CRC Presents to the US Environmental Protection Agency

On June 11, CRC Director Jonathan London and Professor Chris Benner will present the Regional Opportunity Index (ROI) to Region 9 of the US Environment Protection Agency's Brownfields Program in San Francisco.  The ROI is a web-based mapping platform used to target positive investments to the people and places that need it the most. Public agencies and policy makers can use the ROI to allocate their funding, personnel and regulatory activity. Advocates can use the ROI to hold businesses and public agencies accountable to investing in under-served communities.  Businesses can use the ROI to meet their investment goals, operate in a socially responsible manner, and meet legal mandates.  The ROI currently covers the 19 counties of the Central Valley with plans to expand statewide. The ROI was developed through a generous gift from Rabobank, N.A.

California Civic Engagement Project's Op-Ed

New Evidence Links Pollution to Autism, Schizophrenia

A new study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives describes how exposure to air pollution early in life produces harmful changes in the brains of mice, including an enlargement of part of the brain that is seen in humans who have autism and schizophrenia. The mice also performed poorly in tests of short-term memory, learning ability, and impulsivity. The new findings are consistent with several recent studies that have shown a link between air pollution and autism in children. Most notably, a 2013 study in JAMA Psychiatry reported that children who lived in areas with high levels of traffic-related air pollution during their first year of life were three times as likely to develop autism. "Our findings add to the growing body of evidence that air pollution may play a role in autism, as well as in other neurodevelopmental disorders," said Deborah Cory-Slechta, Ph.D., professor of Environmental Medicine at the University of Rochester and lead author of the study. To read the full report, click here.

RDLN Institute Farewell Reception

Students and faculty are invited to join the Rural Development Leadership Network as they conclude this year's Institute on campus. The Institute is co-sponsored by the Center for Regional Change.

Date: Friday - June 20

Time: 4:30pm

Place: Gorman Museum - First Floor of Hart Hall

Light refreshments will be served.

Essential Elements' 2014 Public and Private Policy Lecture Series:

Energizing the Valley and Generating Jobs

Essential Elements is a three-part series on the following topics: water and food, energy development and transmission, and trade and logistics. The intent of the series is to organize hands-on partnerships and create action steps for the future of the San Joaquin Valley while coping with climate change.

Date: Thursday - June 12

Time: 8:30am

Place: Harris Ranch Inn - Garden Ballroom, Coalinga, CA

This event is free but requires registration.

Technology, Tools and Techniques to Improve Public Engagement 
 Most cities and counties make engaging the public a top priority but there's always room to enhance these programs. Whether you are a beginner or familiar with the process, the Institute for Local Government (ILG) is offering a free webinar to help local agencies use technology to advance public engagement efforts.

Date: Wednesday - June 18

Time: 10-11am

This webinar is free but requires registration.

2014 Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Awards (GEELA)

CA Governor Brown announced that the application period to apply for the State's most prestigious environmental achievement award is now open. The GEELA program recognizes individuals, organizations and businesses that have demonstrated exceptional leadership for voluntary achievements in conserving California's resources, protecting and enhancing the environment, building public-private partnerships, and strengthening the state's economy. GEELA recipients are chosen in 14 different categories, from climate change to environmental justice to waste reduction. For more information and/or a nomination application, click here.  Deadline: July 11.