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[Sustain] FW: Independent Science Board To Develop Science Recommendation
by Mato Ska 07 Jul '08

07 Jul '08

> From: m_zehr(a)hotmail.com > To: cal-forum(a)cagreens.org > Subject: FW: Independent Science Board To Develop Science Recommendation > Date: Mon, 7 Jul 2008 12:22:28 -0600 > > > -Meeting Notice- > CALFED Independent Science Board Workshop > July 14-15, 2008 > Delta Room > CALFED Bay-Delta Program > 650 Capitol Mall, 5th Floor > Sacramento, CA 95814 > * This meeting will not be Webcast * > ________________________________________________________________________ > Workshop Purpose: To develop a recommendation for science in future Delta management and governance. > Workshop Product: The Independent Science Board will produce a memo to the Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force. > AGENDA > Order of agenda items and listed times are subject to change. > Monday, July 14, 2008 > 8:30 a.m. 1. Welcome/Introductions > 2. Delta Vision Strategic Plan > 3. Current Structure of Science Program > 4. Essential Functions of Delta Science > 5. Essential Functions of a Science Program > Lunch > 6. Science Governance Structure > 7. Review Progress/Next Steps > 8. Public Comment > 5:00 p.m. Adjourn > Tuesday, July 15, 2008 > 8:30 a.m. 1. Welcome/Progress on Draft Recommendation > 2. Discussion and Revision of Draft Recommendation > Lunch > 3. Approval of Final Draft Recommendation > 4. Director’s Report > 5. Update on Board Activities > 6. Lead Scientist’s Report > 7. Public Comment > 4:00 p.m. Adjourn > _______________________________________________________________________ > • > Members of the public shall be provided an opportunity to address the Independent Science Board on any agenda items except closed session items and those items for which the public has already been afforded such as opportunity at an earlier meeting. In addition, comments during the Public Comment period shall be limited to matters within the ISB’s jurisdiction and not on the agenda. Reasonable time limits may be established for public comments (Government Code Section 11125.7). > • > Members of the public are encouraged to visit the ISB website at http://www.science.calwater.ca.gov/isb/isb_index.html to print the background meeting materials. A limited number of copies of these materials will be available at the meeting. If you have any questions, please contact Barbara Marcotte at marcotte(a)calwater.ca.gov or (916) 445-5196. > • > Additional information can be found on the CALFED Bay-Delta Program web site at http://www.calwater.ca.gov . > • > If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Debbie Mininfield, CALFED Bay-Delta Program at (916) 445-5511, TDD (800) 735-2929. > • > Please allow extra time for parking and federal building security screening procedures. Current photo identification is required for building access. Visitors may bring cameras and cell phones with camera capability into the building ONLY with the prior approval of the CALFED Bay-Delta Program and the Federal Protective Service, and their use in the building will be subject to federal restrictions. Please contact Terry Smith, Security Coordinator for the CALFED Bay-Delta Program, cell (916) 716-1904, office (916) 445-5345 or tsmith(a)calwater.ca.gov for building access information and camera guidelines. > > Date: Mon, 7 Jul 2008 09:24:28 -0700 > From: Pat.Rogers(a)CALWATER.CA.GOV > Subject: Independent Science Board To Develop Science Recommendation > To: DELTA_VISION(a)LISTSERV.CAHWNET.GOV > > > > Dear Delta Vision Listserve Subscribers: > The CALFED Independent Science Board (ISB) will meet Monday and Tuesday, July 14-15 to develop a recommendation for science in future Delta management and governance. The ISB science recommendation will be transmitted as a memorandum to the Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force. > > > The meeting will not be webcast. > > ________________________________ > > > > You are receiving this email because you are subscribed to the CALFED Listserv. > You can unsubscribe or update your information at any time by visiting the CALFED Subscription page at: http://www.calwater.ca.gov/ListServe/EmailSubscriptions.htm. > Thank you. > > > > [http://www.calwater.ca.gov/ListServe/Graphics/listserve_bottom.JPG] > > > > > > Pat Rogers > Communications and Public Outreach > CALFED Bay-Delta Program > 650 Capitol Mall, Fifth Floor > Sacramento, CA 95814 > progers(a)calwater.ca.gov > ph: (916) 445-5593 > fax: (916) 445-7297 > > > > > >

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[Sustain] FW: Independent Science Board To Develop Science Recommendation
by Mato Ska 07 Jul '08

07 Jul '08

-Meeting Notice- CALFED Independent Science Board Workshop July 14-15, 2008 Delta Room CALFED Bay-Delta Program 650 Capitol Mall, 5th Floor Sacramento, CA 95814 * This meeting will not be Webcast * ________________________________________________________________________ Workshop Purpose: To develop a recommendation for science in future Delta management and governance. Workshop Product: The Independent Science Board will produce a memo to the Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force. AGENDA Order of agenda items and listed times are subject to change. Monday, July 14, 2008 8:30 a.m. 1. Welcome/Introductions 2. Delta Vision Strategic Plan 3. Current Structure of Science Program 4. Essential Functions of Delta Science 5. Essential Functions of a Science Program Lunch 6. Science Governance Structure 7. Review Progress/Next Steps 8. Public Comment 5:00 p.m. Adjourn Tuesday, July 15, 2008 8:30 a.m. 1. Welcome/Progress on Draft Recommendation 2. Discussion and Revision of Draft Recommendation Lunch 3. Approval of Final Draft Recommendation 4. Director’s Report 5. Update on Board Activities 6. Lead Scientist’s Report 7. Public Comment 4:00 p.m. Adjourn _______________________________________________________________________ • Members of the public shall be provided an opportunity to address the Independent Science Board on any agenda items except closed session items and those items for which the public has already been afforded such as opportunity at an earlier meeting. In addition, comments during the Public Comment period shall be limited to matters within the ISB’s jurisdiction and not on the agenda. Reasonable time limits may be established for public comments (Government Code Section 11125.7). • Members of the public are encouraged to visit the ISB website at http://www.science.calwater.ca.gov/isb/isb_index.html to print the background meeting materials. A limited number of copies of these materials will be available at the meeting. If you have any questions, please contact Barbara Marcotte at marcotte(a)calwater.ca.gov or (916) 445-5196. • Additional information can be found on the CALFED Bay-Delta Program web site at http://www.calwater.ca.gov . • If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Debbie Mininfield, CALFED Bay-Delta Program at (916) 445-5511, TDD (800) 735-2929. • Please allow extra time for parking and federal building security screening procedures. Current photo identification is required for building access. Visitors may bring cameras and cell phones with camera capability into the building ONLY with the prior approval of the CALFED Bay-Delta Program and the Federal Protective Service, and their use in the building will be subject to federal restrictions. Please contact Terry Smith, Security Coordinator for the CALFED Bay-Delta Program, cell (916) 716-1904, office (916) 445-5345 or tsmith(a)calwater.ca.gov for building access information and camera guidelines. Date: Mon, 7 Jul 2008 09:24:28 -0700 From: Pat.Rogers(a)CALWATER.CA.GOV Subject: Independent Science Board To Develop Science Recommendation To: DELTA_VISION(a)LISTSERV.CAHWNET.GOV Dear Delta Vision Listserve Subscribers: The CALFED Independent Science Board (ISB) will meet Monday and Tuesday, July 14-15 to develop a recommendation for science in future Delta management and governance. The ISB science recommendation will be transmitted as a memorandum to the Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force. The meeting will not be webcast. ________________________________ You are receiving this email because you are subscribed to the CALFED Listserv. You can unsubscribe or update your information at any time by visiting the CALFED Subscription page at: http://www.calwater.ca.gov/ListServe/EmailSubscriptions.htm. Thank you. [http://www.calwater.ca.gov/ListServe/Graphics/listserve_bottom.JPG] Pat Rogers Communications and Public Outreach CALFED Bay-Delta Program 650 Capitol Mall, Fifth Floor Sacramento, CA 95814 progers(a)calwater.ca.gov ph: (916) 445-5593 fax: (916) 445-7297

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[Sustain] Hidden World Bank Report: Biofuels Cause 75% Rise In Food Prices
by Eric Brooks 07 Jul '08

07 Jul '08

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/jul/03/biofuels.renewableenergy Secret report: biofuel caused food crisis Internal World Bank study delivers blow to plant energy drive Aditya Chakrabortty The Guardian (UK) Friday July 4, 2008 Biofuels have forced global food prices up by 75% - far more than previously estimated - according to a confidential World Bank report obtained by the Guardian. The damning unpublished assessment is based on the most detailed analysis of the crisis so far, carried out by an internationally-respected economist at global financial body. The figure emphatically contradicts the US government's claims that plant-derived fuels contribute less than 3% to food-price rises. It will add to pressure on governments in Washington and across Europe, which have turned to plant-derived fuels to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and reduce their dependence on imported oil. Senior development sources believe the report, completed in April, has not been published to avoid embarrassing President George Bush. "It would put the World Bank in a political hot-spot with the White House," said one yesterday. The news comes at a critical point in the world's negotiations on biofuels policy. Leaders of the G8 industrialised countries meet next week in Hokkaido, Japan, where they will discuss the food crisis and come under intense lobbying from campaigners calling for a moratorium on the use of plant-derived fuels. It will also put pressure on the British government, which is due to release its own report on the impact of biofuels, the Gallagher Report. The Guardian has previously reported that the British study will state that plant fuels have played a "significant" part in pushing up food prices <http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/jun/19/climatechange.biofuels> to record levels. Although it was expected last week, the report has still not been released. "Political leaders seem intent on suppressing and ignoring the strong evidence that biofuels are a major factor in recent food price rises," said Robert Bailey, policy adviser at Oxfam. "It is imperative that we have the full picture. While politicians concentrate on keeping industry lobbies happy, people in poor countries cannot afford enough to eat." Rising food prices have pushed 100m people worldwide below the poverty line, estimates the World Bank, and have sparked riots from Bangladesh to Egypt. Government ministers here have described higher food and fuel prices as "the first real economic crisis of globalisation". President Bush has linked higher food prices to higher demand from India and China, but the leaked World Bank study disputes that: "Rapid income growth in developing countries has not led to large increases in global grain consumption and was not a major factor responsible for the large price increases." Even successive droughts in Australia, calculates the report, have had a marginal impact. Instead, it argues that the EU and US drive for biofuels has had by far the biggest impact on food supply and prices. Since April, all petrol and diesel in Britain has had to include 2.5% from biofuels. The EU has been considering raising that target to 10% by 2020, but is faced with mounting evidence that that will only push food prices higher. "Without the increase in biofuels, global wheat and maize stocks would not have declined appreciably and price increases due to other factors would have been moderate," says the report. The basket of food prices examined in the study rose by 140% between 2002 and this February. The report estimates that higher energy and fertiliser prices accounted for an increase of only 15%, while biofuels have been responsible for a 75% jump over that period. It argues that production of biofuels has distorted food markets in three main ways. First, it has diverted grain away from food for fuel, with over a third of US corn now used to produce ethanol and about half of vegetable oils in the EU going towards the production of biodiesel. Second, farmers have been encouraged to set land aside for biofuel production. Third, it has sparked financial speculation in grains, driving prices up higher. Other reviews of the food crisis looked at it over a much longer period, or have not linked these three factors, and so arrived at smaller estimates of the impact from biofuels. But the report author, Don Mitchell, is a senior economist at the Bank and has done a detailed, month-by-month analysis of the surge in food prices, which allows much closer examination of the link between biofuels and food supply. The report points out biofuels derived from sugarcane, which Brazil specializes in, have not had such a dramatic impact. Supporters of biofuels argue that they are a greener alternative to relying on oil and other fossil fuels, but even that claim has been disputed by some experts, who argue that it does not apply to US production of ethanol from plants. "It is clear that some biofuels have huge impacts on food prices," said Dr David King, the government's former chief scientific adviser, last night. "All we are doing by supporting these is subsidising higher food prices, while doing nothing to tackle climate change." ### -- "I am not a liberator. Liberators do not exist. The people liberate themselves." -- Che Guevara

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[Sustain] FW: Green Party Water Resolution
by Mato Ska 03 Jul '08

03 Jul '08

I've shared a document with you called "Green Party Water Resolution": http://docs.google.com/Presentation?id=dgwnc84b_0cd7d5xmb&invite=g2vd4x3 Mato Ska

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[Sustain] Green Party Water Resolution
by Mato Ska 03 Jul '08

03 Jul '08

I've shared a document with you called "Green Party Water Resolution": http://docs.google.com/Presentation?id=dgwnc84b_0cd7d5xmb&invite=g2vd4x3 Martin

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[Sustain] Text Of SF Clean Energy Act
by Eric Brooks 27 Jun '08

27 Jun '08

Ok all, Attached is the text to be presented this morning in committee. cheers Eric -- "I am not a liberator. Liberators do not exist. The people liberate themselves." – Che Guevara

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[Sustain] Tell City Hall: Support 100% Clean Electricity For San Francisco
by Eric Brooks 26 Jun '08

26 Jun '08

Hi all, I am incredibly excited to announce that tomorrow, Friday, June 27, at 10am, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors Rules Committee will consider a Charter Amendment for the November 2008 ballot, which will mandate that all of San Francisco be powered on 75% clean renewable electricity by 2030, and 100% clean renewable electricity by 2040! Called the San Francisco Clean Energy Act, this ground breaking measure would make San Francisco the lead major city in the movement to halt the global climate crisis, and set a new national standard for renewable energy. The San Francisco Clean Energy Act must pass out of the Rules Committee and then get the approval of six Board Supervisors to reach the November 2008 ballot. What You Can Do: Contact Your Supervisors And Attend The Hearing! Email the Board of Supervisors today and urge them to approve this outstanding ballot measure. Simply copy the sample message below and send it and/or a composition of your own to board.of.supervisors(a)sfgov.org **Sample Message** Dear Supervisor, Please vote YES to send the San Francisco Clean Energy Act to the November 2008 ballot, and allow voters to fight climate change by mandating 100% clean renewable electricity for San Francisco! Thank You! [your name and address here] **end of sample message** ***ATTEND TOMORROW'S HEARING*** Show up and speak in favor of the San Francisco Clean Energy Act at tomorrow's Rules Committee hearing! The hearing will be held: WHERE: San Francisco City Hall, Room 263, (From Civic Center BART/MUNI at 8th and Market, cross United Nations Plaza to City Hall.) WHEN: Friday, June 27, 10am For full hearing details see: http://www.sfgov.org/site/bdsupvrs_page.asp?id=83353 The Clean Energy Act is item 7, however the preceding items will likely be completed very quickly. Thanks, as always, for your continued action and support. peace Eric Brooks Campaign Coordinator Our City This alert sent by: Our City 1028-A Howard St. San Francisco, CA 94103 415-756-8844 For more information about Our City campaigns go to: http://www.our-city.org info(a)our-city.org

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[Sustain] Mayor's Ballot Measure Attack On Transit Authority
by Eric Brooks 26 Jun '08

26 Jun '08

Mayor's Ballot Measure Attack On Transit Authority from http://www.beyondchron.org/articles/Budget_Cuts_Hit_Indigent_Political_Skir… ...Finally, Newsom submitted an Ordinance to change the make-up of the Transportation Authority (SFCTA) -- a body that administers $100 million a year in sales tax revenue for transportation projects. While Muni is run by a seven-member Commission entirely appointed by the Mayor (the MTA), the Board of Supervisors run the SFCTA -- which gives the legislative branch some control over the City's transportation policy. Newsom's Ordinance would kick the Supervisors off the Transportation Authority and replace them with five members: (1) the Mayor, (2) an elected official appointed by the Mayor, (3) the President of the Board of Supervisors, (4) an elected official appointed by the Board President, and (5) the City Treasurer. I asked City Treasurer Jose Cisneros at last night's Harvey Milk Club Dinner what he thought about such a proposal. Incredibly, Cisneros -- who Newsom appointed to his post in 2004 -- had not yet been told about it. by Paul Hogarth, Jun. 18, 2008 -- "I am not a liberator. Liberators do not exist. The people liberate themselves." -- Che Guevara

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[Sustain] EcoAction Committee Final Draft Proposal on Water
by Mato Ska 25 Jun '08

25 Jun '08

I may not be able to make it. FYI we have not officially concluded the vote but it has unanimous approval to date. For review and discussion. Mato Ska The EcoAction Committee considers the importance of the water resource a critical priority in this election year and every year after. The Green Party advocates for the future well-being of generations to come by actively working to implement the necessary legislation, electing the committed candidates and establishing the required administrative and political measures in every state. We actively work in accordance with our Key Values to make the changes needed to empower the people to make the decisions regarding the water resource that impact on their daily lives. We want: * to work together with our neighbors in making decisions that recognize the stake that future generations have in those decisions; (Future Focus) * to make plans that care for our water resources in ways that recognize our dependence on a finite supply of fresh water respect the integrity of ecosystems and the natural patterns of water and to recognize the impact of decisions on surface, ground and oceanic waters; (Ecological Wisdom) * to recognize that we share our world with other peoples who are impacted by the policies of the US in the World Bank and support the rights of indigenous peoples and other nations to assure their ability to survive and access clean, affordable water resources and maintain their traditional cultures; (Personal and Global Responsibility) * to assure accountability on the part of those making decisions on water use by having them be elected officials representing the community of varied users, water specialists, the environment and the water companies directly accountable to local people; (Grassroots Democracy) *to acknowledge the diversity of plant and animal life dependent on long-enduring ecosystems and to recognize the planetary importance of water systems on all life; (Respect for Diversity) * to prevent the usurpation of public rights by privatization and multi-national corporations and maintain local public control of water resource planning and management; (Decentralization) * to make affordable drinking water available to everyone in the bio-region as a priority, recognizing that access to such water is a basic human right and include the impacts on impoverished neighborhoods, rural communities and family farmers of water policy decisions; (Social Justice) * and to integrate local policies regarding water conservation, re-use, land use and urban planning within the parameters of the existing regional renewable supplies of water, and maintain a working relation between urban economic development with local rural agriculture. (Community-based Economics and Economic Justice) The National Committee of the Green Party of the United States and its affiliated state parties will work to educate candidates, engage the public in supporting positive legislation at all levels of government and unite with public officials in implementing the changes needed to realize these goals. The impacts of climate change necessarily need to be included in water policies. The reforms needed take political changes and reforms in our water management systems. It will take updating of water laws to address changing populations and local priorities. It will take a political party and its candidates to educate the public of the crisis that has already been demonstrated from Maine to Florida to the South West and California. There is no time, and no water, to waste. We propose that state parties review this resolution and consider its implications locally and within their respective states. We invite input into any part of it prior to an introduction sponsored by any state to the National Committee. It is our hope to provide an initial template that states may sharpen and review with their local organizations, other states and the EcoAction Committee. This resolution when approved will be posted prior to its introduction on the NC list for circulation and review by affiliated state parties. It is an action proposal and not an amendment to the Platform. Part of that action is the internal education and dialogue generated before its introduction as an NC Resolution. Another part of it is to discuss policy as it relates to our general work surrounding the water resource and review differences as they exist and to formulate a proposal that addresses concerns. Finally, a review of priorities of work in this area can be established by state parties as they are relevant to local conditions. ---------------------------------------- > From: dave(a)livablecity.org > To: brookse32(a)aim.com > Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:27:22 -0700 > CC: sustainability(a)sfgreens.org; active(a)sfgreens.org; transpo(a)sfgreens.org > Subject: Re: [Sustain] [SFGP-A] Important! Joint Transpo/Sustainability Working Group, Thu June 26, 6:30pm > > I can't attend this meeting because it's my family night, but I have > these comments: > > 1. The proposed fare hikes are for July 2009, not sooner. That's not > imminent. The price of parking and the price of parking violations > will rise sooner than fares. And single ride fares will not rise one > penny. Really low-income folks who cannot afford the full cost of a > monthly pass and therefore pay the single ride fare will be affected > by this increase only by experiencing better service. Other really low- > income folks who scrape together $45 will benefit from an expanded low- > income fast pass discount which is part of the deal with the MTA. > > At $55, the monthly pass will be ... > > ... an appropriate amount relative to the single ride fare (about 37 > times -- which is the discount for a monthly pass that is unlikely to > cause people to switch to paying the single ride fare and thereby slow > the system down and discourage ridership). > > ... a great deal cheaper than most comparable transit systems (NYC=81, > AC Transit = 70 or 116, LA=75, for examples), and > > ... at the high end of its historical price in constant dollars (see > the attached chart), but less than its peak of $54.09 in 2007 dollars > (which is at least $57 in 2009 dollars). > > Local, urban transit should be free, but paid for by taxing the rich. > Until we figure that out, appropriate fare increases to provide the > funding necessary to provide reliable transit service should be > supported, especially when those fare increases are not likely to > discourage ridership and come after increases to car costs. I would > respect a principled decision by the SFGP to oppose any and all fare > increases, including "reasonable" ones, but I strongly believe this is > a reasonable fare increase and should be supported. > > 2. I don't have much to say in writing about the mayor's proposed > ballot measure. I'm happy to talk with anyone personally about it. I > will say this: the SFCTA is one of the best functioning agencies in > the city. And, I'll forward separately an email I wrote much earlier > about the two agencies, for your edification. > > Have fun! > > Dave

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[Sustain] Important! Joint Transpo/Sustainability Working Group, Thu June 26, 6:30pm
by Eric Brooks 25 Jun '08

25 Jun '08

Hi all, VERY important stuff is happening on transportation, utilities and energy in San Francisco, and we really need to meet. This Thursday June 26, 6:30pm, SFGP Office Proposed Agenda 1) Imminent Muni Fare Hikes 2) Mayor's Ballot Measure Removing Board of Supes Oversight Of Transit 3) Nov Ballot Measure For 100% Green Public Power! 4) PREPARING FOR AUGUST APPOINTMENTS TO THE SFPUC 5) Peak Oil Report? (Jeanne) 6) Water Report? (Mato Ska) 7) Quick Update On Community Choice & Power Plants -- "I am not a liberator. Liberators do not exist. The people liberate themselves." – Che Guevara

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