On Our Blogs: Bus pollution, black cars and pistachios

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WHEN BLUE ISN’T GREEN: The Santa Monica Big Blue Bus agency was fined last week for violating environmental regulations. The bus line had failed to keep emission levels at less than 60% of 2005 levels, and did not conduct required diesel emissions testing. The fine was $21,000, and included mandatory ‘green’ classes for staff members.

RISING METROLINK FARES: Public transportation costs for Southern Californians may soon be increasing. Metrolink is considering raising its fares by 3.5% to 5.5% due to higher operating costs. Metrolink currently serves about 45,000 passengers a day in six Southern California counties. New implementations such as the TAP smart card fare payment system and the installation of fare gates at MTA rail stations are some of the contributing factors to the rising costs. Go to our L.A. Now Blog for the details.

THE BLACK CAR PSEUDO-SCARE: Rumors, amplified by the blogosphere, that the California Air Resources Board would ban black cars in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions were false. The air resources board explained last week that there was never any intention to outlaw the color black. The board abandoned its proposal to mandate the use of reflective paints in vehicles when it became clear the technology was unavailable. But it plans to require carmakers to cover glass with invisible reflective coatings to reduce solar heat absorption. Martin Zimmerman reports the full story here.

CONTAMINATED PISTACHIOS: Salmonella warnings are back, as the FDA announced last week that certain pistachios may be contaminated. The pistachios being recalled are sold by supermarkets in the Kroger chain, such as Ralphs, Fry’s, Smith’s and Dillons. They are sold in 10-ounce cans and have sell-by dates of Dec. 13, 2009, and Dec. 14, 2009. Health watchdogs are calling on companies to increase inspections of their food products.

-- Stephanie Chang