Water and fishing:
Can cattails combat climate change? -- About 2-1/2 years ago, scientists noticed that their “big garden” of cattails in the Delta , was removing carbon dioxide, one of the greenhouse gases blamed for global warming. That revelation persuaded state and federal officials to expand the project. They are now trying to determine whether the tules and cattails could be used to combat global warming through what they call “carbon-capture” farming. AP 8/11/08
Graywater systems recycle bath, laundry water -- Gray and her husband, Larry, know their water provider, the East Bay Municipal Utility District, called for water rationing in May because of drought, but the Grays' yard will be green all summer and for years to come. When the Grays built their new two-story home, they invested in a graywater system that catches water from sinks and showers and redirects it for landscaping and gardening. Every possible drop of water the couple use — except for water from the toilets and kitchen sink water — is reused on their landscape. CC Times 8/9/08
*Recycled water project officially on tap -- Officials from Delta Diablo Sanitation District, state water agencies and the federal government joined city leaders in dedicating a project that will use recycled water on Delta View Golf Course and some city landscaping. Officials gushed that the water reuse project allows the city to maintain grassy areas in case of drought, while saving money and usable water for residents. SJ Mercury 8/11/08
*California Water War Enters New Front with the 'Battle of the Reports -- The Public Policy Institute of California released a report advocating the construction of a peripheral canal on the California Delta, while two environmental groups, EDF and NRDC, released two separate reports recommending ways to provide enough water to both restore salmon and serve California's water needs. Indy Bay 8/11/08
Fire retardant discovered in wastewater plants that discharge into the Bay -- A new fire retardant product with unknown long-term impacts on human health and the environment has been discovered in two wastewater treatment plants that discharge into San Francisco Bay, according to a scientist with the San Francisco Estuary Institute who made the find. Inside Bay Area 8/12/08
EPA Agrees to Set Beach Water Criteria By 2012 -- The association representing most of the country's municipal sewerage agencies says it is satisfied with an settlement reached Friday that ensures its members will be represented as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency develops new criteria for beach water quality. The head of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies said today he is pleased with the agreement the association reached Friday with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and Los Angeles County in litigation over new recreational water quality criteria. Environmental News Service 8/11/08
Health:
Health care costs seen rising 10 percent in 2009 -- Health care costs are expected to rise more than 10 percent into next year, according to a survey of insurers by Aon Consulting Worldwide. But that increase is the smallest Aon has seen in six years. Experts say it shows that efforts to tame costs, such as employee wellness or disease management programs, may be paying off. AP 8/11/08
Labor and immigration:
*Study looks at health of farmworkers – A MICASA study is being conducted by the University of California at Davis documenting health trends in California immigrant communities. MICASA is an acronym for "Mexican Immigration to California: Agricultural Safety and Acculturation." Such a project is vital because of the role farmworkers play in the Valley's farming economy, study coordinators and health experts say. Fresno Bee 8/11/08
Agriculture:
*Global California almond shipments soar -- Exports of California almonds soared for the marketing year just closed, according to the Almond Board of California, Modesto, Calif. Almonds soared to new all-time records, indicating continued strong global demand. Record shipments accompany the industry’s largest crop ever. 1.38 billion pounds of almonds, 24 percent more than the previous year, were harvested during 2007. Western Farm Press 8/12/08
New study cites continued regulatory cost explosion -- The California Institute for the Study of Specialty Crops has published a new study which details the continuing explosion of regulatory costs on California agriculture and specifically citrus. Since a 2006 study by the Institute an additional $12.4 million in regulatory impacts have been shouldered by citrus producers throughout California. Western Farm Press 8/12/08
Jump on agritourism wave and stay on a farm -- Call them haycations: It's a chance to spend a night or two on a working farm or ranch and enjoy the comforts of an inn or guest home while you learn about your hosts' approach to agriculture. Traditionally, they're known as farm stays. SJ Mercury 8/12/08
*Inland growers moving quickly to prepare for Asian citrus psyllid -- A tiny pest just south of the U.S. border with a taste for budding citrus trees has state agriculture officials and growers on high alert. Its arrival could mean doomsday for an industry that was worth $1.8 billion in California last year, they say. In recent weeks, the Asian citrus psyllid, an insect the size of a pea that can carry a rapidly spreading disease dubbed "greening," inched closer to California's southern border. Freshplaza 8/12/08
*Sacramento area plays big role in tomato products -- As harvests peak this summer and fall, we'll tell you about what's ripe in the Sacramento region, from farmers market favorites to food staples shipped across the globe. Nearly all are specially bred for the food industry, which churns them into everything from ketchup to pizza sauce. Around a third of the state's processing tomatoes grow within 75 miles of Sacramento, mainly in Yolo and San Joaquin counties. Our area produces 30 percent of the nation's supply. There's a bumper crop this year, around 10 percent above average. Sacramento Bee 8/12/08
Leafy greens agreement passes 500 inspections -- The California Leafy Green Products Handler Marketing Agreement has reached a milestone, completing 500 food safety inspections of its members’ growing operations in its first year. The Packer 8/12/08
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