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.
CITY HALL — In the two years since residents were interviewed about their perceptions of the city, little has changed. Homelessness and congestion remain among the top challenges facing Santa Monica, while the lack of affordable housing and parking are still troublesome to many, according to a City
Dear EarthTalk: Aren’t orangutans seriously threatened by the cutting down of forests? — Nick Chermayeff, Greenwich, CT Deforestation is indeed the primary threat to the orangutan, a species of great ape known for its keen intelligence and the fact that it’s the largest animal to live primarily in t
CITY HALL — The Santa Monica Treesavers scored a victory on Tuesday when the City Council voted to establish a new task force that would advise on the development of an urban forest master plan.
Dear EarthTalk Are elephant populations stable these days? Reuben Perrin Hartford, CT Far from it. The double whammy of poaching (illegal hunting) and habitat loss has led to a dramatic decline in populations of both African and Asian elephants in recent decades.
OCEAN PARK BEACH — Actress Tanna Frederick remembers the first time she got up on a wave. She was learning to sail and decided on a whim to try surfing as well — one less thing between her and the “amazing playground” the native Iowan had found in the ocean.
CITY HALL — After hearing a flood of concerns from residents in the Pico Neighborhood over the proposed placement of a light rail maintenance yard near homes, Santa Monica city officials will begin exploring alternative locations.
CITY HALL — Santa Monica might be one of the most environmentally-conscious cities in the country, but the community’s own public transit agency was recently hit with a $21,000 fine for some eco-unfriendly practices.
Dear EarthTalk: I am looking at possibly buying a house that is very close to a gasoline station. Is it safe to live so close to a gas station? What concerns should I have? I have toddler and infant babies.
CITY HALL — Concerned about the environmental impact of harsh dry cleaning chemicals, city officials are considering developing regulations that would force local shop owners to use non-toxic solvents and green methods.
