TROLLEY Study Newsletter
Written by TROLLEY Study Intern, Melisa Akyildiz
Updates and Related News
Image: Creator: Erik Jepsen | Credit: Erik Jepsen/UC San Diego
Study Updates
One of the key strengths of this study lies in the two-year follow-up period. This extended duration offers a significant advantage in observing potential changes in transportation and health behaviors over time, as well as changes in household expenditures related to travel. The Trolley Study has achieved an outstanding 95% retention rate, which is remarkable! This high level of participant retention not only reflects the commitment and dedication of our participants, but also ensures the robustness of the data collected. As of October 2023, we have successfully completed 70% of the one-year follow-up visits. Since prior to the opening of the new trolley line, 25% of those in our study sample have used the trolley for the first time and 16% of the sample began commuting by trolley. We are busy analyzing data from and will have more to share soon! We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have continuously participated in this study, as their ongoing involvement and cooperation are crucial in tracking and analyzing these important shifts.
Photo by Nicole Herrero on Unsplash
Climate
Saving the Joshua Trees
Joshua Trees, which are an important part of the Mojave Desert Ecosystem, provide habitats for numerous animals, including birds, mammals, insects, etc. Many visitors find inspiration in the tree’s beauty and resilience. However, climate change has been threatening the Joshua Trees and advocates have long been fighting for federal protection for this species, but with no success. With one of the worst droughts in recent history, Joshua Trees are dying. Furthermore, the housing development boom is preventing the trees from reproducing by creating a physical barrier between them. Because of this housing development and wildfires due to climate change, activists have been trying to add Joshua Trees to California’s Endangered Species list. However, they were unsuccessful in doing so. Instead, California legislature stepped in and passed a law to protect the trees. Now, permits from the state are required before a company can cut down a tree and the state is required to develop a conservation plan. Read More
Photo by Charlie Wollborg on Unsplash
Health
Is Aspartame Sweetener a Carcinogen?
Aspartame, one of the world’s most common artificial sweeteners used in drinks such as Diet Coke, is being listed as a possible carcinogenic to humans by the WHO’s cancer research arm. Though this ruling does not consider the amount a person can safely consume, it can still raise concerns in the public and call for a recreation of recipes. However, the JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives ) says that there is no cause for concern if consumption is within accepted daily limits. A 60 kg adult (132 lbs) would have to drink 12 to 36 cans of diet soda every day to be at risk. A lot of debate has arisen over the WHO labeling things as carcinogenic, as some of the criticism claims that they are sparking needless alarms to avoid certain substances. Read More
Photo by Erik Brolin on Unsplash
Community Events
You Belong Here: Equity In Mental Health on Campus
Equity in Health, which launched just this past August, is a new quarterly series that explores different aspects of mental health, including its surrounding stigma and how to improve your own well-being. Over 100 campus colleagues gathered at the kickoff event where licensed counselors facilitated conversations. There were also activities such as guided meditation, movement exercises, and an ice cream social. The goal of the series is to instill a sense of connection and belonging while also spreading mental health awareness. The series specifically targets UCSD staff, as the Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion states that “our staff members can only thrive when they have equal access to resources to support their mental wellness.” There is one event planned for each upcoming quarter, so be sure to keep an eye out for dates on the next Equity in Health event! Read More
Image: City of San Diego
Community Meeting
Opportunity to provide feedback about developments in the University Area
The UCSD Blue Line Trolley extension, connecting downtown San Diego to UC San Diego and University City, was completed at a cost of over $2 billion. The University Community Planning Group is continuing to work on its Community Plan Update, a document that will guide development of the area for decades to come. You can weigh in on how you'd like to see the University Area grow to foster a healthy, sustainable and affordable community. The draft plan can be found here. You can email your comments to planuniversity@sandiego.gov. Read More >
Photo by DD Contact on Unsplash
Local News stories related to transportation
The First Electric Tugboat in the US is coming to San Diego
In local news, the first electric tugboat in the US will be launching right here in the San Diego Bay! A tugboat is a secondary boat that helps move a ship by pushing it towards the port. This new electric tugboat is designed to help decarbonize and reduce emissions. The tugboat charging system would be operating on off-peak hours from the community’s energy grid to reduce peak loads on the community’s energy grid. Furthermore, it is equipped with containerized energy storage systems and a solar power array, which further helps support renewable use. The launch date of this tugboat has not yet been announced. Read More
Photo by Clayton Cardinalli on Unsplash
Local Planning News
An Update to the De Anza Cove Amendment
We shared in the last newsletter that the De Anza Cove Amendment aims to allow the cove to be more publicly accessible while also protecting the wetland habitat. The city plans to include buffer zones along Rose Creek to protect the habitat from storm surges and sea level rises and improve water quality. However, there has been some recent pushback by local organizations who are concerned that these zones could impact sports fields and facilities along the cove. Several affected organizations, including Wild Mission Bay and the Pacific Beach tennis club, have requested that the city provide replacement fields and facilities in a new permanent location. The city has expressed openness to hearing the community organizations’ requests for these replacement facilities and proposes not to implement these buffer zones until facilities have been moved or modified. Read More
Website: UCSD TROLLEY study
Email: Trolleystudy@ucsd.edu
Phone: (858) 534-4611
Address: 9500 Gilman Dr. La Jolla, CA 92093