1/13/2022
Welcome to Monitor Notes, a weekly roundup of news items, event announcements, and updates on past Bay Area Monitor articles.
Northern elephant seals were hunted until 1884 when they were presumed extinct. Fortunately, remnant populations were found, and marine protection laws established by Mexico and the United States allowed these animals to recover and return to their winter breeding grounds along the California coast.
These two males at Año Nuevo State Park are contesting beachfront property lines. Check out this video of similar action from California State Parks Twitter.
Photo: California State Parks
Bay Area League Day: February 19th, 10am
Solving for Housing
The Nexus of Housing Policy and Climate Policy
Experts estimate that California is short over 3.5 million homes. Solving for Housing tackles how best to increase housing supply while combating the existential threat of climate change. How will we provide adequate housing while doing all possible to address impending climate risks?
Save the Date: Saturday February 19th, 10am!
Plans and Postings
Air Quality Settlements
The Air District announced yesterday that Air Liquide, operators of a hydrogen plant at the San Francisco Oil Refinery in Rodeo, will pay $159,000 to settle violations that occured between 2016 and 2021. The seven different violations are for noncompliance with air-quality regulations
For more on regulating Bay Area refineries, read “Cracking Down on Refinery Emissions,” by Monitor air quality reporter Leslie Stewart.
Future of Highway 37
January 25th, 5:30pm
The Highway 37 corridor between Novato and Vallejo has long been a point of contention, and determining the route’s future requires finding solutions to chronic vehicle traffic and winter flooding while also protecting the surrounding marshlands and wildlife preserves.
Caltrans is conducting a study to identify the best solutions for the contested corridor. A virtual public meeting will be held January 25th at 5:30 to share more about the study and gather public input.
For more on Highway 37’s flooding problem, check out “Gush Hour,” by the Monitor’s transportation reporter Cecily O’Connor.
Bay Area Goings-On
Lunch with a Judge
January 20th, 12pm
The LaDoris Cordell was the first African American woman to sit on the bench of the Superior Court of Northern California. Join the League of Women Voters of San Jose/Santa Clara to hear a candid, insider’s account of the legal system, its strengths and flaws, and much-needed changes to reform the criminal justice system in America. Register for the online lunch event here.
East Bay Trail Challenge 2022
The East Bay Regional Parks District has kicked off their 29th annual self-guided trail challenge. The 2022 Guidebook includes 20 trails of varying difficulty and open to hikers, bicyclists, dogs, and equestrians. Some trails are wheelchair accessible.
Find out more, like how to complete the challenge, at the EBRPD website.
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