Welcome to Monitor Notes, a weekly roundup of news items, event announcements, and updates on past Bay Area Monitor articles.
Cross That Bridge
What do you think about Golden Gate Bridge toll increases over the next five years? Let officials know during in-person and digital open houses kicking off January 30. They want input on which of five toll options should be considered for adoption this spring. The increases, potentially in effect July 1, would raise between $75 million and $100 million to meet expenses for goods and services. Read the rundown of the five options and then decide your meeting date and location.
Piece of the Action
The City of Alameda is working on its Climate Action and Resiliency Plan and wants community comments during a workshop on Saturday, January 26 between 9 a.m. and noon. Alameda’s climate action plan is intended to help lower greenhouse gas emissions, improve residents’ quality of life on the island, and make sure the city is equipped to adapt to flooding and other climate change impacts.
On the House
SPUR is examining the state’s role in changing local housing decisions during a lunchtime event this Thursday, January 24 in San Francisco. To set the stage, SPUR noted the passage of Senate Bill 35 (Wiener) in 2017 as a path toward streamlining housing approvals in cities that haven’t met targets. Hear more about the approvals process from various panelists, including Senator Wiener. The Monitor will explore one of the legislator’s more recent housing bills (SB 50) in the February edition as part of a larger story on proposed zoning changes near transit.
Be on the Lookout
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has partnered with a private environmental restoration firm that will help finance and build the 3,000-acre Lookout Slough Tidal Habitat Restoration Project, according to the agency’s blog. Lookout Slough in Solano County is a “critical site for endangered Delta smelt” and is one of the Delta’s few areas with favorable elevations for maintaining historical tidal habitats, according to DWR. When complete, Lookout Slough will be the Delta’s largest tidal habitat restoration project.
Monitor Notes is produced by Cecily O’Connor. To receive it by email, scroll to the bottom of this page, enter your email address in the box under “RECEIVE EMAIL UPDATES,” and click the red “SIGN UP” button.