The Loma Prietan

 

pdf of entire issue

November/December 2009

They Like Bikes

by Brian Foley

When a new bike-to-school program launched in Los Altos, organizers figured incentives such as ice cream would generate interest. The response was so overwhelming, they had to turn to pizza for back-up. Read article »

 

The Return of the Natives

by David Walling

The South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project is making significant changes to the Bay Area environment. The changes implemented to date are aligned with three key goals: habitat restoration, flood protection, and public access. Read article »

 

Message from the Chair

by Charles Schafer

I'd like to pass along a shot of real good news regarding funding for the Chapter. Just recently we landed two grants for a program we call Building Climate-Friendly Communities. Read article »

 

Station Park Green Could Re-Shape San Mateo

by Gita Dev and Gladwyn DeSouza

With strong planning, San Mateo could shape a proposed infill development into a vibrant new walkable community, providing residents with transportation options and access to open space and neighborhood amenities. Read article »

 

Donor Profile

A Dime in Time Saves a Coastline!

by Nafeesa Ahmed

For John Wilkinson, what started out as just a hobby turned into passionate involvement with conservation issues and spearhead motions to gather public support. Read article »

 

Letters to the Editor

 

Update

Chapter Near Hiring New Director

by Emily Ruby

The Chapter is now in the process of finalizing a decision and making an offer to a new Chapter Director. Read article »

 

Update

Caltrain may be Unintended Victim of Litigation

by Irvin Dawid

An unintended, ironic consequence of a recent litigation over the proposed high-speed rail route may be a serious delay in plans to transform Caltrain's line from diesel to zeroemission electricity. Read article »

 

Update

Good Bye, Gas Guzzlers

by Coryne Tasca

At the closure of the Cash for Clunkers program, much has been achieved. Read article »

 

Update

Toll Lane Legislation Held Over

by Irvin Dawid

Thanks to the hard work of Sierra Club California advocate Michael Endicott, AB 744 (legislation to create express toll lane network for Bay Area freeways) became a two-year bill that will start in January 2010. Read article »

 

Update

RWC to Review Proposed Salt Pond Development

by Cynthia Denny and David Walling

On August 10, 2009, The Redwood City Council voted unanimously to retain consultants and legal counsel to review the proposed development of 1400 acres of Cargill Salt Ponds. Read article »

 

Water Conservation Award Nominations Open Soon

by Peter Drekmeier

Do you know anyone or any organization doing a great job with water conservation? Nominations open January 4, 2010 for the second annual Silicon Valley Water Conservation Awards. Read article »

 

Water, Water, Everywhere — Uh, Right?

by Diane DeNagel

Did you know that depletion of the world's water supplies is coming to a crisis? If not, then you need to see the documentary film Flow. Read article »

 

Water Recycling

Pilot Project: Greywater to Nourish Coastside Golf Course

by Ric Lohman

Recycled water prepares to debut on the San Mateo coastline as the Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside wastewater treatment plant in Half Moon Bay starts a pilot project. Read article »

 

Jump In and Save Our Urban Streams

by Judi Garcia

This year's theme of the Third Annual Santa Clara County Creeks and Watershed Conference (Saturday, November 14, 2009) is "Urban Stream Restoration." Read article »

 

Cooking Green

Less Meat—More Seeds

by Kay Bushnell

Seeds are tiny nutrient- packed packages that are often neglected in our diets. There was a time when I ate seeds infrequently; now I include them in recipes whenever possible. Read article »

This issue's recipe: Seed and Nut Taco Filling

 

Gardening Green

Control Weeds Naturally

by Arvind Kumar

The major sources of pollution in urban creeks are products meant for the home garden, including herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers. Here are some proven, natural ways to control weeds without harming the environment. Read article »

 

Meandering

by John Maybury

Save Coral Reefs... Unlikely Hero... Better Bulbs... And more. Read article »

 

Golf Course Threatens Washoe Meadows State Park

by Lynne Paulson and John Wilkinson

To restore the Upper Truckee River where it runs through the Lake Tahoe Golf Course, the California Department of Parks and Recreation wants to move much of the golf course into the adjacent Washoe Meadows State Park. Read article »

 

Take a Load Off!

by Ginny Laibl

Since 1992 the Singleaires have offered high Sierra mule pack adventures. Trip members enjoy the Sierra; mules carry the gear. What could be better? Read article »

 

The Greening of Los Altos

 

Book Review

Ecological Intelligence by Daniel Goleman

by Andrea Winden

Ecological Intelligence addresses how a consumer might navigate the overwhelming forces of the market to make purchasing decisions and become educated beyond what is considered "green." Read article »

 

Member Close-Up

Megan's Activism is No Fluke

by Cheryl Hylton

Recently elected Chapter Executive Committee member Megan Fluke has had experiences and achieved successes well beyond what you'd expect of someone in her early twenties. Read article »

 

Cartoon

Moncrieff