by Robert in Monterey [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

by Robert in Monterey [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

by Robert in Monterey [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

By John Russo
Farmer and Beekeeper
Carmel Valley

On May 13th in Monterey County, a new independent lawsuit challenged the state of emergency imposed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) for the Light-brown Apple Moth (LBAM) eradication program. It legally declared that conditions of an emergency had not been met. It further requires an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) prior to resuming the program in Monterey County. This lawsuit follows on the heels of a similar suit in Santa Cruz County and is a second blow to the CDFA’s poorly-planned and poorly-executed program.

This is a major victory for all of us concerned about the program. Buoyed by the success of the legal process, StopTheSpray.org announces our legislative strategy to permanently halt the CDFA use of pesticides over human populations to eradicate (LBAM).

The Light-brown Apple Moth (LBAM) was officially discovered in California in 2007 although it may have been in residence in the state for up to 30 years. The CDFA declared an administrative emergency, established quarantine zones and launched a multi-million dollar eradication program. The eradication program, which includes residential and urban areas, is at least in part motivated by international trade issues.

by Robert in Monterey [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

by David Dayen [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

Via Randy Bayne:

Sim?n Salinas has pulled papers to run in the Denham recall. He has until 5 p.m. tomorrow to turn in papers and signatures.

One Republican has also pulled papers, but there is a question about residency which may disqualify John Nevill, a Monterey County health care compliance officer.

I'm sure there will be a few stragglers on the ballot, but if Salinas is it that would significantly increase the chances of the recall, since Denham is not on that part of the ballot.  It's an expansive district and no candidate has a power base throughout it, but between Salinas' stronghold in the Monterey County area, and the new report that Stanislaus County has turned blue, with a 5,000-vote registration shift between 2006 and today, there is obviously a lot of movement here, and if Denham continues to whine about the process than his record, his days are numbered.

by Robert in Monterey [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]