I know… it’s only November, but I’m already thinking ahead to the new year. As 2024 looms, I can’t help but reflect on some things that are making me happy today in 2023.

1.     California Senate Bill 337 was passed

On October 7th, 2023, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed and filed SB337 with the Secretary of State. This bill would arrange for the state to conserve at least 30% of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030!

2.     90% of Napa is Fish Friendly Certified

When I think about Napa, my mind is usually preoccupied by tasting reservations and how pricey these wine-filled excursions have become. However, when I read that the sand and sediment discharge coming from vineyards was clogging waterways and harming the journey of Chinook salmon, I suddenly had a lot more on my mind. I was able to feel more at ease, however, after reading “Napa Vineyards are Pairing Wine with ‘Fish Friendly Farming’” in reasons to be cheerful, I was grateful to hear that in 2020, 90% of Napa vineyard land was Fish Friendly Farming certified.

3. US EPA Has Opened $2 Billion in Grants to Environmental Justic Communities

Though this is new news, it feels like it’s a step in the right direction, providing grants to lower-income communities “overburdened by pollution and volunerable to climate change.” Read more here >