In this episode we explore how to incorporate native plants in a suburban East Bay yard with Elaine Jackson from the East Bay chapter of the California Native Plant Society and Friends of Alhambra Creek. Hear about the 5 prettiest native plants, how to combat invasives, and resources available to help.

We're back at Pacheco Marsh, this time on a tour and work day with the John Muir Land Trust and Friends of Alhambra Creek. It's our chance to learn about the invasive species which are pressuring the marsh, and about the Land Trust and its ambitious plans to restore other wetlands, and maintain this one.

We've been away due to a family health crisis, but we're back! Just in time for historic streetcars, vintage buses, and the all-time favorite: the boat tram!  (Not to mention the cablecars.) It's MUNI Heritage Weekend in San Francisco. Learn about the historic streetcars, the Market Street Railway, and find out what the the Routle is. You will definitely want to check out the show notes on this one for photos and links!

Let's talk recycling from a little different angle. Meet Race to Zero Waste! I guarantee you will get answers to some of your recycling questions.

Want to incorporate native plants into your garden? Or just hear about local plants? There is a lot more to it than I thought. We talk with Beth Wurzburg of the California Native Plant Society about their nursery, Native Here, in Tilden Park.

Now renamed Pacheco Marsh, the newly restored five mile stretch at the mouth of Walnut Creek is our newest park. In January, 2023, we toured the restoration in progress. Now we get the before and after as we attend the park's grand opening on May 3, 2025. Enjoy conversations with some of the celebrants, and fascinating descriptions of how the engineers at the Contra Costa County Flood Control District made it happen.

Even P&GE wants you to replace your gas appliances!  Bill Olsen from the Contra Costa chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby explains how to get started, what it might cost, and how to make a plan.

And a brief update on the second anniversary of the Thanksgiving toxic release.

More on the refinery saga.

Here's the first update to our coverage of the refinery.