That's Life

     Davis employs a wildlife biologist named John McNerney to oversee all things natural in the City.  John  has been on the show several times (all archived for your listening pleasure!). This time our discussion focussed on the turkeys and other 'wild' animals in the City and what people should or should NOT do in their interactions.  Although I hope you will listen to this entire episode; here's the main point Lois got from it -- DO NOT leave out food where the rats, turkeys, squirrels, skunks, opposums, or other animals can get to it.  That includes remnants of cat and dog food, as well as intentionally feeding them. Wild animals that become 'habituated' to people can cause problems.  Ah, you might say, but what about the little birds?  

KDRT's Hawaiian expert Beth Post is today's guest. Her radio show "Na Mele O Hawaii" is one of the most popular on this station!  And the story of how it came to be and what changes it has made in her family's is fascinating.

Beth first became involved with KDRT when a  friend started the "Road Scholar" show about home-schooling and needed a back up. Beth and her daughter started helping out and eventually doing it all on their own.  After a few years, the kids got older and that show was no longer of as much interest. 

Beth's daughter went on to school and Beth -- having gotten a taste of sharing on the radio -- was left on her own.  When she approached Jeff about having a new music show, his first question was: "So what kind of music do you plan to play?" 

Co-ops are GREAT! And Davis has lots of them.  Today we hear from Kim Coontz, executive director for the California Center for Cooperative Development (CCCD) about coöperatives in general and housing coöps in detail.

The Davis Food Coop is only one of many co-operatives we have in town. And only one KIND of coöp common in California.  Ag coöps and housing coöps are the most prevalent.  Worker-owned businessed are also common.

CCCD is a non-profit organization which promotes the creation of co-ops and helps folks who are setting up or running one.  A great group.

Marissa Juehler's actual title is "Waste Reduction and Sustainability Manager" for Yolo County.  Her office is at the Yolo County Landfill (NE of Davis) and she is, among other things, managing the Big Blue Barn!   She tells us about the hazardous waste facility out there where you can drop off light bulbs and batteries, old paint and pesticides, and any other hazardous material.  They ALSO have a pick-up service for seniors (over 65) and disabled folks  anywhere in the county who want to properly dispose of such items but cannot get to the landfill on their own. They can even take old medications -- or you can drop those off at a kiosk at the Police Station (on Fifth).