CITY HALL – The City Council threw its weight behind a movement to overturn the 2010 Supreme Court decision which allowed unlimited corporate money into public elections.
CITY HALL — The City Council gave the go ahead to explore building a parking structure next to the Santa Monica Pier, although members cautioned staff to pay attention to the structure’s aesthetics and to avoid creating a traffic snarl in nearby neighborhoods.
Dear EarthTalk I understand that mining was just banned in the Grand Canyon and environs. Why is that an important victory for the environment? Michael McAllister Reno, Nev.
Dear EarthTalk American farmers are an aging population. Is anyone doing anything to make sure younger people are taking up this profession in large enough numbers to keep at least some of our food production domestic? Beverly Smith Milwaukee, Wisc.
CITYWIDE — Santa Monica’s plastic bag ban is going strong one year after the City Council passed an ordinance ending the reign of single use plastic bags in the city.
Dear EarthTalk Can you fill me in on what the “Just Label It” campaign is and what it is trying to accomplish? Eric Altieri Columbus, Ohio Just Label It is an effort spearheaded by organic farmers and food producers, consumer and public health advocates and environmentalists to persuade the federal
Dear EarthTalk I’m in the market for a new pair of skis. Are there skis being made today that are made with materials and processes that are kinder to the environment? Scott Paxton Rutland, VT Yes, in fact ski (and snowboard) manufacturers may be among the greenest sporting goods industries out ther
Dear EarthTalk I was in Los Angeles recently and the smog was not nearly as bad as when I visited 15 years ago. Is it really better now, and if so, how did it get that way? Or did I just happen to visit on a good day? Marjorie Hicke Atlanta, GA Los Angeles is almost as famous for its choking smog-a
Dear EarthTalk I read that car makers had agreed to up fuel economy standards to an average of about 55 miles per gallon by the year 2025, and that specifics were due to be hammered out by the end of 2011.
Editor’s note: This story is part of an ongoing series that tracks the city’s expenditures appearing on upcoming Santa Monica City Council consent agendas.
Dear EarthTalk Is it true that Bisphenol A (BPA)-which is harmful to human health-was found to be present in retail cash register receipts and that, since those receipts get recycled, the chemical may also be present in toilet paper and other paper products? Jocelyn Mitchell via e-mail Many of us al
CITY HALL — Not since the iconic “hope” image of then presidential candidate Barack Obama burst onto the radar of popular culture four years ago have stickers made such a statement.
