CITY HALL — The City Council voted Tuesday to restrict smoking in new hotels, but held off implementing rules on multi-unit housing until staff could address concerns about privacy and compatibility with federal and state financing laws.
CITYWIDE — Santa Monica-based environmental watchdog Heal the Bay is encouraging residents across Los Angeles County to go a day without a bag Thursday as part of its effort to spread the word about the dangers of using plastic bags.
Dear EarthTalk: I know that large fish contain a lot of mercury, but where does it come from? And what are we doing to prevent this contamination? Alison Bronner Atlanta, GA Mercury in the fish we like to eat is a big problem in the United States and increasingly around the world.
CITY HALL — The Third Street Promenade is home to a diverse selection of restaurants and some of the nation’s most popular retailers. Soon it could be home to car dealerships as well.
Dear EarthTalk I heard that the less meat one eats, the better it is for the environment. How so? Jason K. Sarasota, Fla. Our meat consumption habits take a serious toll on the environment.
Dear EarthTalk Thorium is a naturally occurring element that is supposedly more available, more efficient and safer to use than uranium for generating nuclear energy.
Dear EarthTalk Given the preponderance of carcinogenic chemicals out there today, is it true that eating certain foods like garlic or onions can actually help prevent cancer? M.
Dear EarthTalk How clear (or not) are the links between the rising incidents of cancers around the world and the prevalence of synthetic chemicals in modern society? Alberto Buono Lee, Mass.
CITY HALL — Saving the Village Trailer Park is going to be an expensive proposition that could jeopardize city services or other capital projects, city officials told the City Council at its meeting Tuesday.
CITY HALL — In October, Santa Monica hosted the world’s largest electric vehicle parade, featuring almost 200 cars running silently down Main Street from City Hall.
Dear EarthTalk I drink diet soda but I’m told it’s bad for me and linked to health problems. Is this true and if so can you suggest any healthier alternatives? Mitchell James Ronkonkoma, NY While rumors have circulated for years that diet sodas are unhealthy, researchers have found no direct links b
CITY HALL — The City Council signed off on a plan to walk its sustainability talk Tuesday when it accepted the Strategy for a Sustainable Local Economy, a policy meant to “green” all aspects of the business environment in the city by the sea.
