State court verdict on plastic bag bans opens further debate

By Alison Hawkes

07/26/2011

Both sides of the plastic vs. paper debate are claiming victory in a California Supreme Court decision on banning plastic bags.

Marin streamlines greywater recycling

By Alison Hawkes

07/26/2011

Marin County is making it easier for residents to install greywater recycling systems. No permits are needed for systems that handle 250 gallons or less a day.

San Francisco launching clean power program

By Alison Hawkes

07/26/2011

San Francisco’s seven year effort to start a clean power program could begin as early as next June. Success will depend on whether residents choose to pay an extra $7 a month on PG&E electric bills.

Midpen open space agency getting more cash

By Alison Hawkes

07/26/2011

California Gov. Jerry Brown signed a law that allows the cash-strapped agency to extend its debt capacity. Midpen will get an additional $5 million for open space purchases.

First time farmers get help from USDA

By Victoria Schlesinger

07/25/2011

The Chronicle’s Tara Duggan is doing a great series on small-scale farms. She delves into efforts by the USDA to encourage “new farmers to get in the field.” [Read more - San Francisco Chronicle]

Brown’s invite-only clean energy conference

By Victoria Schlesinger

07/25/2011

A two-day, invite-only conference to flesh out California Governor Jerry Brown’s plans to reach 20,000 MW of new renewable energy in the state by 2020 began today. With the budget fight behind him, Brown says clean energy is his first priority. [Read more - San Jose Mercury News]

CA high-speed rail may grind to a hault

By Victoria Schlesinger

07/25/2011

As Congress wrestles over the national debt, funding for California’s ambitious statewide high-speed rail system is on the chopping block. House Republicans have removed all monies for the project and reports from a panel reviewing the plan have questioned the viability of its business plan. [read more - California Watch]

San Francisco revises cell phone radiation disclosure

By Alison Hawkes

07/20/2011

San Francisco abandoned a requirement that all cell phone sellers display radiation levels on phone models, replacing it with a mandate for general safety information.

San Francisco slates cash to Central Subway project

By Alison Hawkes

07/20/2011

The future of San Francisco’s Central Subway project is uncertain, but the city has nevertheless approved $57 million towards the project.

Group sues to halt Treasure Island project

By Alison Hawkes

07/20/2011

A group calling itself Citizens for a Sustainable Treasure Island is suing San Francisco on the basis that the city did not adequately assess the environmental impacts of the project.

Rainfall leads to flood watch

02/17/2011

By Victoria Schlesinger

Today’s torrent of rain has San Francisco officials keeping a close eye on possible flooding, and caused the city’s zoo to close three hours early to ensure the animals are all on high ground. More than an inch of rain has fallen here in the last 24 hours, according to the National Weather Service, but shower are expected to lighten tonight. On the bright side, Tahoe ski resorts are preparing for a weekend of fresh powder. [San Francisco Chronicle]

Tags: flooding, rain, snow, storm