2/3/2022
Welcome to Monitor Notes, a weekly roundup of news items, event announcements, and updates on past Bay Area Monitor articles.
Groundhog Day in the Bay Area might better be called Beaver Day. The largest rodent endemic to the region (yes they are native, but 18th and 19th century trapping efforts nearly removed them from the region entirely) is known for its wildfire prevention and drought mitigation. Pictured here is one in Tulocay creek, a tributary of the Napa river. Beavers have returned to a number of urban creeks in recent years, improving ecological diversity and water quality.
Photo: Rusty Cohn
In Case You Missed It:
Transportation Transformation
A new Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) advisory group tasked with evaluating governance reforms met for the first time on January 10 amid pressure to create a cohesive regional transit system that people would use for more trips.
Read More from Cecily O’Connor at the Bay Area Monitor.
Photo: SFMTA
Bay Area League Day
February 19th, 10am
Solving for Housing
The Nexus of Housing Policy and Climate Policy
From Bay Area League board member Kathleen Cha:
Recognizing that Bay Area is in the midst of a severe housing shortage and climate crisis underscored by inequities, and that cities and counties must update their Housing Element strategies in 2022, it is an opportune time for League members to learn more about tomorrow’s landscape for resilient housing decision-making and what we can do to be part of a solution.
Learn how leading environmental and housing advocates are coming together to create a more resilient California with nature-based solutions for how we use our land and equitably grow our cities. Hear state and regional experts discuss the housing landscape in 2022–what’s happening now and on the horizon regarding policy, legislation and housing elements, exploring critical actions being taken to increase housing affordability and availability for all, while also addressing climate challenges.
Register here, and check out the Bay Area League’s website for the full agenda
Featured Speaker:
Amanda-Browns Stevens
Amanda has overseen the development of a new mission and vision for Greenbelt Alliance, building on its 60-year legacy of advocacy to position the organization to work to build a more inclusive, climate-resilient Bay Area. She believes strongly in the roles of education, advocacy, and deep collaboration across sectors and jurisdictions to ensure the Bay Area’s lands and people are resilient to a changing climate. Throughout her career she has worked to shape how our communities grow and change to enhance our connections to nature, reduce our environmental impacts, and create vibrant, equitable, healthy communities for all.
Black History Month
Black experience as Dance
February 5th, 5:00pm
The Museum of the African Diaspora is hosting a discussion of the film Ailey, the story of a choreographer who used his dance routines to depict the Black American experience. The film can be streamed for free on PBS until February 8th. The MoAD is also hosting a watch party this evening (Thursday 2/3) at 6pm.
Diaspora Songs and Stories
February 5th, 10:00am
The Oakland Public Library’s annual Black Culture Fest will feature events all month. This Saturday morning, an outdoor, all-ages gathering with Children’s Librarian Lolade will feature songs and stories of the Black diaspora. Additionally, the library is highlighting staff selections of afrofuturism novels and graphic novels featuring Black superheroes.
Updates and Addenda
Cycling Survey
Researchers at the Mineta Transportation Institute of San Jose State University are conducting a survey to gather thoughts and preferences from older cyclists around the Bay Area. If you are over 50 and cycle, consider contributing your thoughts. Read more about cycling in the Bay Area from the Monitor’s Cecily O’Connor’s report on Oakland’s e-bike lending library.
Organic Waste Collection
Beginning in 2022, SB 1383 mandates that all state jurisdictions provide organic waste collection services. In other words, those green bins that may have only been for yard debris in the past can now be used for organic food waste from your kitchens as well. Read more about how composting benefits local air quality from Leslie Stewart for the Monitor back in 2019.
Monitor Notes is produced by Michael Adamson. 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.