Carbon Emissions: Bully Of The Planet

- Kathleen Connell, M.A.

As an LGBT family we have our hands full. Surviving bullies in school and discrimination at work. Not being allowed to create marriages and equality in our families. And of course DADT. At the same time we are green leaders so don't forget to vote your enviro values too. Here are 12 facts from EDF to remember on Election Day. Generally, a pro LGBT candidate is also a fairly green candidate. And of course a Democrat. Finally, to not have a Gulf mega- disaster here in CA, and to support our green economy, vote no on Prop 23 and 26.
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12 Environmental Facts to Keep in Mind on Election Day

389 – The concentration in parts per million of carbon dioxide, a leading greenhouse gas, in the earth's atmosphere today.

38 – Percent increase of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration since the industrial revolution.

18 – Number of countries that have set all-time heat records so far in 2010.

82 – Percent decline in U.S. corn, cotton, and soybean production possible under current warming scenarios.

1 – Rank of 2010 so far as the hottest year on record (tied with 1998).

16 – Estimated number of Exxon Valdez-sized spills it would take to equal the amount of oil spilled into the Gulf after the BP Blowout.

4,342 – Total number of oiled birds collected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the Gulf Coast region.

$68.5 million – Amount spent by Big Oil and its special interests allies this year on TV ads designed to elect pro-polluter candidates.

$514 million – Amount spent on lobbying and advertising by big polluters to stop the Senate from passing global warming legislation.

23,000 – Number of Americans whose lives will be saved in 2010 alone because of the Clean Air Act, according to EPA estimates.

232 – Number of toxic chemicals found in the umbilical cord of tested newborn babies in the U.S.

1 – The number of votes it takes to decide a close election.
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Save CA Coast Yes On 21!

We all love our San Diego coast, and so does the rest of the world, which consistantly names San Diego among the best places in the world.

Cross-post Ocean Conservancy:
"


I'm voting YES on Prop. 21 because it will ensure long-term protection of California’s most beautiful and spectacular habitats and wildlife, including our iconic coast.

In case you haven't heard about it yet, Prop. 21 is a statewide ballot initiative that will provide a stable, adequate source of funding to restore and maintain California's ailing state parks, and protect our iconic coastal beaches along with the new system of marine protected areas for which we've fought so hard. That's why, at Ocean Conservancy, we've joined an unprecedented coalition of more than 450 businesses, civic, and conservation organizations supporting Prop. 21 – you can learn more about Prop. 21 here.

But the most important thing you can do is vote YES on Prop. 21—either by absentee ballot NOW, or at the polls on November 2.

Three decades of chronic underfunding for our 278 state parks and beaches has lead to a system that has deteriorated to the point of collapse, accumulating a $1.3 billion maintenance backlog. A fresh and stable source of funding is essential to maintain our magnificent park system and safeguard California's new underwater parks, our marine protected areas, which you have been instrumental in helping us create over the past several years.

Prop. 21 is a clear solution to the crisis facing our state parks. The initiative not only dedicates the new funds solely to state parks and wildlife conservation, it also guarantees all Californians free day-use admission to all state parks and beaches—and that's something from which ocean-lovers like you and I can surely benefit.

Please join me by voting YES on Prop. 21: The State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act."



- Kathleen Connell, M.A.

10,000 Clean Energy Companies in CA At Risk From Prop 23

Cisco, which employs many LGBT folks, says No to Prop 23, and points to research that shows there are 10,000 clean tech companies in innovative California. No wonder then that Valero and dirty oil profiteers want to turn off the green innovation agent that is California. Haven't voted? No on 23 and 26, a related stalking horse on the ballot.

Source: Cisco Blog

Californians know how to invest in the future. Believing in our collective ability to drive towards positive change, Cisco urges Californians to vote No on Prop 23.

For decades, California has led the way when it comes to addressing global warming in the US with a proven track record of not only achieving impressive results, but also stimulating investment in new businesses and technologies creating thousands of new jobs. From California's imposition of stricter-than-federal tailpipe emissions regulations to its global leadership in increasing energy efficiency per unit of GDP growth, Californians know how to address societal challenges in ways that increase economic prosperity. By investing in the future, not living in the past, California can and should do both.

Doing both means that you we look at challenges as opportunities, you evaluate threats by thinking about them differently. Doing both rejects "zero sum" thinking in favor of collaborative decision-making. It is inherently optimistic, as I believe most Californians are. So when some assert that California can not afford to carry through on its climate commitments without losing jobs, I can't help but ponder the possibilities of doing both.

On the ballot in November, Proposition 23 would roll-back California's greenhouse gas law (AB 32), low-carbon fuel standard, and rules requiring utilities to source 33% of their electricity from renewables by 2020.

According to the Pew Charitable Trust, California leads the nation in production of clean, renewable energy and as of 2007, is home to more than 10,000 businesses in the clean energy sector, supporting more than 125,000 jobs. California has been able to attract billions of investment capital in the recent years, which will be negatively affected if Prop 23 passes. Adoption of Prop 23 would jeopardize California's leadership in innovation, create uncertainty among business in California about the state's commitment to build a green economy, compromise capital investment and put clean technology jobs at risk.

Addressing climate change and protecting California's environment are important business and societal priorities; not only affecting our quality of life, but also California's ability to attract and retain clean tech investment and jobs. Government, private industry and individuals are all responsible for safeguarding California's future. Passage of Prop 23 would go against our state's innovative culture of investing for the future, jeopardize our leadership position in attracting clean tech investment, and vacate the possibility of doing both.
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- Kathleen Connell, M.A.

No On 23 Business Press Conference Tomorrow

***ADVISORY ***
San Diego Business Leaders to Urge Voters to Reject Prop. 23

WHAT:
San Diego business leaders will gather Thursday to urge voters to vote “No” on Proposition 23. The ballot measure financed by Texas oil companies would devastate the region's fast-growing clean energy economy. San Diego is home to more than 670 clean tech companies, generating billions in local economic growth and thousands of jobs.

WHO:
Lisa Bicker, President and CEO, CleanTECH San Diego
Scott Sporrer, Vice President and General Manager, Siliken USA
Joshua Weinstein, Managing Partner, AMSOLAR Corp.
Lane Sharman, Managing Partner, Solana Energy

WHEN:
TOMORROW, Thursday, October 21st at 1:30 P.M.

WHERE:
Embarcadero Marina Park North
400 Kettner Blvd
The park is where Kettner Blvd dead-ends. Press conference will be near the gazebo
Television Producers/Photographers: The event will feature five solar panels for visuals.




- Kathleen Connell, M.A.

Our Stories: No On Prop 23

Cross Posting. Check out this moving video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3gWEGwTfAI
Share this with your friends and fellow californians ... very moving.

http://www.prop23voices.org collecting voices like yours ... which fully inspired me and Three Old Friends to make this happen. Thank you.

--
Kindest Regards,

Lane Sharman 858-755-2868
Defend California. Say NO to Texas oil companies trying to kill our state's clean energy jobs and clean air standards.
Vote No On Proposition 23
California: http://www.stopdirtyenergyprop.com
San Diego: http://groups.google.com/group/san-diego-region-against-proposition-23



- Kathleen Connell, M.A.

Prop 23 To Be Voted On In SD: Call Your Rep Monday Morning

Tomorrow, Monday, Oct 18, the City Council of the City of San Diego will
vote on a resolution opposing proposition 23. This is important because San
Diego is the second largest city in the state and because San Diegans are in
the process of deciding how they will vote. A resolution opposing prop 23
will get media attention. Six other cities in San Diego County have already
led the way by passing opposing resolutions including Chula Vista, Del Mar,
Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Oceanside and Solana Beach.  Also, the Carlsbad
city council will vote on their resolution in a few days.

Please help to ensure passage of this important resolution to oppose Prop 23
by as many council members as possible by taking 2 minutes to email or call
your council member.. If you have 10 minutes, call or email all four that
have not stated a position yet. Feel free to post to facebook or email
friends to do the same.

1)       Call or email your council member by noon on Monday.

a.       These council members have not yet indicated they oppose Prop 23.
Please ask them to, and to support the resolution (suggested language
below).

*                           Carl DeMaio  (619) 236-6655
carldem...@sandiego.gov

*                           Kevin Faulconer (619) 236-6622
kevinfaulco...@sandiego.gov

*                           Ben Hueso (619) 236-6688 benhu...@sandiego.gov

*                           Sherri Lightner (619) 236-6611
sherrilight...@sandiego.gov

b.      These council members have formally opposed Prop 23. Please thank
them and tell them you're counting on their vote for the resolution.

*                           Marti Emerald (619) 236-6677
martiemer...@sandiego.gov

*                           Donna Frye (619) 236-6616 donnaf...@sandiego.gov

*                           Todd Gloria (619) 236-6633
toddglo...@sandiego.gov

*                           Anthony Young (619) 236-6644
anthonyyo...@sandiego.gov

2)       Come to the meeting and support our speakers by holding a sign. 2
PM at City Hall, 202 C Street, 10th Floor. MAP
<http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&ll=32.717074,-117....
&spn=0.009902,0.021662&z=17&iwloc=0004929a67c8224f6d48a&msid=102052966727658
154672.0004929a64e34046c3546> . Trolley to Civic Center.

The language below is intended for council members who have not yet come out
against prop 23. If you write those that have please thank them for their
position first.

Thank you for your help! If you have questions contact me at 619-335-1265 or
mdisenho...@cox.net.

Masada

Dear Councilmember ,

I urge you to support the resolution opposing Proposition 23 at the City
Council meeting on Monday, Oct. 18.

Proposition 23 would be devastating for San Diego and California's clean
energy industry which saw growing numbers of jobs even through the recession
and which has brought billions of capital investment funds to the state.
Prop 23 would also increase our air pollution, already the worst in the
country, and drive up energy costs for our businesses and families.

Please join the cities of Chula Vista, La Mesa, Del Mar, Solana Beach,
Oceanside and Imperial Beach, as well as dozens more throughout the state,
in standing up to the Texas oil companies and opposing Proposition 23.

I am counting on you to vote yes on this important resolution.

Sincerely,
your name

Never Forget

Stonewall Inn 1969

Happy LGBT History Month. Kathleen
(GLT Times)" Some forget that the first of the riots were kicked off by a lesbian who was struggling to escape after a raid by the cops. She was able to get away from the cops and this was what finally set the crowd of gays, transsexuals and drag queens off. Leo E. Laurence wrote, “Pigs were loading her into the wagon when she shouted to a big crowd of bystanders: ‘Why don’t you guys do something!’ and that’s what did it! The riots lasted for days and marked the start of the GLBT movement."

- Kathleen Connell, Equality Green