CITY HALL — City officials remained silent as the Airport Commission hosted a series of presentations Monday night examining how flights at Santa Monica Airport could be reduced or altogether ended and what could be done with the land afterward.
Editor’s note: This story is part of an ongoing series that tracks the city’s expenditures appearing on upcoming City Council consent agendas. Consent agenda items are routinely passed by the council with little or no discussion from elected officials or the public.
Dear EarthTalk: I’ve heard that many air fresheners contain toxic chemicals. Are there any green-friendly, non-toxic air fresheners out there, or how can I make my own? Jenny Rae Bolton, Mass.
CITYWIDE — Santa Monica’s environmental efforts were recognized April 17 when City Hall received the 2012 Siemens Sustainable Community Award in the midsize community category.
A pet groomer that turns discarded dog fur into clothing and a huge chain hotel that rewards guests who drive hybrid cars are among the winners of this year’s Sustainable Quality Awards.
Dear EarthTalk: What is “pesticide drift” and should I be worried about it? — Nicole Kehoe, Burlington, VT If you live near a big farm or an otherwise frequently manicured landscape, “pesticide drift” — drifting spray and dust from pesticide applications — could be an issue for you and yours.
Dear EarthTalk: How is it that dams actually hurt rivers? — Missy Davenport, Boulder, Colo. Dams are a symbol of human ingenuity and engineering prowess-controlling the flow of a wild rushing river is no small feat.
Dear EarthTalk: I understand that there are a number of bills before Congress right now that seek to turn over public lands to destructive commercial and recreational activity.
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.
