Boeger gives presentation on proposed energy project for City
He stated that if the research continued to be successful, a community project could be built in Gridley. Biomass fuel for this plant would be from 12 truckloads per day of rice straw and other agricultural waste.
Gridley Herald article

California's high-speed rail forces seek big slice of stimulus pie
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act approved by Congress in February contains $8 billion to be doled out to states for development of high-speed rail service and passenger rail service among cities. California wants half.
Sacramento Bee article

You decide who gets California's water
California is in a third year of drought and a declared statewide emergency. Last year was the driest spring and summer on record. Our rainfall was 76 percent below average; the Sierra's snowpack is 39 percent below normal.
San Francisco online interactive feature

My View: Solar development and deserts can – and must – coexist
If managed wisely, development of environmentally responsible solar projects in California's deserts can both serve as a model for sustainable growth, and provide future generations with clean energy, jobs and a protected wilderness environment.
Sacramento Bee opinion

Agency assists in weatherizing homes
If your windows are leaking and your doors are drafty, help could be available through the Glenn County Community Action Agency’s weatherization program.
Orland Press Register article

As industry struggles, Pacific Ethanol is running on fumes
After laboring a quarter-century in the ethanol business, Neil Koehler insists the industry will become healthy again, maybe in as little as two years. Others agree with him.
Sacramento Bee article

Federal fees rising for electric utilities
Electric utilities throughout California are getting hit with steep cost increases to continue using federal land for their hydropower projects. Conservationists say it's about time.
Sacramento Bee article

Daniel Weintraub: Energy rules for TVs good in the big picture
The California Energy Commission is considering rules that would ban the sale of televisions in the state that do not meet new energy-efficiency standards by 2011 and even tougher rules two years later.
Sacramento Bee opinion

City launches water conservation initative
At its April 7 meeting, the City Council approved launching a Water Conservation Initiative to urge residents, commercial and industrial sites, schools, and all other community members to do their part to reach the 20 percent reduction goal.
Woodland Daily Democrat article

Report: Climate change could doom many Calif crops
The current issue of California Agriculture mailed to subscribers this week is devoted to peer-reviewed articles by researchers at the University of California who paint a dire picture of climate change on food production and the environment.
Silicon Valley Mercury News article

Conservancy hosts habitat workshop
This workshop is for landowners, students, restoration professionals, and other interested parties.
Woodland Daily Democrat article

Distinctly Green: Produce finally gets its own reusable bags
They are made from 100 percent recycled polyethylene (PET), a durable eco-friendly material that's gaining popularity.
Redding Record Searchlight article

April 15, 2009 6:30pm-8:30pm
Farming Roundtable: Funding Opportunities to Protect Local Food Production- FREE!
Chico Grange Hall 2775 Nord Ave
Link

April 23, 2009 9am- 3pm
Keeping up with California's Pool Market and Regulations- FREE PG&E TRAINING
2665 Zanella Way Chico, CA
Link

April 17- 18, 2009
Shasta College Sustainability Conference- FREE!
Shasta College Main Campus Room 806
Redding, CA
Link

April 25, 2009 10am- 3pm
Redding Earth Day & Whole Earth Festival- FREE!
Redding City Hall and Sculpture Park
Link

April 18, 2009 10am- 3pm
Placer County Celebrate the Earth Festival- FREE!
Mahany Regional Park Roseville, CA
Link

April 26, 2009 11am- 6pm
Sacramento Earth Day- FREE!
Southside Park Sacramento, CA
Link

April 18, 2009 9am- 11:30am
Water Wise Landscape Workshop
3650 Southport Parkway W. Sacramento, CA
Link

April 26, 2009 12pm- 6pm
Chico Fest 2009- FREE!
Sierra Nevada Brewing Company Hops Fields
1075 E. 20th Street Chico, CA
Link

April 21, 2009 9am- 1pm
Field Verification and Diagnostic Testing of Photovoltaic Systems for Installers Workshop- FREE PG&E WORKSHOP!
2665 Zanella Way Chico, CA
Link

May 6-7, 2009
Great Valley Center's 12th Annual Conference "20/20 Foresight: A View of the Great Valley In A Decade"
Sacramento Radisson Hotel
Link

April 22, 2009 6pm- 9pm
Green Plumbing Workshop
1504 Market St. Redding, CA
Link

If you have an event that could be included here, please email Lindsay@greatvalley.org with the information. Thank you!

The Great Valley Center is a non-advocacy organization. This newsletter is to be used for informational purposes only. Unless specifically noted, the Great Valley Center Energy Program does not officially endorse or support views that may be expressed in the newsletter or linked articles. If you want to print a story, please do so now before the link expires.