YubaNet.com

Caleb Dardick - SYRCL: Today, People Saved the Park!

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:23:37 PST

A delegation of over 100 people from Nevada County caravanned on the "Yuba Express" to the State Capitol and hand-delivered over 10,000 letters and petition signatures to Governor Jerry Brown, Resource Secretary John Laird, and Parks Director Ruth Coleman requesting that the South Yuba River and Malakoff Diggins State Parks be removed from the parks' closure list.

As Trapping Season Comes to a Close, Possible Record High in Non-Targeted Animals Being Crushed

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:18:19 PST

Millions of fur-bearing animals are barbarically killed each year in body-crushing traps set for recreational and commercial purposes, fueling a highly unregulated industry that dates back to the 1600s. Born Free USA, a nationally recognized leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation, estimates that in addition to those animals, there are hundreds of thousands of non-targeted animals who are the unintended victims of these traps.

BLM Appoints Second Supporter of Horse Slaughter to National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:17:00 PST

The Cloud Foundation strongly protests the appointment of another pro-slaughter member to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board. On February 5, 2012, Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar, named Callie Hendrickson of Grand Junction, Colorado as the newest member of the Board. Hendrickson will fill the General Public position, replacing Janet Jankura of Ohio who applied to serve another term but was denied.

Bank Settlement Will Help Californians, Greenlining Institute Says

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:08:20 PST

The "robo-signing" settlement announced today represents real help for California homeowners who suffered due to misdeeds by loan servicers and other financial institutions, but more must still be done to help struggling families and stabilize the housing market, policy experts at The Greenlining Institute said today.

Feds Approve California Sewage Ban and Create Largest Coastal No-Discharge Zone in the Nation

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:05:56 PST

U.S. EPA's Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Jared Blumenfeld will today sign a rule that will finalize EPA's decision and approve a state proposal to ban all sewage discharges from large cruise ships and most other large ocean-going ships to state marine waters along California's 1,624 mile coast from Mexico to Oregon and surrounding major islands. Today's action establishes a new federal regulation banning even treated sewage from being discharged in California's marine waters.

Insurance Company Sued for Denying Elderly & Sick Their Home Care Benefits

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:03:46 PST

Senior Health Insurance Company of Pennsylvania (SHIP) is refusing to honor thousands of long-term care insurance policies it sold to Californians, leaving the elderly and infirm without the care they need, according to a lawsuit filed today by lawyers for Consumer Watchdog and Shernoff, Bidart Echeverria Bentley LLP.

Sacramento Area Prepares for Electric Vehicles With Energy Commission Grant

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:02:54 PST

The Sacramento region about to become much more friendly to plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs), thanks to a $200,000 planning grant from the California Energy Commission.

State's Energy Policy Report Goes to Governor, Legislature

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:01:37 PST

The California Energy Commission today approved the 2011 Integrated Energy Policy Report (IEPR), the state's main energy planning document. The report makes recommendations to ensure reliable energy supplies for the state's growing population and economy, achieve clean energy goals, and promote clean tech jobs and investments.

Yuba County Museum of History Dinner Theatre Fundraiser on Feb. 25

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:43:20 PST

The Yuba County Museum of History is hitching up with the "Sweet Gristle" Comedy team for a dinner theatre at Pad Thai restaurant. Dinner Theatre starts at 6:30PM on Saturday February 25th at 415 4th Street in Marysville, and will fund the opening of the new Yuba County Museum of History.

Daryl Cagle | The New York Times Cartoon Kerfuffle

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:36:25 PST

There was a "cartoon kerfuffle" this week as The New York Times announced that they would begin running traditional editorial cartoons again, in an email invitation to selected, top political cartoonists. It was good news that one of America's biggest newspapers would again embrace our art form, but their offer was so lousy it only made the cartoonists angry.

Victoria Lafont | True Heart Health

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:34:22 PST

In the heart friendly spirit of February I thought I'd focus on how to really take care of the the heart and cardiovascular system. There is so much information available about heart health, much of it contradictory. Obama has proclaimed February American Heart Month, and just in time; cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S. Since 1963, for nearly 50 years, our nation has been aware of rising rates of cardiovascular disease. And, for nearly 50 years doctors and special interest funded researchers have been promoting protocols that have not only NOT improved the state of cardiovascular health in this country, but studies show that our heart health is WORSE. Essentially, we are doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

CA Part-Time Legislature

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:29:32 PST

CA Part-Time Legislature - cartoon by Monte Wolverton

Gisele Bundchen fumbles

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:27:57 PST

Gisele Bundchen fumbles - cartoon by Taylor Jones

Fracking Congress

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:26:33 PST

Fracking Congress - cartoon by Bill Day

Ellen Addresses Her JCPenney Critics

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:22:01 PST

Since the announcement that Ellen would be a new spokesperson for JCPenney, there's been an outpouring of support. There have also been a handful of critics. Ellen addressed them head-on in her monologue.

Assembly drops bill that would have helped hold polluters responsible

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:19:43 PST

Under pressure from construction, architect and other industry groups, state legislators killed a bill that would have closed a loophole used by businesses to evade pollution lawsuits.

Gay Marriage in California

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:14:44 PST

Gay Marriage in California - cartoon by Daryl Cagle

NID Seeks Grant Funding for Scotts Flat Forest Improvement

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:48:32 PST

The Nevada Irrigation District will apply for grant funding to expand its land management activities and reduce fire danger on district property around Scotts Flat Reservoir.

RSVP Nevada County Current Volunteer Opportunities: Feb 8, 2012

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:42:02 PST

Behind the ideas and efforts toward building a better world, volunteers fuel a movement of compassion and connection. You can make a difference by volunteering right here in your community. By sharing your time and talents to help others, you can help bring a sense of hope to our hearts, homes, neighborhoods, and ultimately our nation.

California Grange President to Address ‘Local Food’ Concerns in Oregon House

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:26:12 PST

In response, Dick Dahms, who has headed the Lake Francis Grange in Dobbins for about 30 years, invited Bob McFarland, President of the California State Grange, to come out and answer residents' questions. McFarland will be the guest speaker at the "Local Food Resources" Town Hall meeting to be held Wednesday, February 15 at 6:00 p.m. at the Alcouffe Community Center in Oregon House.

Nevada County Supports Keeping South Yuba River State Park Open, State Parks says Yes

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:12:13 PST

California State Parks' Director Ruth Coleman announced today that action by the Nevada County Board of Supervisors and community supporters will help keep South Yuba River State Park open.

Valentine's Day: What Women Really Want -- Reproductive Health

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:36:38 PST

Valentine's Day has long celebrated love with caring notes, decadent chocolates, and romantic arrangements of flowers. But this Valentine's Day, perhaps it's time to celebrate with a gift many of the world's women desperately want and need: reproductive health.

9th International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:16:38 PST

On the 9th International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), the Geneva-based International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the Inter-African Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children (IAC) and the Geneva Human Rights Office, call for the adoption of more human-rights based legislation to end F

Oil companies lobby for less transparency as Global Witness exposes the need for more

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:47:12 PST

More transparency is needed in the oil, gas and mining industries to prevent the international scramble for Africa's natural resources from fuelling still deeper corruption and instability, according to a new report from Global Witness published today.

Hundreds of lipsticks contaminated with lead, reports new FDA study

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:31:37 PST

A new analysis of lead in lipstick conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reveals that the problem of lead in lipstick is worse and more widespread than previously reported. The new study found lead in 400 lipsticks tested by the agency, at widely varying levels of up to 7.19 parts per million (ppm) -- more than twice the levels reported in a previous FDA study.

Muir's March to Restore Hetch Hetchy Grows

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:26:09 PST

The fight led by famed naturalist John Muir about a century ago continues to strengthen with the announcement that the fourth annual "Muir's March" has expanded to include six stunning guided backpacking trips (including a trip just for families) in Yosemite National Park, from July 29 – Aug 4, 2012. The march, which takes backpackers and hikers into scenic areas rarely experienced by tourists, raises awareness and funds for the campaign to bring the Hetch Hetchy Valley back to life.

Lull in ship noise after Sept. 11 attacks eased stress on right whales

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:16:23 PST

Exposure to low-frequency ship noise may be associated with chronic stress in whales, according to a study published today in the peer-reviewed Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

CU-Boulder study shows global glaciers, ice caps, shedding billions of tons of mass annually

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:14:30 PST

Earth's glaciers and ice caps outside of the regions of Greenland and Antarctica are shedding roughly 150 billion tons of ice annually, according to a new study led by the University of Colorado Boulder.

NIST report on Texas fire urges firefighters to consider wind effects

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:13:27 PST

Wind conditions at a fire scene can make a critical difference on the behavior of the blaze and the safety of firefighters, even indoors, according to a new report by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The findings confirm earlier NIST research, but they take on a particular immediacy because they are based on detailed computer models of a tragic 2009 residential fire in Houston, Texas, that claimed the lives of two firefighters.

Satellite telephony is unsafe

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:11:51 PST

Satellite telephony was thought to be secure against eavesdropping. Researchers at the Horst Görtz Institute for IT-Security (HGI) at the Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) have cracked the encryption algorithms of the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), which is used globally for satellite telephones, and revealed significant weaknesses. In less than an hour, and with simple equipment, they found the crypto key which is needed to intercept telephone conversations. Using open-source software and building on their previous research results, they were able to exploit the security weaknesses.

Oxfam: International humanitarian system will not cope with increased case load without going local

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:44:15 PST

The international humanitarian response system will fail to cope with the expected rise in the number of people exposed to crises unless there are more resources closer to where disasters happen and there is more investment in preventing and reducing the risk of disasters, warned international agency Oxfam today.

POGO Launches Inspector General Vacancy Tracker: "Where Are All the Watchdogs?"

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:41:04 PST

The Project On Government Oversight (POGO) launched a new web page today that tracks how long vacancies have been left open across the federal Inspector General (IG) system.

NARAL Pro-Choice America Calls on Congress to Back Off Attacks on Insurance Coverage of Birth Control

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:38:51 PST

NARAL Pro-Choice America today launched a multifaceted nationwide mobilization campaign to galvanize public support for the Obama administration's policy ensuring insurance coverage of contraception for millions of Americans.

FFRF challenges religious shrine in Flathead National Forest

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:36:47 PST

The Freedom From Religion Foundation, a state/church watchdog and the nation's largest association of atheists and agnostics, has filed suit in U.S. District Court in Montana, challenging the Forest Service's decision to renew a special permit to maintain a Jesus shrine on federal property in the Rockies. The Freedom From Religion Foundation, a state/church watchdog and the nation's largest association of atheists and agnostics, has filed suit in U.S. District Court in Montana, challenging the Forest Service's decision to renew a special permit to maintain a Jesus shrine on federal property in the Rockies.

Women's Media Center makes sexualized violence in conflict visible with new project: Women Under Siege

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:27:53 PST

Sexualized violence is being used to devastate women and tear apart communities around the world, conflict by conflict, from Libya to the Democratic Republic of Congo. With the launch of our new project, Women Under Siege, the Women's Media Center is sending the message to the press, and the world, that we can make the unspeakable visible and comprehensible, and in doing so, start to bring about an end to a violent epidemic that women suffer globally.

Spain: UN experts express concern over implications of Judge Garzón case

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:07:50 PST

A group of UN experts on independence of judges and enforced disappearances today expressed concern about the effect of the trial on the independence of Judge Baltasar Garzón in Spain, and on the process to investigate and deal with more than a hundred thousand cases of enforced disappearances which reportedly occurred during the Spanish civil war and the Franco regime.