisco’s efforts to fast-track environmental review of the 2013 America’s Cup plans is slated for public review Wednesday and Thursday evenings. The city hopes to finalize the environmental study by the fall, with written comments due by March 11. Tonight’s meeting: Board of Supes chamber, City Hall, 6:30pm. Thursday night: Port of San Francisco, Pier One, 6:30. Be there. [San Francisco Business Times]

How to keep plants alive during cold blitz

By Alison Hawkes

02/23/2011

With frigid temperatures about to hit — and maybe even snow! — Bay Area gardeners should be extra careful about protecting all those tropical and subtropical plants that normally find this region hospitable. Some tips: Move frost-sensitive plants in containers inside the house or garage, water the soil around the base since hydrated plants are less susceptible to freezing, drape old sheets or blankets over plants, or place small plants in cardboard boxes with a lid that can open during the warmer daytime. [San Jose Mercury News]

Saltworks project in Redwood City could jam Hwy 101

By Alison Hawkes

02/23/2011

The Saltworks project in Redwood City has been deluged with environmental concerns over the destruction of bay lands. A new report from a city consultant legitimizes another complaint over increased traffic. The report predicts an added 6,000 to 7,000 vehicles during rush hour, largely on Highway 101. [San Jose Mercury News]

Wind turbine to power water recycling plant in Antioch

By Alison Hawkes

02/23/2011

The Delta town of Antioch is looking to put up a wind turbine to power a water recycling plant. However, the project is not widely accepted. Some complain that views will be obstructed by the 327-foot high structure, while others believe the blades might endanger birds. [Oakland Tribune]

Unsung hero of Bay Area green waste

By Victoria Schlesinger

02/22/2011

For more than ten years the local company Bayview Greenwaste has been collecting tree branches, palms, and bamboo and turning them into mulch. The kicker is the company then gives it away for free and has provided soil for umpteen Bay Area urban agriculture projects, including Hayes Valley Farm, Urban Edibles, and public schools with the Urban Sprouts program. [Grist]

Brewing storm could bring snow to San Francisco

By Victoria Schlesinger

02/22/2011

The National Weather Service is speculating that a bitter cold front moving toward the Bay Area could bring snow not only to the region’s peaks, but to elevations as low as downtown this weekend. The last time San Francisco city streets saw snow was in 1976. On the bright side, expect a rain reprieve early this week. [Press Democrat]

Government investigates Toyota Highlander 2006 hybrid

By Victoria Schlesinger

02/22/2011

Owners of the popular SUV Toyota Highlander 2006 have reported the hybrid car’s engine stalls when it hits speeds of 40 mph or faster. So far no injuries have been reported. Last week the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began a preliminary investigation into more than 40,000 vehicles. [San Francisco Chronicle]

Little chance of Mavericks surfing contest

By Victoria Schlesinger

02/22/2011

Swells big enough to host the annual Jay at Maverick’s Big Wave Invitational during its designated window of time just have not arrived on the San Mateo County coast this year. The potential contest period began December 1 and will close February 28, and contest organizers say, quite literally, there are no swells on the horizon. [SF Appeal]

Wolverine watch

By Victoria Schlesinger

02/21/2011

While enjoying the fresh snow in Tahoe this holiday weekend you may have had a brush with an elusive and lone critter: the wolverine. A very large weasel-like creature not normally found in the Sierra’s has been living in the forests north of Donner Summit for the past three years. Today’s Sacramento Bee has a great update on the beastie’s status. [Sacramento Bee]

Becoming Andy Goldsworthy for a day

12/10/2010

By Victoria Schlesinger

Andy Goldsworthy's "Spire" in the Presidio. Photo courtesy of the NPS.

A few weeks ago, we explored the Wonderlandesque outdoor art exhibit, Presidio Habitats, sprinkled along walking trails in the park. To help nascent artists (particularly families) get their Andy Goldsworthy on, the national park is hosting a build-your-own nature sculptor event this Saturday at Rob Hill campground from 10 am to 2 pm.

Craft a fox den, your dream fort, an offering to Gaia, a birdhouse or whatever you can conjure up using pine cones, stones, and other park stuff. Though don’t get too attached to your master piece, or plan on bringing a camera. It’ll have to be dismantled by day’s end.

The event is free and look here for more info.

Tags: andy goldsworthy, event, outdoor art, presidio national park, sculpture