california

California Natural Color: Natural Color

Food and beverage manufacturers will be able to see the difference natural colors make for themselves in a wide variety of applications in the Beverage, Candies & Confections, Snacks & Bakery Goods, Meat Alternatives, and Nutraceutical categories. Colors are available in liquid, concentrate, and California Natural Color’s proprietary crystal color technology.




california

California Milk Advisory Board Names New Leadership

Dr. Wagoner brings more than 10 years of experience in dairy products research and innovation to the role. He got his start as a trained chef at the California School of Culinary Arts before obtaining his BS, MS, and PhD in Food Science from North Carolina State University. 




california

CULT Food Science completes strategic investment into leading cell-based chocolate producer California Cultured

CULT Food Science Corp. has diversified its cell-based food portfolio via an investment into cultured chocolate manufacturer, California Cultured Inc., Davis, Calif. The company uses cell culture technology to produce cocoa products like cocoa powder, chocolate and cocoa butter with the goal of creating sustainable and ethical chocolate for consumption around the world.




california

SunOpta Invests $26 Million To Expand California Plant-Based Beverage Processing Facility

The Modesto expansion is the second largest capital project in the company’s history.




california

California Achieves Record Carpet Recycling Rate

 The California carpet recycling rate was 35% for the year 2023 and reached 41% in Q1 2024, pulling even with the statewide recycling rate for all materials. This annual rate is an 83% increase over 2019’s rate despite economic and operational challenges that have created significant headwinds.





california

New California Law Overhauls Carpet Recycling Program, Sparking Industry Concerns

AB 863 will replace the current carpet recycling program, which has consistently met state goals, with a complicated new program that is both untested, unproven, and more costly, said The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), which opposes the measure. See previous coverage here




california

CARE Executive Director Bob Peoples Discusses Recycling Challenges and California's AB 863 Bill

Bob Peoples, executive director of Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE), attended The Flooring Sustainability Summit where he spoke on carpet recycling. Here, he talks more in-depth about the Summit, the history of CARE, and the AB-863 California carpet recycling bill.  




california

CARE's Next Steps for California's Carpet Recycling Program

California lawmakers recently updated the state's carpet recycling program, which will take effect in January. The Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) is working to understand how the new requirements will impact its existing approved plan.  





california

California Carpet Recycling Program Seeks Assessment Fee Hike for 2025

Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) has requested CalRecycle's approval for an increase in carpet recycling fees, proposed to take effect February 1, 2025. The adjustment aims to meet new reserve requirements mandated by CalRecycle for year-end 2025.




california

Saving the children: Humanitarianism, internationalism and empire: Emily Baughan, 2022, Oakland, California: University of California Press, 314 pp., ISBN 9780520343726.

Children's Geographies; 08/01/2023
(AN 167303415); ISSN: 14733285
Academic Search Premier





california

20 Most Dangerous Cities in California

Whether you're looking for adventure, work opportunities, new scenery or better weather conditions, California cities represent a special, sunny place in the popular imagination. But before packing your bags and heading to the Golden State, you'll want to know which is the most dangerous city in California.




california

Could California Be The Next State To Legalize Psychedelics?

Don't fear the 'shrooms.; Credit: /iStockphoto.com

AirTalk

California on Tuesday moved another step closer to decriminalizing psychedelics — amid a debate over whether their prohibition is an outdated remnant of the War on Drugs — after the author removed a substance (ketamine) from the bill that opponents said can be used as a date-rape drug.

The bill would allow those 21 and older to possess for personal use and “social sharing” psilocybin, the hallucinogenic component of so-called magic mushrooms. It also covers psilocybin, dimethyltryptamine (DMT), ibogaine, mescaline excluding peyote, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, often called ecstasy).

The bill bars sharing with those under age 21 or possessing the substances on school grounds. It would remove the state’s ban on cultivating or transferring mushroom spores or other material containing psilocybin or psilocybin.

Even if California makes the bill law, the drugs would still be illegal under federal law.

With files from the Associated Press.

Guests:

Scott Wiener, author of SB 519; California State Senator representing Senate District 11, which includes all of the city and county of San Francisco, Broadmoor, Colma, Daly City, and part of South San Francisco; he tweets @Scott_Wiener

John Lovell, legislative director of the California Narcotics Officers Association

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.




california

California Governor Moves To Ban Fracking By 2024

A fracking site in Kern County, Calif. Fracking — short for hydraulic fracturing — is the process of extracting oil deep underground using a high-pressure water mixture to break up rock.; Credit: Citizens of the Planet/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty

Emma Bowman | NPR

California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced plans to ban hydraulic fracturing by 2024 as part of a longer-term aim to end all oil extraction in the state.

The governor has ordered the state's top oil regulator to implement regulation to stop issuing new fracking permits by 2024. He has also directed the state's air resources agency to look at ways to phase out oil extraction completely by 2045.

"The climate crisis is real, and we continue to see the signs every day," Newsom said in a Friday press release. "As we move to swiftly decarbonize our transportation sector and create a healthier future for our children, I've made it clear I don't see a role for fracking in that future and, similarly, believe that California needs to move beyond oil."

The plan aligns with the state's broader goal to reach net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2045.

Newsom's order follows a more aggressive plan to ban oil and gas production that died in the state Senate last week.

Following the bill's failure, Rock Zierman, CEO of the California Independent Petroleum Association, told The Desert Sun that it would have killed tens of thousands of jobs "in parts of the state that are struggling in this post-pandemic economy."

"We will continue to oppose bills that only increase our reliance on foreign oil which drives up gas prices, contributes to pollution in our crowded ports, and is produced without California's environmental protections or humanitarian values," he said.

Under Newson's plan, the state's Air Resources Board will assess the economic, environmental and health benefits and effects of ending oil extraction.

In September, Newsom said that fracking accounts for less than 2% of the state's oil production, but that the plan to end the practice is a "symbolic" step. However, some industry groups put that figure at closer to 20%.

The governor has previously said that he lacks the executive authority to ban fracking and has looked to legislators to approve limits.

Now, Newsom is leveraging his authority to take on the state's powerful oil and gas giants during a year in which he will likely face a recall election.

California would be the largest oil-producing state to ban fracking. Environmentalist groups — who argue that fracking drains water levels, harms public health and contributes to global warming — say the 2024 and 2045 deadlines are too late.

"While precedent setting, both timelines are not aggressive enough," California's Sierra Club said in a statement. "They fail to meet the urgency of the climate crisis we face and protect frontline communities facing the brunt of fossil fuel pollution that still need immediate health and safety protections."

Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.




california

White House Is Preparing To Give Back California's Smog-Busting Powers

Cars make their way toward downtown Los Angeles on April 22. California could regain the right to set its own vehicle emissions standards after the Environmental Protection Agency announced it was moving to curb a Trump-era policy that sought to erode the state's previously-held power.; Credit: Mario Tama/Getty Images

Camila Domonoske | NPR

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said on Monday it is preparing to restore California's right to set its own vehicle emissions standards, in a widely anticipated reversal of Trump-era policies.

The decision, which will take several months to be finalized, reaffirms the Golden State's powerful position as an environmental regulator after the Trump administration had in 2019 sought to remove California's powers to set its own emissions standards.

It also sets the stage for negotiations over how strict federal vehicle standards will be under President Biden.

"I am a firm believer in California's long-standing statutory authority to lead," EPA administration Michael Regan said in a statement.

"The 2019 decision to revoke the state's waiver to enforce its greenhouse gas pollution standards for cars and trucks was legally dubious and an attack on the public's health and wellbeing," he added.

The EPA will be accepting public comment until July 6 as part of the process of reversing the Trump-era rule.

The populous, car-loving state has been waging a battle against smog for decades.

And in recognition of that history, the EPA has long granted a waiver giving the state the authority to set its own standards for vehicle emissions, as long as they're more stringent than the national regulations.

That's an unusual exemption — other states can't set their own policies, although they can choose to adopt California's standards as their own.

Between California and the states that follow suit, about a third of the U.S. new car market is covered by the Golden State's policies, giving California regulators a remarkable amount of sway over the auto industry.

However, when the Trump administration weakened federal clean car standards, it also sought to revoke the waiver allowing California to set a higher bar.

That triggered a legal battle and divided the auto industry, with some carmakers choosing to side with California and voluntarily accept somewhat stricter vehicle emissions standards while the rest backed the Trump administration.

After Biden won the White House, every major automaker eventually dropped their support for the now-doomed Trump position.

The EPA has now started the process of reversing Trump's decision. The Department of Transportation last week also proposed to "wipe clean the regulatory slate," indicating that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration would no longer seek to block state emissions standards, as it had under Trump.

It's still not clear what federal regulations on vehicle emissions and fuel economy will be under the Biden administration. Some environmental groups and progressive lawmakers are pushing for the reinstatement of the Obama-era standards, with more ambitious targets to follow.

The auto industry, meanwhile, is calling for standards midway between the Obama-era and Trump-era policies.

The EPA says it will propose new fuel economy rules in July.

Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.




california

Biden Administration Strikes Deal To Bring Offshore Wind To California

The Biden administration is opening the West Coast to offshore wind. Companies have largely focused on the East Coast, like this wind farm off Block Island, Rhode Island.; Credit: Don Emmert/AFP via Getty Images

Lauren Sommer | NPR

Updated May 25, 2021 at 2:56 PM ET

The Biden administration plans to open the California coast to offshore wind development, ending a long-running stalemate with the Department of Defense that has been the biggest barrier to building wind power along the Pacific Coast.

The move adds momentum to the administration's goal of reaching 100% carbon-free electricity by 2035, coming just weeks after the country's first large-scale offshore wind farm was approved off the coast of New England. Today, the country has just a handful of offshore wind turbines in the Atlantic Ocean, with around a dozen wind farms being developed in federal waters off the East Coast.

"It's an announcement that will set the stage for the long term development of clean energy and the growth of a brand new made-in-America industry," says national climate adviser Gina McCarthy. "Now we're thinking big and thinking bold."

The agreement identifies two sites off Central and Northern California with the potential to install massive floating wind turbines that could produce 4.6 gigawatts of electricity, enough to power 1.6 million homes.

Interest in offshore wind on the West Coast has grown for years, especially with California's own ambitious goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions. The deep waters off the coast have the potential to produce a significant amount of energy.

But the Defense Department has largely objected to the idea, since the Navy and Air Force use the area for training and testing operations. In response to the growing interest, the Navy released a map in 2017 putting large swaths of California waters off limits.

In 2018, the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management solicited interest from wind developers. But negotiations with the Department of Defense have been slow going ever since, effectively blocking wind development off California.

Tuesday's announcement outlines a compromise for a 399-square-mile area off Morro Bay, a site that's appealing to renewable energy companies because of existing transmission lines nearby that once service a retired power plant. It also identifies a location off Humboldt County in Northern California.

"It's our view that the world faces a grave and growing climate crisis," says Dr. Colin Kahl, undersecretary of defense for policy. "Climate change is both a threat to the Department of Defense's operations around the world and an existential challenge to our ability to maintain resilience here at home."

Another key site, just offshore from the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant, was not included in Tuesday's deal. California's last-remaining nuclear plant is scheduled to completely close by 2025, freeing up more potential transmission lines for offshore wind.

The Biden administration has set a goal of jump-starting the country's offshore wind sector with 30 gigawatts of projects by 2030. Those wind farms will foster tens of thousands of jobs, according to the White House, between renewable energy installers, manufacturers and steelworkers.

"This is a major breakthrough — a major advancement that will allow California to start planning for its carbon-free electricity goals with offshore wind firmly in the picture," says Nancy Rader of the California Wind Energy Association, who also pointed to the challenges. "Offshore wind development off the coast at Morro Bay and Humboldt will require a major port facility in each area to construct the floating platforms and assemble the turbines that will require continued proactive planning by the state and federal governments."

Still, the areas identified in the agreement may not be enough for hitting the administration's clean electricity goal, as well as California's. The state is planning to get 100% of its electricity from zero-emission sources by 2045. To reach that, renewable energy needs to triple statewide with offshore wind playing a key role, reaching 10 GW, according to a recent state analysis. Tuesday's deal could provide just half of that.

A potential lease auction for the offshore wind sites could be held in mid-2022. But the projects will still have to negotiate concerns about the potential impacts on California's fishing industry and shipping channels, as well as any environmental concerns about sensitive ecosystems.

"Far too many questions remain unanswered regarding potential impacts to marine life which is dependent on a healthy ecosystem," says Mike Conroy of the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen's Associations. "The fishing industry has been told these areas work best for offshore wind developers; but no one has asked us what areas would work best for us."

Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.




california

A California Town Has No Reliable Running Water During A Heat Wave

Hafsa Fathima | NPR

For the last month, Frank Galaviz has wondered when running water will return to his town.

The 77-year-old resident of Teviston — a small rural community in Central California — has been forced to depend on stored and bottled water after the pump in the town's only functioning well broke down in early June. Since then, residents have had to travel to neighboring towns to shower or depend on the town's water storage tanks for their daily needs.

Temperatures continue to reach into triple digits as a brutal heat wave sweeps across the West Coast. The ongoing drought only exacerbates the problem, Galaviz says.

"[My wife and I] have lived through many challenges," he says. "We both have survived cancer, but we will not be able to survive without water. This is a problem that is not going away."

Teviston sits between the cities of Fresno and Bakersfield in the San Joaquin Valley and is home to mostly Latino farmworkers. Normal days in town are usually slow-paced and idyllic, Galaviz says, with many residents commuting to the nearby towns and cities on business. Now, they leave to find more water.

This is not the first time Galaviz or his neighbors have struggled with a broken well. He says two other wells had broken down in previous years and had not been repaired. A new, more modern well is in the works, but Galaviz estimates its completion is still a few years off.

The community continues waiting for repair parts to arrive in hopes it will fix the current well's pump, he added, a process that could take a few weeks.

"It is not normal to not be able to flush toilets," he says. "It's not normal to not be able to take a shower."

Residents have managed to come up with a temporary fix, using their water storage tanks to offer relief.

"We were able to get some of the water pressure back," Galaviz said. "We put a submersible pump into one of our old wells and we're forcing water from the storage tanks through that system. But it's not a permanent fix."

Rural Latino communities in California have been particularly vulnerable to drought conditions, according to a report from the state Legislative Analyst's Office.

"Having no water equals bad health," state Sen. Melissa Hurtado, who serves California's 14th District, tells Weekend Edition. Hurtado says her bill, SB 559, would allot $785 million to fund and repair water supply infrastructure. One of the waterways posed for fixing is the Friant-Kern canal, which supplies Teviston and the towns around it. Over the years, the canal has become subject to subsidence — a condition that has caused some parts of the canal to sink and means it can't deliver as much water.

"SB 559 would help fix the canal so that the basin and the communities that rely on water here would be able to have more access to it," Hurtado says.

Galaviz has spent the last few weeks knocking on doors to check in on neighbors and trying to organize help.

"I have a neighbor whose daughter has medical problems. She needs drinking water, pure water," he says. "It hurts to see people suffering."

Hafsa Fathima and Jan Johnson produced and edited the audio story.

Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.




california

Innovative Practice - University of California, Davis Stop “Passing the Harasser” Policy

The description of practice below summarizes the development and implementation of a policy by the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) to prevent “passing the harasser,” a term that denotes a known harasser transitioning from one institution to another without (1) the new employer’s knowledge of previous violations of sexual harassment policy or ongoing investigations of such violations, and/or (2) facing disciplinary action.




california

NASA sees Hurricane Newton approaching landfall in Baja California, Mexico

NASA's Terra satellite and a NASA animation of imagery from NOAA's GOES-West satellite provided views of Hurricane Newton as it neared landfall in Baja California, Mexico, today, Sept. 6.

read more



  • Earth & Climate

california

California lawmakers pass AI safety bill

At least 40 states have introduced bills this year to regulate AI, and a half dozen have adopted resolutions or enacted legislation aimed at the technology, according to The National Conference of State Legislatures.




california

Blue California launches clean-label food-grade whitening agents

Blue California has launched novel food-grade whitening agents as a clean-label alternative to replacing potential health risk white colorant titanium dioxide.




california

California Walnuts kicks off largest retail campaign ever, with American Heart Month Programs in February

The California Walnut Board is launching its fourth consecutive American Heart Month campaign this February, expanding its popular retail marketing program in an effort to bring more attention to Heart Month and encourage consumers to make healthier food choices.




california

Almond Board of California hires Charice Grace as manager, trade marketing and stewardship

The Almond Board of California (ABC) welcomes Charice Grace to the organization as new manager of trade marketing and stewardship.




california

Report: Pistachios dominate California tree nut industry

Pistachios have emerged not only as a profitable option for growers in the U.S., but also as a favorite snack among consumers.




california

California walnut growers optimistic about pre-season 2023 outlook

The California walnut industry is gearing up for a stellar 2023 harvest and shipping season after several years of hardship.




california

California Walnut Board launches D2C marketing campaign for the holidays

The ad campaign embraces tradition while showcasing the many flavorful ways to use walnuts beyond celebrated recipes.




california

TIA brings AIB tortilla course to California

The Tortilla Industry Association (TIA) is bringing AIB International’s Tortilla Production Course to the Los Angeles area on Aug. 5-7.




california

TIA Annual Convention & Trade Expo convenes in Southern California in May

A luxurious new venue, education sessions, exhibitors and plenty of networking and social opportunities await attendees at the 2016 Tortilla Industry Association (TIA) Convention & Trade Exposition in Southern California on May 18–19.




california

TIA Convention convenes in Southern California in May

Tortilla Industry Association members will gather in Southern California May 18–19, as TIA moves its Annual Convention & Trade Exposition to Harrah’s Resort Southern California in Valley Center.




california

Diamond of California debuts Crunchy Nut Toppers

Available in four flavors, the product can be sprinkled on salads or eaten as a snack.




california

California Pizza Kitchen, Mike's Hot Honey drop 'swicy' new pizza

The collab breaks new ground in pizza category with Nashville-style chicken and Mike’s Hot Honey – Extra Hot.




california

Diamond of California's ready-to-use Nut Pie Crusts now available in new chocolate flavor nationwide

Diamond of California, the century-old producer of “Made for Homemade” specialty nuts, has announced the launch of a new chocolate flavor, of their ready-to-use Nut Pie Crusts, available now on both store shelves nationwide, and online with Amazon. 




california

Diamond of California Pumpkin Pie Spice Nut Pie Crust

Just in time for fall, Diamond of California has launched its Pumpkin Pie Spice Nut Pie Crust, a seasonal Walmart exclusive flavor of their beloved Ready-to-Use Nut Pie Crust.




california

California Walnut and Fig Energy Bars

I am truly blessed to be a chef in California. We are spoiled by having the best selection of ingredients literally in our backyards.




california

California Pizza Kitchen launches limited-time-only Korean BBQ Steak Pizza

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is offering guests a special dine-in free pizza offer and is launching a new limited-time-only Korean BBQ Steak Pizza.




california

Diamond of California, Nature Nate’s Honey collaborate on new Hot Honey Snack Walnuts

The snack nuts feature California-grown walnuts coated in the sweet heat of spicy honey.




california

Small businesses across America join California Raisin Marketing Board to celebrate National Raisin Day

It’s National Raisin Day and the California Raisin Marketing Board has announced partnerships with small businesses across the country who are bringing baked goods featuring California Raisins to consumers.




california

New report identifies California Raisins as a plant-based fat replacer in baked goods

The California Raisin Marketing Board has released a new white paper spotlighting the functional benefits and opportunities for California-grown raisins and raisin ingredients as a fat replacer in baked goods.




california

California Prune Board advances study of prunes and bone health via research program

Research highlights growing body of prune evidence connected to favorable bone health.




california

California fig powerball

The California Fig Powerball was created as a snack to take on the go, a quick bite that will provide a burst of energy that also delivers sound nutrition.




california

Cutting commercial water consumption in California

Despite some reprieve from the draught that gripped the state for several years, Californians continue to find resourceful ways to trim their water consumption. Businesses large and small are no exception. 




california

Rebuilding effort in Paradise, California focuses on fire-safe buildings

The Camp Fire in Butte County, California, started in 2018, destroying over 18,000 structures and causing 85 deaths. Paradise, a town 90 miles north of Sacramento, lost about 95% of its buildings, but It is on the road to recovery.




california

California homebuilder leads the way as early adopter of IAPMO’s Water Demand Calculator

Appendix M of the IAPMO Uniform Plumbing Code, or the Water Demand Calculator, was integrated into the California Plumbing Code on July 1. It provides a new method for sizing water pipes in residential buildings. For Villara Corp., a leading plumbing and HVAC contractor in Northern California, it remains business as usual, having used the calculator for over five years to construct over 5,000 single-family homes.




california

Safety lessons from California warehouse fires

California has had its fair share of fires over the years, especially the wild variety. This year’s wildfires have already burned more than 1 million acres, and nearly a dozen are still ablaze.  Now, the Golden State is facing an uptick in warehouse fires in some of its biggest and most populated cities, including Oakland, Carson and El Sereno.




california

California man sentenced to 7 Years for COVID-19 glove fraud

Man defrauded companies out of $3 million for medical-grade gloves that were never delivered.




california

California law prompts increased interest in natural colors

The signing of California AB-2316 and AB-418 have placed greater interest on natural color solutions as beverage manufacturers consider impact of state’s legislation.




california

The Coca-Cola Co. relaunches Barrilitos in California, Texas

The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, announced the highly anticipated regional relaunch of Barrilitos, a cherished Mexican soft drink brand with a rich legacy dating back to 1938. 




california

Key Housing Announces Featured NorCal November Housing Designee Highlighting Corporate Housing in Walnut Creek, California

Key Housing is a best-in-class provider of corporate rentals throughout California from Walnut Creek to Long Beach.




california

Key Housing Announces Featured SoCal Listing for Orange County, California, Highlighting Anaheim and Nearby Huntington Beach

Key Housing is a best-in-class provider of corporate rentals throughout California from Southern to Northern California. The company is announcing its January 2024 featured listing for the Orange County region.




california

The Sweet Spot, yoga & wellness for all Announces "Pay What You Want" pricing model in Wine Country, Sonoma, California

The Sweet Spot, a beloved yoga and wellness studio known for its inclusivity and community spirit, is shaking things up with the launch of a unique "Pay What You Want" price model.