Limit engineered crops' spread, panel says [San Francisco Chronicle]
A government advisory panel reached a rough consensus Tuesday that growers of genetically engineered crops should try to contain the spread of their genes to organic crops. But the panel refused to set a threshold level for contamination as would be required by Proposition 37, a California ballot initiative calling for labeling of genetically engineered food. The panel also refused to hold biotechnology companies that make genetically engineered seeds, including Monsanto, Dupont and Syngenta, responsible for contamination.
http://www.sfgate.com/default/article/Limit-engineered-crops-spread-panel-says-3822923.php
Bill would allow sale of homemade foods [Los Angeles Times]
Shades of Mildred Pierce may be cropping up throughout the state as lawmakers are set to decide whether mothers and others are allowed to sell homemade muffins, cakes and pies at local stores and restaurants and directly to consumers….The bill, up for a final vote in the state Senate as early as Wednesday, would permit home bakers to sell as much as $50,000 worth of goods a year, as long as they don't contain cream or meat products. So far, more than 30 other states have similar laws….With consumers increasingly jittery over recall scares and reports of food-borne illnesses, critics worry that the bill, AB 1616, co-written by Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Silver Lake), could become a dangerous example of health-related corner-cutting — especially in direct-to-consumer sales….Gatto's California Homemade Food Act would allow "non-potentially hazardous food" such as bread, fruit pies, empanadas, jams, honey and dried nuts to be sold out of houses, apartment complexes and other residences….Those selling directly to consumers would have to register with their local health departments and complete food handler courses. Purveyors selling through a retailer would also be subject to health department inspections.
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-homemade-food-20120829,0,6759357.story
Heat illness still a problem despite progress [HealthyCal.org]
Arcenio Lopez hasn’t been a farm worker since 2003, but the Oaxaca, Mexico native still remembers what it feels like to work a full day under the California sun….Lopez, who is now administrative director for Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project in Oxnard (MICOP), says he was not prepared for the dangers associated with working eight hours or more under direct sunlight….If Lopez were working in an outdoor industry in California today, he likely would see billboards in Spanish or hear radio ads in his native Mixteco language with slogans like “A wise man looks for shade.” or “If you want to last, don’t forget to drink water.” Or, he may have learned from a co-worker that his employer is required by law to provide adequate protection from the heat….“They tend to be the trusted resources and the go-to places, so we have done a lot of outreach to engage those organizations in the campaign,” says Erika Monterroza of the Department of Industrial Relations. “One of the goals of the campaign has been to create a community norm that starts to see this as a public health issue.” Lopez says he’s seen a growing awareness among his clients. “I’ve been seeing people being more conscious about this,” he says. Workers realize “it’s not a game. It’s something real.” According to UC Berkeley’s Labor Occupational Health Program, the train the trainer workshops in addition to direct worker outreach reach 6-8,000 workers per year. For a worker who may be on the job site 10-12 hours a day, 6-7 days a week, this type of peer-to-peer education can be a needed lifeline.
http://www.healthycal.org/archives/9626
UC Merced making water data available [Merced Sun-Star]
As concerns heat up around predicted losses in average mountain snowpack, UC Merced researchers have launched a new program to study the effects of climate change on the San Joaquin River and the millions of people who depend on it….Under a $1.5 million National Science Foundation grant, scientists hope to develop a range of predictions as to how flows on the river will be affected by climate change….At the same time, scientists aim to determine how this and other factors will likely affect irrigation and drinking water use, as well as the surrounding ecosystems….More accurate data on river flows will help irrigation districts and other agencies more efficiently deliver water for agriculture and other uses….The study will be conducted by UC Merced, the Sierra Nevada Research Institute and a team of graduate students over the next three years.
Website set up to focus on Delta water project [Sacramento Bee]
Sacramento County has unveiled a new website to highlight issues affecting the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and its residents….County officials are on record opposing the project, a stance prominently described on the new website: www.sacramentoriverdelta .net. The website also serves as a portal for information about flood insurance requirements, levee projects, relevant legislation and a calendar for Delta-centric events. Delta residents and businesses are encouraged to submit additional information for the website via email to marettsd@saccounty.net.
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/08/29/4766856/website-set-up-to-focus-on-delta.html#storylink=misearch
Water-use survey might help farmers get recycled water [North County Times]
Farmers and growers have been asked to fill out a survey about their water use and business activities for a local agricultural advocacy group. Escondido Growers for Agricultural Preservation (EGAP), an affiliate of the San Diego County Farm Bureau, is working with the city to procure recycled water for agriculture in the near future, and the survey results may help guide that process….The survey is online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/W7RGJ7J.
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