News
How rising sea levels could push up a 'toxic soup' into Bay Area neighborhoods
KQED – April 8
Scientists and the state have well documented the potential impact of sea level rise on the California coast. Researchers are now also examining an under-studied threat: rising ocean water driving fresh water up from the ground, according to a summary of ongoing work shared with KQED. In one study, slated to be released in August, Pathways Climate Institute and the San Francisco Estuary Institute forecast that groundwater will move into low-lying areas of San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda, and Marin counties, potentially seeping past seawalls, flooding basements, overwhelming sewers, and damaging building foundations.
California injects $40M into heat pump water heater effort amid broader push to decarbonize buildings
Utility Dive – April 11
California energy regulators last Thursday approved an additional $40 million in funding from the 2023 gas cap-and-trade allowance auction to promote heat pump water heaters, on top of a previously authorized $44.7 million. The initiative is one of many efforts to cut carbon emissions from buildings by expanding incentives for electric appliances, California Public Utilities Commission Commissioner Clifford Rechtschaffen said at the agency's meeting. California's building sector contributes around a quarter of the state's greenhouse gas emissions, and regulators see heat pump water heating systems as a promising tool to reduce those levels.
Palo Alto City Council moves to revise height limit in 'transition zones'
Palo Alto Weekly – April 12
Responding to calls for greater privacy protections, the Palo Alto City Council revised the zoning code on Monday to limit the ability of developers to construct tall buildings within 150 feet of residential areas, even ones designated for higher density. The new language adds the RM-40 district, which allows developments with up to 40 dwellings per acre, to the list of zoning districts that fall under a rule that was previously reserved for areas with lower density.
Pasadena rent control backers mobilize for November ballot measure
Pasadena-Star News – April 9
Hundreds of volunteers recently united to celebrate the submission of over 15,000 signatures backing a ballot measure supporting rent control in Pasadena. The signatures must be verified by city leaders before registered voters in Pasadena can vote on a rent control and “just cause” charter amendment in November.
San Diego City Council creates new incentive to build more affordable ADUs
Times of San Diego – April 12
The San Diego City Council has created a new incentive to encourage construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) that are rented to very-low-income tenants. The City Council on Monday unanimously approved a change that shortens the period homeowners building a second unit must maintain it as affordable housing. For very-low-income tenants, the council shortened the time period that rent must be controlled on the second unit from 15 years to 10 years.
California biologists say western Joshua tree not threatened
Los Angeles Times – April 13
State biologists on Wednesday recommended against designating the western Joshua tree as threatened with extinction, saying claims in a petition filed by environmentalists about the effects climate change will have on the living symbols of the California desert are premature. A final decision by the state Fish and Game Commission on the petition filed by the Center for Biological Diversity is expected in June. If the Joshua tree is not listed as threatened, it will be up to local jurisdictions to set limits on development of commercial, residential, and solar and wind projects across thousands of acres of southeastern California’s sunniest real estate. About 40% of the western Joshua tree’s range is on private land, where state endangered-species laws would apply, according to the petition.
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