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Greenbelt Newswire
In this edition Volunteer of the Month: Mike McGunagle Mike McGunagle is July's Volunteer of the Month at Greenbelt Alliance. A graduate of Xavier University and Cleveland State University, Mike has completed a GIS certification program at San Francisco State. His passion for urban infill stems from growing up in Cleveland and seeing the social and ethical problems created by sprawl. Mike has been making maps based on county zoning for one of Greenbelt Alliance’s policy research projects. Using his cartography skills, he has designed a series of maps for each county in the Bay Area that shows open space lands currently protected by policies, to help Greenbelt Alliance refine its understanding of which lands are at the greatest risk of development. We cannot thank Mike enough for all of his technical expertise and hard work!
Action Alert: State Climate Plan Misses the Mark on Land Use The best way to reduce greenhouse gas pollution is to give Californians more options for getting out of our cars. Unfortunately, the state’s draft plan for climate change barely mentions public transit and severely discounts the climate benefits of better community design. Tell the California Air Resources Board that:
This climate plan will have an enormous impact on state policy and funding for decades to come. It is urgent that we get it right now, or we will miss a huge opportunity to create more housing choices, shorten commutes, and reduce reliance on foreign oil. Please send an email to ccplan@arb.ca.gov by July 31.
Action Alert: Affordable Homes in Napa Need Support A 100% affordable development is up for review by the City of Napa Planning Commission, and unfortunately, it’s facing opposition. Greenbelt Alliance is looking for supporters to testify in support of Fairview Heights. Contact Marla Wilson at mwilson@greenbelt.org or at (415) 543-6771.
Action Alert: Stand By Plan for a Better Santa Rosa Though the ink is still wet on Santa Rosa’s vision for an enhanced downtown, the plan is threatened by recent projects filed with the City. Instead of the walkable neighborhoods envisioned in the Downtown Station Area Specific Plan, which Greenbelt Alliance helped shape in 2007, the proposals are for the same old commercial strip, industrial, and auto-oriented businesses. The Planning Commission is holding a study session July 10 at City Hall to discuss the future of the downtown, Railroad Square, and surrounding neighborhoods. Come out and demand that the City uphold the plan the community worked so hard to create.
Action Alert: Support Climate-Friendly Growth On July 23, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) will vote on funding proposals for the Regional Transportation Plan. Greenbelt Alliance is urging MTC to invest in walkable neighborhoods near public transportation to combat climate change. Ask your MTC Commissioner to:
Action Alert: Comment on the Concord Naval Weapons Station Another important meeting for the Concord Naval Weapons Station is July 15, when the Community Advisory Committee determines how to evaluate the seven proposed alternatives for the 5,100-acre area. Join Greenbelt Alliance as we urge the committee to establish a transparent process for evaluating the alternatives. In addition, the City of Concord needs comments by July 21 on the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the former base. This is our chance to raise any questions about the report and the seven proposed alternatives. Greenbelt Alliance needs your comments on the draft report and your voice at the upcoming meeting!
Don’t forget: Comments for the Draft Environmental Impact Report due July 21!
Greenbelt Alliance Grows: New Office in Marin Marin County has succeeded in preserving much farmland and open space, but it is troubled by high-priced housing and poor transportation choices. To address these issues, Greenbelt Alliance is pleased to announce the opening of our fifth field office, located in San Rafael. New field representative Nathan Johnson will focus on Marin County, with some support to Sonoma County as well. Greenbelt Alliance now has five regional field representatives who are essential to our advocacy work, facilitating collaboration with local allies, neighborhood groups, and elected officials.
San Francisco’s own East Bay Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher is leading Congress by circulating a Dear Colleague letter that states that any climate change legislation “should encourage smart growth and transit-oriented development.” Last March, Greenbelt Alliance staff met with Tauscher’s office to urge her to become a champion of land use as a key climate change strategy. Kudos to Congresswoman Tauscher for bringing smart growth to the forefront of the climate change debate!
Success: Thanks for a Great Bluegrass Concert Under sunny skies June 22, bluegrass fans were enthralled at the third annual Bluegrass for the Greenbelt at historic Dunsmuir House in Oakland. Three outstanding local bands—Hot Buttered Rum, Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands, and the Wronglers—entertained the crowd, along with popular radio personality and emcee Chuck Poling. An estimated 400 people were there, nearly doubling last year’s attendance. For a glorious encore all the musicians returned to the stage for a final number with original lyrics: “Let the Greenbelt Be Unbroken,” which drew a standing ovation and promises to become the Greenbelt Alliance official anthem. Thanks to all who attended, and see you next year!
Greenbelt Alliance in the News "If the Pittsburg ordinance had become law a year ago, we would have been out of luck to save these hillsides."
Interview with Greenbelt Alliance Communications Director Elizabeth Stampe, "KPFA Evening News," KPFA, June 14 "Greenbelt Alliance remains concerned about the incorporation. I'm not convinced the city can survive without growing."
Urban Outing: "Pier 7: Stunning view, farmers' market," San Francisco Chronicle, June 5
Sat Jul 12: Gardening With Nature in Mind, Walnut Creek
Become a Member or Renew Your Membership Support Greenbelt Alliance's work to protect the Bay Area's open space and make its cities
better places to live. Join or renew now, or join the Greenbelt Guardian monthly donor club.
Thank you for reading! To subscribe to the Greenbelt Alliance Newswire email list, enter your name and email address at www.greenbelt.org. To unsubscribe, simply send an unsubscribe request to unsubscribe@greenbelt.org. |
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