California’s popular Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program (EEMP) was funded at $7 million in the 2013-14 State Budget through legislation signed by Governor Jerry Brown today. This is the only statewide local assistance funding for urban forestry for this...
Advocacy
California’s Water – Where does urban forestry fit in?
by California ReLeaf | Sep 25, 2013 | Advocacy, Network, Resources, Updates
I sometimes wonder how urban forestry can create and maintain a strong and resilient presence in such large-scale state issues such as improving California’s air and water quality. This is especially true when specific topics surface at the State Legislature such as...
Change is Coming to Two California Communities
by California ReLeaf | Sep 19, 2013 | Advocacy, Grants, Resources, Updates
Over the past few weeks, I've been lucky enough to work with some very dedicated people in two of California's largest cities - San Diego and Stockton. It's been amazing to see both what needs to be accomplished in these cities and how hard these individuals are...
Making Urban Forestry Part of California’s Water Conversation
by California ReLeaf | May 13, 2013 | Advocacy, Network, Research, Resources, Updates
Water can be a contentious issue in California's communities. With resources becoming more limited and restrictions increasing, it's important to make sure that urban forestry finds it's place as one of the solutions Californians turn to to solve their water problems....
Congresswoman Matsui Introduces TREES Act
by California ReLeaf | Apr 29, 2013 | Advocacy, Press, Research, Updates
Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) celebrated Arbor Day by introducing The Residential Energy and Economic Savings Act, otherwise known as TREES Act. This legislation would establish a grant program to assist electric utilities with energy conservation programs that...
Partnerships Pave Path to Success
by California ReLeaf | Apr 22, 2013 | Advocacy, Network, Updates
Last summer, California ReLeaf suddenly found itself in the unenviable position of being the torch-bearer for nonprofits across the state with regards to critical legislation that would set in statute eligible recipients for cap and trade funding. The first thing we...
President Obama, Ever Consider More Trees?
by California ReLeaf | Feb 13, 2013 | Advocacy
You would have to live under a rock to not know that President Obama presented his State of the Union address to Congress and the country last night. During his speech, he talked about climate change, its effects on our country, and urged us to take action. He said:...
A Challenge to California’s Cities
by California ReLeaf | Feb 11, 2013 | Advocacy, Research, Resources
Last week, American Forests announced the 10 best U.S. cities for urban forests. California had one city on that list - Sacramento. In a state where over 94% of our population lives in an urban area, or roughly 35 million Californians, it’s deeply concerning that...
Down, but Far From Out
by Chuck Mills | Jan 18, 2013 | Advocacy
Exploring the Governor’s proposed State Budget is perhaps analogous to reading Dickens in that you have to traverse a lot of descriptors before getting to the good stuff. Even then, the good stuff can be hard to find. Such is the case with the 2013-14 blue print to...
Farewell Policy Champs
by California ReLeaf | Dec 20, 2012 | Advocacy, Network, Resources
Nearly 25% of California’s State Legislature termed out in November, including numerous champions for urban forestry, parks, open space and environmental protection. And while we welcome those new members of the State Assembly and Senate that bring them with bold and...