By Alison Hawkes

07/15/2011

A UC Davis study shows that rising acid levels in the ocean are weakening the shells of California mussels, which provide critical food and habitat to many species.

Peninsula open space district going broke

By Alison Hawkes

07/15/2011

The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is quickly running out of money, jeopardizing its ability to purchase open space.

California panel rejects boulder rampart on Ocean Beach

By Alison Hawkes

07/15/2011

A California panel has ruled that San Francisco can’t use boulders to defend Ocean Beach from pounding waves and must instead find a long term solution.

Talking “green” can win votes

By Alison Hawkes

07/14/2011

Democrats and Independents like green-talking candidates, while Republican voters are largely uninterested but not against them.

San Mateo towns ban styrofoam

By Alison Hawkes

07/13/2011

Styrofoam takeout containers are becoming an endangered species in San Mateo County as cities take up a ban on polystyrene products.

Sonoma aims for 100 percent recycling

By Alison Hawkes

07/13/2011

The county will emphasize the recycling and reuse of construction and demolition debris, which accounts for more than a quarter of the county’s waste stream

Rare earth metals under Pacific hard to get

By Alison Hawkes

07/12/2011

The high tech and hybrid vehicle market are fueling high demand for rare earth metals. But a promising stash deep under the Pacific will be all but impossible to reach, say experts.

Hunters Point environmental case cleared

By Alison Hawkes

07/12/2011

A California judge determined that toxins and asbestos leaching from the Superfund site would be properly mitigated, clearing the way for the massive redevelopment to proceed.

America’s Cup races to impact SF shoreline

By Alison Hawkes

07/12/2011

San Francisco officials expect a half million people to show up to the 2013 event. Wildlife habitat may be in danger of the trampling crowds.

Climate change is making California coast cooler, rainer

By Alison Hawkes

07/06/2011

Yearly rainfall has increased 6 percent in San Francisco over the last 30 years, a trend that matches climate change predictions. Inland, however, is heating up.

San Mateo towns ban styrofoam

07/13/2011

By Alison Hawkes

Styrofoam takeout containers are becoming an endangered species in San Mateo County. Five cities have banned polystyrene products (Burlingame, San Bruno, Pacifica, South San Francisco, and Millbrae), and three others are debating doing so (Foster City, Belmont, and San Carlos). Polystyrene is hazardous to marine life and is non-recyclable, non-biodegradable and not reusable. Some businesses, however, reject the ban on the ground that it’s inexpensive, lightweight, and a good moisture and heat insulator.[Read more- San Mateo Daily Journal].

Tags: ban, belmont, burlingame, foster city, millbrae, pacifica, polystyrene, san bruno, san carlos, san mateo county, south san francisco, styrofoam