Staff Reporter

Letter: Officials must address East Selah water issue | Opinion

March 27, 2022 by Staff Reporter

To the editor — Imagine coming home to the threat of death. Losing your real estate equity and your parents are worried about their retirement. Your kids’ wellbeing is no longer assured.

Sounds like dystopia? Someone else’s problem?

Nope, it’s in your backyard. The Yakima Training Center has contaminated the drinking water and wells of its neighbors in East Selah. There is no sense of urgency from YTC, the Army or our elected officials over the deadly chemicals, like PFAS, that have been found in alarmingly high numbers in drinking water.

Neighbors can’t drink, bathe or cook with their water, yet nothing from the city or state has been done.

Filters cost thousands of dollars. The Army only accepts one lab’s tests. The makers of the chemicals are being sued by over 30 others. Why are they still being used?

Yakima, it’s time to get to know your neighbor and stand up for what is right. It’s time to hold DuPont and the like accountable. It’s time to put pressure on Rep. Dan Newhouse, our senators and governor to act, and act quickly.

Lives and livelihoods are at stake.

KATHERINE MILLER

Yakima

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

Vermont officials seek more time to test schools for PCBs

March 27, 2022 by Staff Reporter

March 27, 2022Updated: March 27, 2022 6:42 a.m.

BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) — Vermont state officials have asked the legislature for more time to test older schools for PCBs, a harmful group of chemicals commonly used in building materials and electrical equipment before 1980.

The PCB testing program is part of a law passed by the Legislature last year. It requires every school constructed or renovated before 1980 to test their indoor air for PCBs by July 1, 2024. The legislation came after the closure of Burlington High School two years ago because of the discovery of PCB contamination in air samples.

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Peter Walke told the House Committee on Education this week that his department doesn’t have enough staff to get all that work done in two years, WCAX-TV reported. The state is seeking two more years to complete the work. “Even with four years it’ll still be tight,” Walke said.

The legislation allocated $4.5 million based on the state’s initial projection of about 300 schools. The state now says 348 schools were built or renovated before 1979 and require testing while roughly 70 schools had not yet responded to a state survey.

If levels of polychlorinated biphenyls are detected at or above school action levels, the schools will be required to reduce potential exposure, the state has said. The legislation only created the testing requirement and did not outline how to administer testing or pay for remediation, the news station reported. Walke has proposed that the Legislature create a contingency fund to help districts cover the costs.

“Being able to move quickly will be important,” he said.

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

Williamsville wants air-conditioned classrooms as part of capital improvement project | Education

March 27, 2022 by Staff Reporter

“A few years ago, prior to Covid, we actually had some very high temperatures in our buildings in September, and at that point in time we actually had some concerns if we should be holding school on those days,” Maturski said.

Air conditioning is not novel in Williamsville. The 2000 additions at Casey Middle School, Transit Middle School and Williamsville East High School all have air conditioning.

Although perhaps more common in Southern schools, former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio pledged in 2017 to have air conditioning in all of his city’s public schools in five years.

A 2018 study from the National Bureau of Economic Research showed a correlation between temperature and learning. Hotter school days in the years before students retook the PSATs reduced their scores.

The Environmental Protection Agency said that indoor air quality, such as the level of pollutants, humidity and temperature, affect the occupants’ health, comfort and ability to perform.

“Our buildings are masonry construction, and they just do not cool down,” Maturski said. “If you’ve got heat in them, they do retain that heat.”

The project also will improve air filtration in buildings, something particularly helpful in dealing with the airborne Covid-19.

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

Cleaning whizz reveals the easy way to clean up sick and all you need is salt

March 27, 2022 by Staff Reporter

WHEN your little ones are sick, it’s no fun for anyone.

From snotty noses to sickness bugs, it can be a lot dealing with sick children and trying to keep your house germ-free.

Jen used an egg to demonstrate her simple trick for cleaning up sickCredit: tiktok @cleanwithjen

She takes a generous amount of salt and leaves it for 15 minutes to absorb the liquid, making it far easier to clean upCredit: tiktok @cleanwithjen

Thankfully, one mum and cleaning whizz has revealed the easy ways to keep your home in order when little ones are throwing up and accidentally spreading germs.

Jen, a mum from Scotland, shared her top cleaning tips to keep sickness bugs at bay in a TikTok video on her account, Clean With Jen, that has been viewed over 300k times.

Jen’s daughter is currently down with a sickness bug and Jen showed how she stopped it spreading around her family.

She said: “Let’s face it, there’s nothing worse than a sickness bug, so here are my top tips on cleaning up after one.”

Her first hack, which she demonstrates with raw egg, shows how to easily clean up sick.

Jen simply covers the egg with lots of salt and leaves it for 15 minutes, the sick can then easily be wiped away without as much mess.

Salt acts as an absorbent so soaks up lots of the liquid making cleaning up the mess far easier.

Jen finishes off by spraying down the surface with diluted bleach to kill any left over germs.

She says you can use this on your floors and counter tops by mixing bleach with some water, and the solution is good to keep for 24 hours.

She then chucks any clothes which have been affected into the washing machine with some Zoflora to disinfect them.

Jen says not to forget giving your toilet a good clean as well, using the regular method.

Lastly, Jen takes all the toothbrushes and gives them a soak using two sterilising tablets, she added she threw away her sick daughter’s one and replaced it.

viewers of the video were grateful for Jen’s handy advice and hacks, one mum wrote: “brilliant video with actual real life advice!”

“OK I didn’t know salt would help! Could have done this last week!” Added another mum.

A third mum commented: “I have NEVER thought about toothbrushes! Thank you.”

Jen used sterilisation tablets to give her toothbrushes a deep cleanCredit: tiktok @cleanwithjen

FABULOUS BINGO: GET A £5 FREE BONUS WITH NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

South County Happenings, March 27

March 27, 2022 by Staff Reporter

Still time to nominate a sustainability champ

Chula Vista is seeking nominees for its Sustainability Champion Awards. These are people who are helping the city to achieve clean air, clean water and clean land. Any person/group living or working in Chula Vista is eligible to be nominated and
potentially recognized for their local sustainability achievements. The Sustainability Champion Awards is an initiative of the city’s Sustainability Commission designed to recognize these individuals. Find nomination forms at www.chulavistaca.gov/clean and submit them by 5 p.m. Thursday. Award winners will be recognized at the April 26 City Council meeting. The Sustainability Commission offers the annual awards to help celebrate local champions and inspire others to take sustainable actions that will have a positive effect on the community. Learn more at www.chulavistaca.gov/clean.

National City invites cleanup sessions

National City residents are invited to register their households this week at www.joinnatcity.com, using Activity 5302, for Community Service Month 2022. Pick up your cleanup kit at the National City Public Library from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. Log your cleanup activities (virtual and in-person) and submit your photos from April 1-29 at www.nationalcityca.gov/CSMonth. The cleanups will culminate in an Earth Day celebration from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. April 30 at Kimball Park with a park cleanup, children’s activities and a free lunch. Volunteers are needed. Call (619) 336-4290 or email [email protected].

Teacher elected head of music educators

Emma Schopler

(Courtesy photo)

Emma Schopler, a teacher at Eastlake and Valle Lindo elementary schools in the Chula Vista Elementary School District, has been named president-elect for the Western Division of the Organization of Kodály Educators, a national organization supporting music education. The division represents California, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, Oregon and Utah. The Chula Vista Elementary district is the only one in the region with full-time credentialed music teachers serving grades K-6. Schopler also volunteers as the secretary for the OAKE-Western Division, and is vice president for choral activities at the California Music Educators Association, Southern Border Section, in San Diego. Schopler will serve two years as the OAKE president-elect, followed by two years as president. After her term ends, she will serve another two years as past president to help the new president transition. Recently, Schopler created the “San Diego Kids All Sing,” a one-day singing workshop and showcase for students ages 8-12 to gain experience in a simulated honor choir experience. No audition needed. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 7, children will study songs with Melva Morrison, a guest clinician and conductor from Point Loma Nazarene University. These songs will be performed at 3:30 p.m. at a yet-undecided location. Registration deadline is April 11. The fee of $25 includes performance music from JW Pepper, snack, lunch and a concert shirt. Children can sign up at https://scvachoral.org/elementary_workshop.php.

‘The Other Place’ at OnStage Playhouse

OnState Playhouse presents “The Other Place,” directed by Sandra Ruiz. Just as Juliana Smithton’s research leads to a potential breakthrough, her life takes a disorienting turn. The show runs through April 17, with matinees at 2 p.m. Sundays. See the performance schedule and get tickets at www.onstageplayhouse.org or by calling (619) 422-7787. The theater is at 291 Third Ave., Chula Vista.

Bonita Optimists holding book sale

The Bonita Optimists are holding a book sale at the Bonita Historical Society from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and April 3. Book donations are also appreciated. Funds raised pay for grants and support of the club’s projects helping children in the South Bay area, including scholarships, essay contests, student appreciation awards and the upcoming Kids Bike Safety Rodeo from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 30 at Bonita Valley Community Church. The Historical Society is at 4355 Bonita Road. Call (619) 267-5141.

Free film screening in San Ysidro

Olivewood Gardens holds a free screening of “The Kitchenistas,” at 5 p.m. Tuesday at the San Ysidro Public Library,
4235 Beyer Blvd, San Diego. There will also be a food demo and panel discussion of the film, a documentary that shows how healthy food traditions lead to better community health and connections. This event is sponsored by SAIC’s Women’s Business Resource Group in honor of Women’s History Month. No registration necessary. Learn more about the film at https://thekitchenistasmovie.org.

Schools hiring at countywide job fair

A Careers in Education Job Fair will take place from 8 a.m.-1:45 p.m. April 9 at Liberty Station Conference Center, 2600 Laning Road in San Diego. The event is organized by the San Diego County Office of Education with Point Loma Nazarene University. Job seekers can register for one of three time slots: 8 to 9:45 a.m., 10 to 11:45 a.m., or noon to 1:45 p.m. They are encouraged to dress professionally and bring copies of a resume and letters of recommendation. Some districts may interview on the spot, while others will collect resumes in anticipation of future openings. Organizations are looking to hire teachers and substitute teachers as well as non-teaching employees. Find more at https://bit.ly/3sWKKsn.

Deadline near to apply for rent, utilities aid

Thursday is the last day for Chula Vista residents to apply for this round of funding through the Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance Program. The city’s partner agency, SBCS (formerly South Bay Community Services), is processing applications on a first-come, first-served basis, according to state guidelines. This round of funding is expected to be about $6 million. For information and to apply, visit https://www.chulavistaerap.com. For more about the program, visit sbcssandiego.org.

Local students graduate

DePauw University, Greencastle, Ind.: Alison Williams of San Diego, bachelor of arts, biochemistry, summa cum laude
University of Maryland Global Campus, Adelphi, Md.: Kyle Hackett of National City, Kyle Baker and Jordan Sharble of Coronado, Daniel Johnson, Jimmy Liu, Connor Wagner and Alisha Sohal of San Diego, Michael Ford, Chester Oms, Sonnita Lok and Raul Rivera of Chula Vista all received Associate of Arts degrees in general studies. Also receiving degrees: Coronado: Blair O’Dwyer, Bachelor of Science, information systems management; Imperial Beach: Matthew Malecki, Bachelor of Science, computer networks and cybersecurity; Chula Vista: Mayra Amador, Bachelor of Science, human resource management; Adam Young, Bachelor of Science, business administration; Thomas Baasch and Jeanelle Jones, Bachelor of Science, computer networks and cybersecurity; Franklin Fielder, Bachelor of Science, computer networks and security; Celina Davis, Bachelor of Science, human resource management; Charmagne Carla Meneses, Master of Science, accounting and financial management; Rajeeev Bharati, Master of Science, environmental management; San Diego: Joseph Mandler and Zhifeng Zou, Bachelor of Science, finance; Jacqueline Bozen, Bachelor of Science, cybersecurity management and policy; Andrew Victorino, Bachelor of Science, management studies; Reginald Sanders, Bachelor of Science, health services management; Michael Eldrige, Zachary White and Kenneth Welch, Bachelor of Science, computer networks and cybersecurity; David Terrell, Bachelor of Science, criminal justice; Katie Poznanski and Kayla Kissel, Bachelor of Science, psychology; Alicia Young, Bachelor of Science, investigative forensics and psychology; Angel Delgado, Caroline Montenegro and Amanda Preston, Bachelor of Science, business administration; Kiersten Busse, Bachelor of Science, social science; Travis Ryan, Bachelor of Science, computer science; William Allard, Bachelor of Technical and Professional Studies, biotechnology; Tracy Escobar, Master of Business Administration; Brandan Kimble, Master of Science, management

Park University, Parkville, Mo.: Lauren N. Addison of San Diego, BA, psychology, summa cum laude; Ashley Jasmine Martinez of San Diego, Bachelor of Public Administration, criminal justice; Tory Belcher of San Diego, BS, criminal justice administration/corrections; Travon D. Dancy of San Diego, BS, information and computer science/computer science; Ernest Bernard Frasier of San Diego, BS, management/healthcare; Ryan M. J. Schwartz of San Diego, BS, information and computer science/networking and security, magna cum laude; Victorea Zeigler of San Diego, BS, management/human resource; Alejandro Nino of San Diego, Associate of Science, management

Blood drives

The San Diego Blood Bank hosts these blood donation opportunities:

11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday, National City Public Library, 1401 National City Blvd.
9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. April 3, Sweetwater Community Church, 5305 Sweetwater Road, Bonita. Donors will receive a limited-edition T-shirt while supplies last

Those 17 and older, weighing at least 114 pounds and in good health may be eligible to donate blood. A good meal and plenty of fluids are recommended before donating. Appointments strongly encouraged. Photo ID required. Call (800) 469-7322 or visit SanDiegoBloodBank.org.

Please send items to [email protected] at least two weeks before events are to take place.

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

ZMOD4410 Air-Quality Sensor from Renesas Featured in Sense Connect Control by Future Electronics

March 27, 2022 by Staff Reporter

Pointe Claire, Quebec, Canada, March 27, 2022 –(PR.com)– Future Electronics, a global leading distributor of electronic components, is featuring a waterproof air quality sensor from Renesas in the latest edition of Sense Connect Control.

Renesas has introduced a new version of the ZMOD4410 indoor air-quality sensor which has a waterproof package. The new version, available with the part numbers ZMOD4410AI3V or ZMOD4410AI3R, has an IP67 rating.

These waterproof devices extend the Renesas ZMOD4410 Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) sensing platform, which offers best-in-class measurement stability and high sensitivity to Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) gases. The new sensor features a unique hermetically sealed package, which protects the sensor from water and dust, and features a hydrophobic and oleophobic material which is permeable to humidity and VOCs at the same time.

By combining IP67-rated packaging with the industry-leading accuracy and reliability that the ZMOD4410 platform is known for, Renesas enables new, low-power indoor air-quality applications which operate in splash zones, eliminating the need for expensive waterproofing systems.

The Renesas ZMOD4410 is perfect for a wide range of applications, including smart thermostats, air purifiers, smart hvac equipment, IoT devices, industrial equipment, home appliances and cooker hoods.

To learn more, visit https://www.futureelectronics.com/ftm/intelligent-sensing/renesas-zmod4410-indoor-air-quality-sensor-waterproof-package. To see the entire portfolio of Renesas products available through Future Electronics, visit www.FutureElectronics.com.

Stay on top of all sensing and connectivity information in Sense Connect Control, a go-to e-newsletter by Future Electronics for engineers. Each edition is packed with product information, datasheets or videos showcasing the most advanced new sensing and connectivity solutions.

Visit www.FutureElectronics.com/subscribe to receive the latest issues of Sense Connect Control newsletter and always stay up to date with the latest innovations of the technology world. To see the entire portfolio of products available through Future Electronics, visit www.FutureElectronics.com.

About Future Electronics

Future Electronics is a global leader in electronics distribution, recognized for providing customers with global supply chain solutions, custom-tailored engineering services and a very extensive variety of electronic components. Founded by Robert G. Miller in 1968, Future Electronics believes its 5500 employees are its greatest asset, with 170 offices in 44 countries. Future Electronics is globally integrated, with a unified IT infrastructure that delivers real-time inventory availability and access to customers. With the highest level of service, the most advanced engineering capabilities, and the largest available-to-sell inventory in the world, Future’s mission is always to Delight the Customer®. For more information, visit www.FutureElectronics.com.

Media Contact

Claudio Caporicci
Global Director, Marketing Communications & Advertising
Future Electronics
www.FutureElectronics.com
514-694-7710 (ext. 4107)
Fax: 514-693-6051
[email protected]

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

Ohio confirms avian influenza in wild birds

March 27, 2022 by Staff Reporter

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu, in three wild birds in northwestern Ohio, March 17.

The disease has been found in domestic birds in 17 states as of March 21, including several states that border Ohio. Officials have said it appears to be spreading through wild, migratory birds, especially waterfowl. But while Ohio has confirmed cases in wild birds, it still has not had any cases in domestic flocks.

Dennis Summers, Ohio Department of Agriculture Animal Health division chief and state veterinarian, said the detections basically confirm what officials already knew. But they also suggest Ohio bird owners have been doing a good job on biosecurity so far.

“Enhanced biosecurity is the No. 1 protective measure,” Summers said. “Us sitting here in Reynoldsburg, we’re not protecting the poultry industry every day. They’re protecting themselves.”

Detections

The cases were found in a herring gull, in Erie County, March 9, and two bald eagles, both in Ottawa County, March 11 and 15, the department of natural resources said in a March 17 press release. All three of the birds are deceased.

But because there still haven’t been cases in domestic flocks, Ohio’s status hasn’t changed, Summers said.

While the new detections don’t change Ohio’s status, they do drive home the importance of biosecurity, said Tim McDermott, agriculture and natural resources educator for Ohio State University Extension, and a member of Ohio State Extension’s poultry team. McDermott and Summers both urged poultry farmers to not let their guard down.

Bird flu seems to be traveling through wild birds in the Atlantic and Mississippi flyways, which overlap in the areas where the Ohio wild bird cases were found, McDermott said. Because it’s spreading through migrating birds, the risk will continue at least into May.

Biosecurity

Summers and other officials are continuing to encourage poultry owners to move their birds indoors, when possible. That makes their birds less likely to come into contact with wild birds that may carry bird flu.

That might seem counterintuitive for pastured poultry operations or some backyard flocks. But bird flu is a major risk for any flock.

“Right now, with an outbreak of a deadly disease, we should be doing it a little differently than we normally do it,” McDermott said. He said outdoor areas should be fenced in and have bird netting, to prevent domestic birds from coming into contact with wild birds, and those who can keep their flocks inside with good air circulation should do that.

Other biosecurity measures include using boot covers, washing hands and cleaning and disinfecting tools and equipment, Summers said. The department is also advising poultry owners to keep visitors to a minimum, establish a rodent and pest control program, use drinking water from a contained supply, and not surface water, and watch for signs of illness.

“This disease is just so deadly that you really want to make sure that you go the extra mile with your protective plan,” McDermott said.

McDermott noted a lot of the positive cases in other states have been in backyard flocks, and a lot of people started keeping backyard poultry during the pandemic. That means it’s important for backyard poultry owners, in addition to commercial farms, to practice biosecurity.

As bird owners get ready to buy chicks for the spring, McDermott also advised them to get their chicks from National Poultry Improvement Program-approved hatcheries.

“That way, you know your stock is the healthiest you can get,” he said.

Reporting

Bird owners who see unusual signs of illness or unexpected deaths in their flocks can report them to the Ohio Department of Agriculture at 614-728-6220.

Wild birds are under the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’s jurisdiction. Ohioans can report sick or dying wild birds that may have avian influenza to the department at 800-945-3543 or wildohio.gov. The department says birds that should be reported include any raptors, like bald eagles, waterfowl, like geese or ducks, and any other large congregation of sick or dead birds.

For more information about biosecurity and avian influenza, visit aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/defend-the-flock-program.

Related content:

Bird flu detected in Ohio in three wild birds

Animal health officials urge caution after USDA confirms bird flu in nearby states

STAY INFORMED. SIGN UP!

Up-to-date agriculture news in your inbox!

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

5 Easy-To-Grow Plants That Improve Indoor Air Quality Miraculously!

March 27, 2022 by Staff Reporter

Money Plant With Aloe Vera And Kalanchoe

On these extremely polluted days, all we need is clean air, and we spend the majority of our time at home. People begin to stay at home in the hopes of improving the poor air quality, but the unpleasant reality is that there are many germs and dust particles in the air that we cannot see with our eyes and that are dangerous to us.

However, there is a solution that can help you keep your lungs healthy: Plants that purify the air. These plants will help to enhance the air quality in your environment. They also don’t require a lot of space; you can put them in your bedroom, living room, or any other area in your home.

IGP.com puts up with a vast range of indoor air quality plants for everyone to have in their homes. As a result, a NASA Clean Air Study found that indoor air purifying plants lower indoor air contaminants like formaldehyde.

Here are the best indoor air purifier plants by IGP.com

Lovely Airpurifying Peperomia Plant

The Peperomia plant is an indoor plant with smooth, lustrous leaves and a dense, lush texture. It necessitates minimal watering and exposure to the sun. Peperomia lowers the quantity of formaldehyde in the home by 47%, and formaldehyde is a substance that is found in the air. This plant is also used to cure upset stomachs, acne, and boils, as well as as a wound treatment.

Dracaena Plant in Pink Round Pot

Dracaena Plant keeps the air around you fresh and clean. It offers a very good ornamental value to any home, whether indoors or outdoors, thanks to its humidifying, air purifying, and low-maintenance properties. It absorbs all these indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, and carbon dioxide.

Money Plant With Aloe Vera And Kalanchoe

Money Plant (Devil’s Ivy), Kalanchoe (Chandelier Plant), and Aloe Vera (Acemannan) are three green BPA-free plastic planters that can liven up any living space.

Money plants have a reputation for being fortunate. However, it has numerous advantages, such as being effective at eliminating indoor pollutants, boosting oxygen flow, aiding in the treatment of sleep problems, lowering anxiety and tension, and so on.

Aloe Vera is a well-known medicinal plant because it contains beneficial components, functions as an air cleaner, has antioxidant and antibacterial qualities, and speeds wound healing, among other things.

Kalanchoe is a lovely plant that helps to purify the air and is used as a medicine for a variety of health issues, including Oral Health Protection, Rhinitis Treatment, Ulcers, Back Pain, and many others.

Vibrant Airpurifying Asparagus Ferns Plant

Asparagus Fern, also known as Sprenger’s asparagus. It is a low-light tolerant plant with delicate, needle-like leaves that have a feathery appearance and stay green all year. It is good at purifying the air of benzene, toluene, octane, and other harmful toxins. It is most effective for health issues and dizziness.

Areca Palm in Jute Wrapping with Planter

Areca palms are popular as both indoor and outdoor plants. This tropical house plant loves the sun so keep it on your balcony for extra greenery. It produces more oxygen, beautifies the interior, reduces stress, and absorbs indoor pollutants. This one can be re-potted or left in the plastic planter that came with it.

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

US $18.6 M invested in water and sanitation programme in Mozambique

March 26, 2022 by Staff Reporter

A sum of US $18.6 M has been invested in a water and sanitation programme in Mozambique. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is supporting the program through its new five-year “USAID Transform Wash” programme.

The programme aim is to strengthen water, sanitation and hygiene services in underserved communities in the provinces of Zambezia, Nampula and Cabo Delgado in Mozambique, through better governance and responsible behaviour.

READ;Tanzania to receive US $123M for water projects in Dodoma

USAID Transform Wash

The “USAID Transform Wash” programme is also part of the US government’s global priority initiative “Water for The World”. In addition to securing access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene, the Water for The World programme aims to preserve freshwater resources hard hit by drought, as well as promoting cooperation on shared waters.

The financial institution has entrusted the implementation of the programme to Tetra Tech. Under its terms of reference, the company specialises in engineering and technical consulting services, will provide national and local government agencies with technical support to improve their policies and increase the services identified. This support includes training in tariff collection, data management and policies to encourage private sector financing and management.

“By building the capacity of the Mozambican government and the private sector to build and maintain sustainable Wash services, the programme will ensure access to quality water systems. The initiative will also promote healthy hygiene practices through community and civic awareness in Cabo Delgado, Zambezia and Nampula. The latter two provinces, with 39% of the country’s population, are said to have the least basic infrastructure,” said the US Embassy in Mozambique.

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

Pasadena Group Urges Adoption of All-Electric Building Code

March 26, 2022 by Staff Reporter

> This graphic means ColoradoBoulevard.net is first to report on it.

New development on El Molino and Walnut (Photo – W.K.)

The Pasadena Building Electrification Coalition seeks to educate and build support for enactment of a comprehensive Reach Code in Pasadena.

By Kate Bartlet

The California Legislature made history in 2018 by passing SB 100, the California 100% Clean Energy Act. SB 100 sets the bold but achievable goal of powering California – the world’s 5th largest economy – with 100% clean, carbon-free electricity by 2045.

Motivated by the climate crisis, air pollution, rising gas rates and gas safety risks (carbon dioxide and methane, among others), 54 counties and cities in California have adopted gas-free buildings commitments or electrification building codes (known as ”Reach Codes” because they go beyond California state building codes). Sierra Club tracks the building code efforts of those cities and counties at this link.

Pasadena is not on that list – yet.

Pasadena’s Climate Action Plan

Building electrification is a key step to realizing Pasadena’s Climate Action Plan adopted in 2018; the Plan outlined primary sources of emissions and strategies to reduce reliance on gas and fossil fuels. Gas accounts for 38% of emissions in Pasadena residences. All electric buildings are healthier for people, especially children, because gas stoves and furnaces produce pollutants, including particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde, all of which are linked to negative health outcomes such as asthmas, respiratory illnesses, cognitive impairments and some cancers. A 2019 UCLA-led study of indoor air quality in older homes and apartments in the San Gabriel Valley found that homes with gas appliances had air pollution indoors that was commonly worse than outdoors, particularly in colder months. Of course, the economic costs of chronic illnesses is particularly burdensome for lower income families.

All-electric buildings are more affordable to construct and maintain than dual-fuel buildings. In addition to directly reducing home building and infrastructure costs, all-electric codes avoid the cost to ratepayers of future stranded assets.

Two developers already are focusing on building affordable all-electric housing in Pasadena. Heritage Housing Partners developed Summit Grove, Gill Court, Decker Court and Lincoln at Orange Grove, all with solar panels, all electric appliances and a heat pump. National CORE is proposing the Ramona Project across from Pasadena’s City Hall, an affordable, all-electric senior housing project.

Pasadena Building Electrification Coalition

A coalition of interested groups and individuals in Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley – currently designated as the Pasadena Building Electrification Coalition – is discussing the manner in which the Pasadena City Council can be encouraged to adopt an all-electric building code. No other city in Los Angeles County has adopted a ban on gas in new buildings, including ADUs.

Pasadena’s Planning Department is expected to make a presentation to the full City Council on adoption of a Reach Code soon. The date of that presentation has not been determined.

To learn more about clean energy initiatives and supporting the adoption of a Reach Code in Pasadena, sign up at The Climate Realty Project.

Kate Bartlett has a BA (Political Science) and a JD, University of Wisconsin-Madison. She enjoys reading and writing equally.

Colorado Boulevard.net is your place for enlightening events, informative news and social living for the greater Pasadena area. We strive to inform, educate, and work together to make a better world for all of us, locally and globally.