Environmental Health (News)

Press Release
For immediate release
July 1, 2011

Contact:
Bill Gallegos, CBE (323) 573-5310
Caroline Farrell, CRPE (661) 586-2621
Evelyn Rangel-Medina, CrossRoots (702) 534-9115
Joaquín Quetzal Sánchez, CrossRoots (917) 575-3154

CALIFORNIA CAP-AND-TRADE IS NOT READY – ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE COMMUNITIES LIFT EQUITABLE ALTERNATIVES

HUNTINGTON PARK, CA—A coalition of Environmental Justice groups are committed to continue lifting California forward by stopping Cap-and-Trade and implementing AB 32 equitably. On June 24, 2011 the Appellate Court issued a stay order allowing the California Air Resources Board to move ahead in the planning of a Cap-and-Trade program, jeopardizing AB 32, California's landmark Global Warming Solutions Act.

On June 29, 2011, ARB Chair Mary Nichols announced Cap-and-Trade is not ready and will postpone enforcement until 2013.

By Zusha Elinson

The East Bay Tea Party has taken aim at a wonky effort to encourage housing near transit hubs
The words flash onto a black screen: “The ‘New World Order’ is here.” Dramatic music swells as the message continues: “One Global Vision, Designed by the United Nations, To Strip you of Your Freedom.”

What could be so sinister? According to the video posted on the East Bay Tea Party’s website, it’s the Sustainable Communities Strategy being developed by two of the wonkiest governmental bodies in the Bay Area: the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Association of Bay Area Governments.

By Christopher Connelly

In a complex and dynamic world where scientific certainty is hard to come by and new technologies, chemicals and industrial processes are being introduced into the world, Richmond’s City Council decided that it is best to take a cautious approach to making policies and city planning. At least, that’s the aim of a resolution passed at last night’s city council meeting.

The idea behind the resolution is that the city should use the precautionary principle, which holds that if there is a possibility that a policy or plan will have potentially dangerous health or environmental impact—even if there is no scientific consensus—it is better to err on the side of caution. This resolution will put the burden of proof on companies proposing new developments and businesses within city limits to show that there is little chance that a local group will be negatively impacted.  Although the resolution is symbolic, it is a statement that the council will consider health impacts for any decisions they make—like new buildings or industrial and manufacturing developments—and will ask the organization proposing a new action to prove that it is unlikely to cause harm.

For Immediate Release: April 12, 2011

Contact:
Stacy Malkan, stacy@safecosmetics.org, 202-321-6963
Sian Wu, sian@resource-media.org, 206-701-4734
Alexandra Gorman Scranton, alexs@womensvoices.org, 406-396-1639

Beauty Salon Workers in Danger: Toxic Brazilian Blowout
OSHA Issues Warning; National Academy of Sciences Confirms Formaldehyde-Cancer Link; California Attorney General Issues Injunction against Brazilian Blowout

WASHINGTON— The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under the U.S. Department of Labor, issued a hazard alert Monday, warning that popular hair straightening products such as “Brazilian Blowout” can cause serious health problems, including increased risk of cancer.

FOR IMMEDIATE  RELEASE                

March 14, 2011
Contact: Aaron Lehmer, Network Development Director, Bay Localize
(415) 613-4781, aaron@baylocalize.org

Bay Localize to Honor Prominent Community Leaders
at “Roots of Resilience” 5-Year Anniversary Gala

(Oakland, CA) — Celebrate with us on Saturday, April 2, 2011 as Bay Localize – an Oakland based project of Earth Island Institute dedicated to local sustainability -  hosts its Fifth Anniversary Gala, Roots of Resilience.  The event will honor community leaders, businesses, and civic pioneers who are stepping up to build a vibrant and resilient Bay Area. Highlights include Keynote Speaker Oakland Mayor Jean Quan, hip-hop headliner artists, Ashel “Seasunz” Eldridge and Jennifer Johns, and honorees of the Community Resilience Leadership Awards.  

EVENT DESCRIPTION:
SAVE THE DATE!  Saturday, April 2nd, 2011
Gala Dinner at 6:30 – locally grown, organic  entree with dessert
WHERE: CA Ballroom, 1736 Franklin St., Oakland (near 19th St. BART). (Parking available)
COST:  $50 Activist (limited supply) and $75 General; Group rates for Table Sponsorships

By Christina Lopez

After a citywide restoration project to revitalize the Nevin Community Center and the surrounding area, the center will celebrate with a much-anticipated grand re-opening celebration this Saturday.

“I think it’s part of the Iron Triangle cleaning itself up,” said nearby resident Richard Boyd, referring to the center’s new look from the inside out. For the last three months, the center’s doors have remained open as over 50 community members volunteered hundreds of hours to wax floors, paint walls, remove graffiti, refurbish classrooms, and collect trash surrounding the center.

“Teams would take shifts to renovate and clean the center. Those working would range from 14 years old to 77 years old and across all racial lines,” Boyd said. A resident of the Iron Triangle, Boyd also works with Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO), an interfaith organization comprised of 25 congregations and youth organizations representing 35,000 families throughout the county. He helped organize city officials’ visits to the park and generate interest from residents outside the Iron Triangle.