Welcome to Monitor Notes, a weekly roundup of news items, event announcements, and updates on past Bay Area Monitor articles.
Smoke-Filled Event
Head to a January 23 Climate One evening discussion in San Francisco asking, “Is California’s Climate Progress Going up in Smoke?” California has been at the forefront of the U.S. climate fight, helping lead the way when Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed AB 32 (Pavley), the country’s first major climate law in 2006. Yet wildfires are hindering the state’s progress because they release high amounts of carbon. A 2019 report from think tank Next 10 even warned the state will meet its 2030 goals 30 years late if the current pace of emissions reductions holds. On tap to discuss California’s role and actions as a climate leader are Director of the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research Kate Gordon (pictured) and Next 10 founder F. Noel Perry. They’ll talk about ideas for how California can reach its goals as the federal government doubles down on fossil fuels. Click here for tickets and event details.
*Sponsored Announcement*
The Oakland Museum Women’s Board invites you to the 2020 White Elephant Preview Sale on Sunday, January 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Click the elephant for more information.
Degrees of the College Housing Crisis
There are a couple of student-focused housing discussions to study this month. On Tuesday, January 14 at 12:30 p.m. in Oakland, SPUR is hosting Mills College Vice President for Strategic Partnerships Renée Jadushlever (pictured) and other speakers to explain how institutions are tackling apartment shortages faced by a growing body of students in the challenging Bay Area housing market. A few days later on January 17 at 12:30 p.m. in San Jose, a SPUR discussion will explore efforts by the San Jose Conservation Corps to legalize “tiny homes on wheels.” These are portable living units parked in single-family home backyards, helping put a roof over the heads of students experiencing housing insecurity.
Footloose and Car-Free
In just three weeks, San Francisco’s Market Street will be closed to cars, a move expected to help one of the City’s most collision-prone thoroughfares better prioritize safety and public transit. The car-free area, which also applies to Uber and Lyft, spans eastbound from 10th to Main and westbound from Steuart to Van Ness. Market Street’s makeover is one of many “quick build” projects being implemented this year on the “high-injury network.” That’s an area made up of streets where engineering improvements can help lower traffic-related fatalities and injuries, a citywide priority carried out through Vision Zero. Cross this link for more information on car changes starting January 29, including which vehicles are still allowed to traverse Market. Then, read about other City streets where quick-build efforts are advancing.
*Your Message Here*
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Portfolio Review
State agencies are circulating the newly released draft Water Resilience Portfolio and are looking for feedback on recommendations conceived to help the state deal with droughts and floods, rising temperatures, declining fish populations, and aging infrastructure. Fulfilling the governor’s executive order, agencies brainstormed 100 separate ideas to help regions build water resilience in four areas: maintain and diversify water supplies; protect and enhance natural systems; build connections; and lastly, be prepared. You can submit public comment about the draft to [email protected] through February 7. A final portfolio version is expected later; visit the state’s website for more details.
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