Pedro's Weblog

Heroes come to aid of environment

Santa Barbara News-Press
July 11, 2004
By: Lorraine D. Wilson

Restaurant NU and its sunny courtyard, its gourmet food, along with Sanford's fine wines, put us in an extravagant spirit to bid in the auction -- all for a good cause.

Everyone comes to this event ready to help raise money for the Environmental Defense Center that has (for 27 years) helped groups navigate the legal system on matters affecting the environment and public health. The nonprofit EDC provides legal counsel and representation before public agencies and in court. EDC helps enforce existing laws and crafts new policies and laws to enhance environmental protection on the Central Coast.

Oil group sues to contest coastal panel's authority

Santa Barbara News-Press
July 9, 2004
By: Melinda Burns, Senior Writer

A trade group representing the oil companies that have platforms off the coast of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties has filed suit, alleging that the state Coastal Commission has no authority to set ocean-quality standards in federal waters.

Specifically, the Western States Petroleum Association asked the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles this week to stop the commission from regulating the disposal of wastes on 22 oil and gas platforms more than three miles from shore. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has jurisdiction to issue permits there.

Coastal Commissioners recommend full hearing for Diablo dry cask project

Associated Press
July 1, 2004:

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (AP) - The California Coastal Commission may hold a public hearing on a proposed above-ground facility to store radioactive waste at the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant.

Environmental Challenge Revives Battle Over Dana Point Headlands

Los Angeles Times
Monday May 24, 2004

Orange County Edition, California, Page B-1
Metro Desk
By David Reyes, Times Staff Writer

A prominent environmental group is keeping alive a decades-long battle to preserve one of Southern California's last undeveloped coastal promontories, saying the state's historic decision in January to let a developer build on the land violates state law. The California Coastal Commission's approval of a plan to build homes and an inn and shore up the majestic bluffs of Dana Point's Headlands was hailed as the final chapter in the 30-year fight over the 121-acre property.

Parade of Shoes Starts Month of Rape Awareness (4/7/04)

UCSB DAILY NEXUS
Parade of Shoes Starts Month of Rape Awareness
By Caitlin Adams - Staff Writer
Wednesday April 7, 2004

Pink Rollerblades stood heel to toe with puppy slippers and timberland boots - 351 pairs of shoes forming a pathway and each pair representing a victim of sexual assault.

Pedro says thanks in the Ventura County Star (3/11/04)

VENTURA COUNTY STAR
MARCH 11, 2004
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Candidate says thanks

I want to thank all my friends and supporters from Santa Ynez to Oxnard for the help they gave my campaign for the 35th Assembly District. It was their early trust and confidence that led to the unusual circumstances of my running unopposed for an open seat in the Democratic Party primary and securing 32,503 votes, 6,551 more than my opponent.

Harbor boating center delayed (2/20/04)

VENTURA COUNTY STAR
Harbor boating center delayed
Coastal Commission kicks plan back to county for work

By Sylvia Moore, smoore@VenturaCountyStar.com
February 20, 2004

In explaining what occurred here, Pedro says:

Dear Friends: We know that for many working families, the only affordable recreation is a Sunday BBQ at the park. Oxnard has limited park space. This project would have eliminated a rare free coastal park and replaced it with a "for-fee" boating center. Only members of the boating center would be allowed to take classes or rent the equipment (kayaks, canoes, etc.) Not a fair trade in my mind.

SB Pest Program Tells Pesticides to Bug Off (1/28/04)

UCSB DAILY NEXUS
SB Pest Program Tells Pesticides to Bug Off
By Jenny Mayock - Staff Writer
Wednesday January 28, 2004

Santa Barbara's ecosystem may soon be a bit less toxic thanks to a new policy approved last night by the Santa Barbara City Council.