Prop 23

A forum held to educate voters on proposition 23 attracted a moderate crowd last Tuesday night at Sacramento’s arts, culture, and activism center, Sol Collective.

California Director of the Sierra Club, Bill Magavern and Yes on 23 Chief Spokesperson Anita Mangels answered and debated prop 23 questions based on policy, environmental, financial, investment, and cap ‘n trade.

Prop 23, designed and paid for by Texas oil companies, will suspend California’s air pollution control law, Assembly Bill 32, until California’s unemployment rate reaches 5.5 percent (or less) for one consecutive year. AB 32, passed by legislature in 2006, was set into action in order to hold major polluters accountable by reducing and reporting their greenhouse gas emissions in an attempt to combat California’s contribution to global warming.

Prop 23, or the California Job Initiative, is proposed in the light of California’s sky rocketing unemployment rate. The proposed law states that at the time AB 32 was signed California’s unemployment rate was at 4.8 percent. It is currently 12.4 percent. The law says, “California businesses cannot drive our economic recovery and create the jobs we need when faced with billions of dollars in new regulations and added costs.”

“We have been losing businesses at an alarming rate,” said Anita Mangels. Regulatory burden is forcing businesses to leave the state and by passing Prop 23 it will relieve them so they have the financial balance to recover from a wounded economy she said.

“There are two different visions of how we get this state to economic recovery,” said Bill Magavern. He said that prop 23 is telling California “these environmental standards, they’re a luxury, we can’t afford that during bad economic times; get rid of them.” He described the other vision as “taking the high road to recovery,” that emphasizes on California’s educated work force and high standards which attracts green capitol.

Another argument is based on California’s role in the fight against global warming.

“California can’t do anything about global warming in its own,” said Mangels. California should take a look at the rest of the world and follow what they are doing instead of wasting resources on things that do not work. “Some of the greatest advocates of global warming policy and climate change action have all moderated their approach because they recognize their economy cannot sustain it,” she said.

“California is the leader in this country, the problem is the federal government is not taking the kind of action that California has,” said Magavern. The rest of the world is waiting for the U.S. to take action as a nation and California is leading the way. “That’s one of the reasons why we need to defeat prop 23,” said Magavern.

“Do your homework, don’t take my word for it, don’t take Bill’s word for it,” said Mangels in her closing argument. “We’ll save billions of dollars for employers, universities, and small businesses.” She also reinforced her argument by saying Prop 23 would not repeal or weaken California’s global warming laws but will only suspend it.

“If you want to build a bridge back to the 20th century, to a fossil fuel dependent economy, then vote for prop 23,” said Magavern, “If you want to move into a cleaner, greener economy where we compete based on our skills and become a model for the rest of the country, the rest of the world, then vote no on 23.”

Marc Grossman, a California voter and spectator at the event, said he recently read a survey printed in the Sacramento Bee saying only two or three percent of businesses were in fact leaving California because of regulatory burdens. Grossman then asked if there was any “hard economic data” which indicates that jobs are leaving.

Mangels replied that there are unscientific polls that say we have lost “hundreds of thousands” of manufacturing jobs and California has lost 1.4 million jobs in the past four years. “They’re not just going away, they’re going somewhere else,” said Mangels.

Magavern responded, “the answer is no, there is not a single, credible study that shows regulation has forced businesses out of state.” He emphasized that it is no secret why the economy is bad, “We are in a global recession and we cannot blame recession on environmental regulations.”

“They were both very effective, but I don’t believe allot of the premise of what’s being said,” said Grossman. “I’m still voting no.”

Coastal Camping Comes Easy (draft 2)

Most Californians are spoiled by the convenient local of such places as Mendocino and Fort Bragg; although, some could see these destinations as off the grid when they aren’t able to enjoy the same resources. A person who has lived their life with a physical disability doesn’t always have the luxury of spontaneity. Careful planning and consideration needs to be taken into account before embarking on an adventure so that restraint, embarrassment, and disappointment can be avoided.

Now the first step in preparing for an adventure is choosing and securing a location. Just a few short miles north of the coastal town of Fort Bragg, Calif. is MacKerricher State Park. Another location to take into consideration is Van Damme State Park, located about 10 miles south of Fort Bragg, just past the small coastal town of Mendocino. These locations are great because they have accessible features such as paved, even campgrounds, accessible bathrooms, showers and picnic benches. Also, if you are a person who isn’t completely restricted to a wheelchair the other campgrounds at these parks are relatively flat and are kept well groomed of debris.

MacKerricher State Park has a boardwalk scenic trail that provides breathtaking views perfect for whale and seal watching. And Van Damme also has a paved 300 yard loop trail called the Pygmy Forest Self-Guided Nature Boardwalk.

Although if one wants to get up close and personal with the crashing waves and wet sand then it is imperative that the most attractive asset of these state parks is taken advantage of. Both parks provide, free of charge, a beach wheelchair which is fully equipped for easy access to sandy beaches. Keep in mind; in order to use this wheelchair an assistant is needed. There is no way to propel the chair while sitting in it; it can only be pushed from behind.

All camping reservations need to be made online, through reserveamerica.com, but it is highly recommended the park be contacted before arrival not only to reserve the beach wheelchair but to inquire about any changes made to accessible features that might not have been updated on individual park websites (this is true for any park). Also, it is a great idea to look into obtaining a disabled discount pass from CA.gov. This lifetime pass, which costs $3.50, grants the holder a 50 percent discount at all state parks including day use parking, camping, and boating fees. But keep in mind, this pass is not required in order to reserve an accessible camp site.

Now that a plan has been set into motion and a destination is secured it is time to start preparing. The best way to go about this step is to make lists. Make one list for gear and supplies such as sleeping bags and flash lights. If your personal inventory is a little short a good idea is to check local thrift stores or supplies can also be borrowed from a generous friend. Next, make a list for clothing items. Coastal camping is always prone to unpredictable weather. Be sure to dress in layers and always pack a hat and gloves. The final, and arguably the most important list to make, is the food list. If meals are planned out thoughtfully camping meals could easily be better than the everyday meals prepared at home. Don’t overlook small things such as salt & pepper.

Making lists and packing according to them will help reduce the risk of forgotten items and in turn reduce overall anxiety. Remember, while making these lists, keep in mind you’re the one who knows best what you need. If you use a special tool for cooking, or picking something up from off the ground, bring it. Just think of it as doing the same things you do every day, but you’re outside. One last thing, don’t forget to pack extra water. Sometimes water spouts used for washing dishes can be harder to get to because of mud or rocks. Bring your own water to wash dishes and save yourself time and effort.

Also on a side note, when preparing for a weekend getaway take the time to clean and organize your home so that upon returning the transition to reality is far less overwhelming. The only chore that will be needed to tend to is the unpacking and cleaning of all your gear, which is a chore in itself. Not having to worry about preparing for the upcoming week will be a gift.

With proper preparation, some organization, and a little practice any camper can become a pro and return a little spontaneity into their lives. Given the nature of an individual’s disability, the only way to truly figure out what one is capable of is to get out there and try. Be sure to ask questions, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Unless you are an avid camper, always bring a friend. The salubrious air of the Pacific Ocean is always better when enjoyed with someone you love anyways.

Sacramento Sustainability Saluted

Out of 275 sustainable businesses registered in Sacramento, 14 were awarded at the 4th Annual Sustainable Business of the Year Awards Ceremony and Pollution Prevention Expo on Friday Oct. 8.

“We understand right now businesses are probably more concerned with the economic climate then climate change,” said Genevieve Shiroma, president of Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD).

The awards were handed out to businesses that have gone above and beyond compliance with the Business Environmental Resource Center (BERC) which put on the event held at the Sacramento Municipal Utility Districts headquarters.

BERC is a free technical resource center that’s mission is to promote business success while enhancing environmental quality on behalf of the government. BERC works hand in hand with other environmental agencies in the Sacramento area.

Key-note speaker for the ceremony, La Ronda Bowen, Ombudsman for the California Air Resources Board, said that California has a worldwide representation for innovation and leadership and businesses in Sacramento are sending a critical message to the rest of the state, nation, and the world.

“Your leadership demonstrates that cleaning the environment also includes the bottom line,” said Bowen.

Also there to speak was Sacramento’s voice in Washington D.C. Representative Doris Matsui of Congressional District number 5. Matsui said planning for the future is like planting a tree for shade, people of today’s generation might not see the benefits, but future generations will.

“Green is the way to go,” said Congresswoman Matsui.

Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District was awarded for their work in revolutionizing air pollution awareness by implementing spare the air day and implementing air alert ozone maps which quickly became a part of weather reports. The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District was established in 1960 and is celebrating 50 years of service to the area.

Sacramento Sustainability Forum was awarded for its work to promote sustainability by making efforts to engage the community and raise awareness. Sacramento Sustainability Forum is a free monthly venue for connecting businesses, non-profits, government agencies and interested citizens.

Also awarded was DMC Green. This company is the first company in the United States to open a retail electric vehicle charging station. They now have 7 electric charging stations in Sacramento and have a plan to open thirty more covering California from the Oregon border to Mexico.

Others awarded were the City of Citrus Heights, California State University of Sacramento, Aerojet, Elk Grove Unified School District, Hines Properties, Vinh Phat Market, Winco Foods, the Sacramento Area Sewer district, and the California Environmental Protection Agency. The Cal-EPA headquarters was called “the Taj Mahal of green buildings” and is the first to earn sustainable certification in the new transportation and air quality category.

Query: Camping and disabilities

Sactown editor,

Recently I was drawn to your feature in August/September’s edition, Escape to the Coast. Unfortunately, someone with a disability doesn’t have the luxury to just pack up and head out the door for a quick getaway. But after reading my how to article, Coastal Camping Comes Easy, someone with a disability will be able to find ways to participate in camping just like anyone else. I offer tips and tricks, do's and don’ts, along with specific accessible destinations in the Fort Bragg area.

Most people know someone who has a disability, my article could allow your reader to help someone they love and/or expand your reader base by introducing an article with a new idea.

I have picture samples if needed.

Thank you for taking the time to read my query.

Ana Maria Saenz

Thomas Friedman speaks tomorrow at the Crest Theater

The mayor’s little green baby is making some noise and trying to get some attention.

Mayor Kevin Johnson has invited Pulitzer Prize winning author and N. Y. Times columnist Thomas L. Friedman to speak at the fifth monthly Greenwise Sacramento meeting tomorrow.

Friedman is the foreign affairs columnist at the N.Y. Times but has also written books directly related to the state of the worlds’ environment. Number one N.Y. Times bestseller is Friedman’s latest book, “Hot, Flat and Crowded. Why We Need a Green Revolution – And How it Can Renew America”.

According to the author’s website, “Friedman proposes that an ambitious national strategy—which he calls "Geo-Greenism," is what our country needs to save ourselves from global warming and make the country more functional and productive.

Greenwise Sacramento has launched a plan to make Sacramento a leader in the country in sustainability by focusing on waste management, energy, water, urban design and jobs.

Last month at the University of California, Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson invited the mayor of San Francisco Gavin Newsom to speak at the Greenwise meeting. He gave examples of how Sacramento can follow in the footsteps of the city of San Francisco in its efforts of going green.

“Gay marriage was not controversial. Enforcing composting in my city was controversial,” said Gavin Newsom while outlining some of the things which are implemented in his city.

Friedman will be speaking tomorrow morning at the Crest Theater in downtown Sacramento.

“I am sorry to say that the event is over capacity. Fire code will not allow us to let anyone else in,” said Lauren Altdoerffe, Green Program Coordinator from the mayor’s office in an email.

The next Greenwise initiative meeting will be held on Oct. 19 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the California EPA building. The speaker for this meeting has not been announced.

Coastal Camping Comes Easy

The Pacific Coast of Northern California is where the salt and swell meets the rugged outline of the western United States. Where the salubrious air is continuously cycled by winds brought in by currents off shore. Here is the home of thousands of creatures that each play their role in sustaining a complex ecosystem and where thousands more flock to treasure and learn about them.

Most Californians are spoiled by the convenient local of such places as Mendocino and Fort Bragg; although, some could see these destinations as off the grid when they aren’t able to enjoy the same resources. A person who has lived their life learning how to live with a physical disability knows all too well the learning never really stops. Here we will look at a few ways someone who isn’t fully physically able can turn a potentially intimidating weekend camping trip into a cleansing and rejuvenating experience.

In order to take full advantage of this process it is beneficial to obtain a disabled discount pass from the CA.gov. This lifetime pass, which costs $3.50, grants the holder a 50 percent discount at all state parks including day use parking, camping, and boating fees. Although this pass offers great incentive keep in mind it is not required in order to reserve an accessible camp site.

Now the first step in preparing for an adventure is choosing and securing a location. Just a few short miles north of the coastal town of Fort Bragg, Calif. is MacKerricher State Park. This park has a list of amenities available for use including paved camp sites, accessible bathrooms and showers. The scenic trails there are board walked and provide breathtaking views perfect for whale and seal watching. One of the most attractive assets of this state park is the availability of a beach wheelchair that is equipped for easy access to sandy beaches. Keep in mind; in order to use this wheelchair an assistant is needed. There is no way to propel the chair while sitting in it; it can only be pushed from behind.

All camping reservations need to be made online, through reserveamerica.com, but it is highly recommended the park be contacted before arrival not only to secure the use of the beach wheelchair but to inquire about any changes made to accessible features that might not have been updated on individual park websites (this is true for any park).

Now that a plan has been set into motion and a destination is secured it is time to start preparing. The best way to go about this step is to make lists. Make one for gear and supplies such as sleeping bags and flash lights. If your personal inventory is a little short a good idea is to check local thrift stores or supplies can also be borrowed from a generous friend. Next, make a list for clothing items. Coastal camping is always prone to unpredictable weather. Be sure to be prepared to dress in layers and always pack a hat and gloves. Finally the most important list to make is the food list. If meals are planned out thoughtfully camping meals could easily be better than the everyday meals prepared at home. Don’t overlook small things such as salt & pepper. Making lists and packing according to them will help reduce the risk of forgotten items and in turn reduce overall anxiety.

One last tip to preparing for a weekend getaway is to take the time to clean and organize your home so that upon returning the transition to reality is far less overwhelming.

Given the nature of an individual’s disability the only way to truly figure out what one is capable of is to get out there and try. Be sure to ask questions, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. With proper preparation, some organization, and a little practice any camper can become a pro and return a little spontaneity into their lives.