GUV SIGNS LBAM BILL… On Oct. 1 Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the Invasive Pest Planning Act (AB 2763), authored by Assemblyman John Laird largely in response to what he saw as poor state preparedness for the light brown apple moth invasion. The bill creates a comprehensive pest- planning process that includes public hearings– in contrast to last year, when concerned citizens were told the public has no say in the state’s LBAM response. [KA]

STOP THE SPRAY… Twenty-eight new plaintiffs will be added to a lawsuit stemming from the spraying of methyl bromide and other pesticides near Moss Landing residents. The group has hired attorneys Jonathan Gettleman and Alexander Henson (who successfully challenged the state’s LBAM spraying). Last week, farmers pumped fumigants into soil near homes along Potrero Road. Because the fumigants were applied more than 500 feet from nearby homes, residents weren’t notified. Apparently, letting your neighbor know you’ll be poisoning next door is no longer common courtesy. [ZS]

COASTAL TRAIL BLUFF… Last year, the California Coastal Conservancy secured funding to plan the Big Sur segment of a statewide coastal trail. We reported on the power struggle that resulted, as Big Sur residents asserted that the historically independent community should be an integral part of the planning process, while the conservancy leaned on outside consultants. A year later, the drama continues. Members of the Big Sur Coast Trail Committee will meet on Oct. 9 with Assemblyman John Laird to discuss their trail plan. But they complain that the state, which has some reservations about the locals’ plan, is sending a consultant. [KA]

ECOTOURISM AND YOU… In July we reported on the Marina Technology Cluster, a city of Marina incubator project that supports local green entrepreneurship. The focus at that time was clean tech. Now, MTC zooms in on ecotourism: bringing visitors to enjoy Monterey Bay’s natural assets while supporting local business and minimizing environmental impacts. Panelists include Dr. Wallace Nichols of Ocean Conservancy and Sarah Graham, who is working with National Geographic to make Monterey Bay the nation’s first geotourism destination. Thursday, Oct. 16. 5:30-7:30pm, UC MBEST Center, 3180 Imjin Road, Marina. Donations requested: $10/members and students, $20/general. RSVP to Peter@ecomentum.com or 582-9718. [KA]