Solar power used for toxic clean-up

By Alison Hawkes

02/24/2011

Solar power can be used for so many things these days, why not toxic clean-up? At a Superfund Site in Davis, California, state and federal officials have installed a solar panel system to heat up electrical rods used to pump and filter tainted groundwater from an old pesticide dumping pond. The project marks the first time such a water treatment system will get 100 percent of its fuel from the sun. [San Francisco Chronicle]

Cockfighting found in seven Bay Area counties

By Victoria Schlesinger

02/24/2011

New data on cockfighting in California has revealed that in 34 of the state’s 58 counties law enforcement was called regarding the illegal practice, and that some 20,000 fighting birds were found, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Seven Bay Area counties were among those listed: Sonoma, Napa, Contra Costa, Alameda, San Mateo, and Santa Clara. [California Watch]

Report says to let some fish die to save Delta ecosystem

By Alison Hawkes

02/24/2011

A leading California think tank proposes letting some fish species die off in order to save the larger Delta ecosystem. The report by the Public Policy Institute of California states that some species — notably the Delta smelt — may be too far gone to save. The plan also suggests a 30 percent cut to urban water use, which would affect Bay Area communities, but no comparable demands for agriculture to conserve. Fish populations have taken a nosedive in the Delta for a variety of reasons, including the exporting of water for farms and consumers. [Bay Area News Group via [...]

Young salmon to be saved by underwater disco-ball

By Alison Hawkes

02/24/2011

How do you save a young Delta salmon from stronger, hungrier predator fish? The California Department of Water Resources has come up with a novel, disco-ball solution. They’re creating an experimental “bubble barrier” that will shoot out a sheet of bubbles, strobe lights, and sound to deter the young fish from detouring down a channel that’s become a death trap of prowling striped bass. That way, they’ll swim safely to the San Francisco Bay where open waters will present the next challenge in their hopes for old age. [Associated Press via San Mateo Daily Journal]

Counties want state to pay for storm water pollution

By Victoria Schlesinger

02/24/2011

San Mateo and Alameda Counties have teamed up to protest the state’s storm water pollution requirements, which it implemented in 2009. The counties argue that because the new requirements – a 40 percent reduction of trash in storm drains by 2014 – exceed those of the Clean Water Act, the state should provide additional funds, particularly during hard economic times. [The San Francisco Examiner]

Peninsula cities saving money with switch to LED street lights

By Alison Hawkes

02/24/2011

Cities in the Peninsula have started replacing traditional street lights with LEDs with funding from the California Energy Commission. Foster City will save an estimated $17,600 a year in energy costs and 74,000 pounds of greenhouse gases as it replaces 260 street lights. But not all towns like the LED look. The bluish florescence can be a bit off-putting, so PG&E is looking for lights with a warmer-tone. [San Francisco Examiner]

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]

Government investigates Toyota Highlander 2006 hybrid

02/22/2011

By Victoria Schlesinger

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]

Tags: investigation, recall, toyota highlander hybrid 2006