By E.A. Barrera

"This legislation constitutes the most sweeping revision of land use policies since Governor Ronald Reagan signed the California Environmental Quality Act." --Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, September 30, 2008.

"This fundamentally changes the way we think about growth...It does not reduce growth. I think growth is inevitable and a good thing. But it will allow California to grow in ways that are sustainable for our environment." --State Senator Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento), author of SB-375

October 21, 2009 (San Diego)--The State of California wants you to drive less and live closer to work. But who will be the last word on how this happen? That is the big question.

All-day forum joins industry with education in ‘greening’ the classroom

EL CAJON – With all the buzz surrounding the burgeoning green industry and the promise it holds for a flagging jobs market, Cuyamaca College is hosting a forum this week aimed at helping local high school and community college educators ride the wave of the green economy.

The free symposium, “Growing Green Careers,” is planned for 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, inside the new communication arts theater for instructors, administrators and counselors to hear experts talk about the vital link between emerging green industries and education, and to share ideas on preparing students for promising jobs on the horizon.

October 10, 2009 (El Cajon)--Do watering restrictions put a damper on your gardening enthusiasm? The City of El Cajon’s Community Development Department hosts a workshop Tuesday afternoon on how to landscape your home during this time of heightened water conservation.  To author and gardening designer Scott Calhoun, working with drought conditions is exciting and can take gardens in new unexpected directions. Hiss presentation is not just about planting tougher plants and using more efficient irrigation methods, it’s all about creating stunning beauty in harsh situations.

This class showcases some of the dynamic and thrifty strategies he uses in the hottest and driest environments in the country, and get some ideas on how to apply them in your own garden. The workshop will be held Tuesday, October 13th, in the City Council Chambers ladjacent to City Hall at 200 Civic Center Way, in El Cajon. Registration is 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., and the workshop is from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

By Kristin Kjaero

September 29, 2009 (La Mesa)-- “Be an Eco-Hero! Each person can make a difference and you can too.... Let your voice be heard!” read a sign at the City of La Mesa’s second annual Sustain La Mesa Environmental Festival. A number of young people showed they are well on the way to being eco-heroes and heroines, as they came to share what they know and make a difference.

By Congressman Bob Filner
Democratic Representative from the 51st Congressional District

The impacts of the climate crisis are already being seen around the world through increasing hurricane intensity, melting ice caps, and refugees fleeing extreme weather conditions. Here in Southern California, we are particularly vulnerable to a variety of threats posed by unchecked global warming – threats to our environment, our economic stability, and our overall quality of life.

While residents of San Diego are no strangers to drought and emergency water conservation measures, climate change will bring a new generation of drought’s stranglehold on our communities as we see our water supply shrink from increasing average global temperatures. Local Scripps researchers concluded in an April 2009 report that if human-induced global warming continues to reduce runoff from the Colorado River, San Diego will be unable to deliver a regular water supply to the region (The press release can be found online at http://scrippsnews.ucsd.edu/Releases/?releaseID=977).

By Miriam Raftery   

Zak Valade and his wife, Gina, lost their home in the 2007 Witch Creek fire. Now, they’re rebuilding a new home designed by famed architect Drew Hubbell,.constructed of fire-safe and energy efficient materials. They’ve also ripped out their avocado grove and planted a vineyard instead.
 

September 18, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – We’re proud to announce that our server is now powered 100% by wind energy. Since our online publication is already paperless and green, we’re definitely the most eco-friendly news publication in town!

“Sustain La Mesa” Environmental Festival – Sept. 12
Coastal Cleanup Day at Lake Murray – Sept. 19

By Kristin Hobbs Kjaero

GARAMENDI OFFERS SOLUTIONS TO ATTAIN A SUSTAINABLE CALIFORNIA

By Jackie Hanson

U.S. Department of Energy Chooses ECOtality’s eTec to Implement Project: 1,000 Electric Cars to be Tested in San Diego County

By Miriam Raftery

July 8, 2009 (San Diego)--Architect Simi Razavian will demonstrate how people of Tabbas, Iran used micro-climate and local materials to create energy-efficient homes. She will illustrate how they used sun, wind, and water, along with thermal mass to create not only zero energy consumption buildings but also private and comfortable homes.

By Miriam Raftery

June 27, 2009 (Washington D.C.) – By a scant seven votes (219-212), the U.S. House of Representatives last night passed the landmark American Clean Energy and Security Act. The bill has been hailed by the Environmental Defense Action Fund as “the most important environmental and energy legislation in our nation’s history.”

June 19, 2009 (Escondido) – La Milpa Organica Farm invites the public to join in a potluck that also features freshly-made wood-fired pizzas and a family-friendly film showing outdoors beneath oak trees after dark. The event will be held at 9928 Protea Gardens Road, Escondido from 3 to 10 p.m.

Guests are asked to “bring something tasty to share”; organic food is encouraged, along with a dish description (organic, vegetarian, vegan, etc.). Learn why La Milpa Organica serves as a model for a soon-to-be created Sustainable Farm & Education Center for San Diego Roots.