Dear EarthTalk: Has anyone been tracking whether climate change is causing more loss of human life as it gets more pronounced? — Gordon Gould, Compton, CA Researchers believe that global warming is already responsible for some 150,000 deaths each year around the world, and fear that the number may w
DOWNTOWN — There’s the cost of going green, and then there’s the cost of letting everyone know about it. One of the largest local developers of affordable housing, Community Corporation of Santa Monica owns approximately 80 properties in the city, a combination of apartment rehabilitation and newly
CITYWIDE — Using a leaf blower within the city limits has been off limits since 1991, but a daytime walk through most neighborhoods would seem to suggest otherwise, and some residents are steamed.
Dear EarthTalk I run a sorting machine at the post office, and am worried about all the paper dust swirling around the building. I asked both management and our union if this was a health or safety problem and both said no, but I’m not sure they really know.
CITY HALL — A 112-year-old cemetery where more than 60,000 Santa Monica residents have been laid to rest could soon be open to outsiders. City officials plan to change an old ordinance that limits interment at Woodlawn Cemetery to only current residents or former Santa Monicans who lived in the city
CITY HALL — The shrinking surf camp universe in Santa Monica is getting even smaller. More than a year after City Hall instituted a new permitting system to regulate surfing instruction, dramatically decreasing the presence of camps on the beach, the number of licensed companies is slated to go down
Dear EarthTalk What is the status of Hawaiian monk seals and how will the new national monument designation in the waters around the Hawaiian Islands affect them? Polly LaBarre New York, NY Easily exploited by hunters, whalers and fishermen in the 19th century, Hawaiian monk seals essentially never
OCEAN PARK BLVD — A newly planted pine tree will be the center of a ceremony today celebrating Earth Day and National Arbor Day. City officials and students and faculty from the Art Institutes of California at Los Angeles and Hollywood are attending this public event.
CITY HALL — A significant number of employees are no longer participating in a rideshare program that provides free transit passes to those who choose not to drive to work, according to figures released by City Hall.
CITY HALL — Facing a tight deadline to get financing matters in order, city officials have released a prioritized list of major construction projects that could receive a chunk of redevelopment money.
Dear EarthTalk I don’t understand why there are many European diesel cars with very high mileage ratings that are not available in the U.S. Can you enlighten? John Healy Fairfield, CT Different countries do have differing standards in regard to how much pollution gasoline and diesel automobile engin
CITY HALL — A proposal to extend an existing ordinance that permits certain large projects if developers promise public benefits is receiving resistance from neighborhood groups.
