Taking Action http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction Just another actlocallysf.org weblog Mon, 03 Mar 2008 20:36:11 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=wordpress-mu-1.0 en SFPUC Gives Blessing to Solar Incentives http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2008/01/09/sfpuc-gives-blessing-to-solar-incentives/ http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2008/01/09/sfpuc-gives-blessing-to-solar-incentives/#comments Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:57:51 +0000 Taking Action energy pollution Board of Supervisors green business Bayview-Hunter's Point solar housing Nob Hill Potrero Hill Dogpatch http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2008/01/09/sfpuc-gives-blessing-to-solar-incentives/ By John Upton
San Francisco Examiner

The heavens will power Grace Cathedral — with help from The City — if supervisors vote to bankroll solar-panel installations, according to an environmental and religious leader who joined others Tuesday in endorsing the program. The City’s public utilities commissioners Tuesday unanimously endorsed the proposed solar incentive program, announced last month by Mayor Gavin Newsom. If approved by the Board of Supervisors, the program will provide grants of up to $10,000 per building to help meet solar-panel installation costs. “We’ll be taking advantage of it,” the Rev. Sally Bingham, environment chair of the diocese of California and president of California Interfaith Power and Light, told commissioners before their vote. “We are looking right now at putting solar on our Grace Cathedral roof at the top of Nob Hill.”

]]> ActLocallySF Gavin Newsom San Francisco solarBy John Upton
San Francisco Examiner

The heavens will power Grace Cathedral — with help from The City — if supervisors vote to bankroll solar-panel installations, according to an environmental and religious leader who joined others Tuesday in endorsing the program.

The City’s public utilities commissioners Tuesday unanimously endorsed the proposed solar incentive program, announced last month by Mayor Gavin Newsom. If approved by the Board of Supervisors, the program will provide grants of up to $10,000 per building to help meet solar-panel installation costs.

“We’ll be taking advantage of it,” the Rev. Sally Bingham, environment chair of the diocese of California and president of California Interfaith Power and Light, told commissioners before their vote. “We are looking right now at putting solar on our Grace Cathedral roof at the top of Nob Hill.”

Homeowners in the Bayview- Hunters Point, Potrero Hill and Dogpatch neighborhoods will be eligible for up to $5,000 in assistance under the solar incentive program because they are in environmental justice districts, according to SFPUC Assistant General Manager for Power Barbara Hale.

Other city homeowners will be eligible for up to $3,000, according to Hale, or up to $4,000 if they hire a local company. Businesses will be eligible for up to $10,000.

The SFPUC will begin accepting applications for the $3 million program on a first-come, first-served basis after the program is approved by the Board of Supervisors, according to Hale.

She said she expects supervisors in February to approve the program, which will be funded largely with money from hydroelectric power sales.

Supervisors are also considering providing interest-free solar installation loans to property owners, which would be repaid using money saved on future power bills, according to SFPUC spokesman Tony Winnicker.

    ]]>     http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2008/01/09/sfpuc-gives-blessing-to-solar-incentives/feed/     Help Feed the Hungry this Holiday Season http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2007/12/18/help-the-hungry-this-holiday-season/ http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2007/12/18/help-the-hungry-this-holiday-season/#comments Tue, 18 Dec 2007 20:50:39 +0000 Taking Action kids Food Bank http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2007/12/18/help-the-hungry-this-holiday-season/ ActLocallySF Gavin Newsom San Francisco Food BankThe holidays are upon us, and everywhere you turn there are signs of the season. For most of us this is a joyful time -- a time to relax and reflect with family and friends -- a time to put aside our differences and be thankful for our health and hopeful for the future. But, for an alarming number of Bay Area families, seniors and others, this is an extremely stressful time of the year. The San Francisco Food Bank estimates that one in four children does not get enough food to cover their daily nutritional needs in our city and 150,000 people are living with the threat of hunger. This holiday season, the Food Bank will try to feed more than 20,000 local families who are having a difficult time putting enough food on the table. But they will not be able to do it without our support. ]]> ActLocallySF Gavin Newsom San Francisco Food BankThe holidays are upon us, and everywhere you turn there are signs of the season. For most of us this is a joyful time — a time to relax and reflect with family and friends — a time to put aside our differences and be thankful for our health and hopeful for the future. 
     
    But, for an alarming number of Bay Area families, seniors and others, this is an extremely stressful time of the year. The San Francisco Food Bank estimates that one in four children does not get enough food to cover their daily nutritional needs in our city and 150,000 people are living with the threat of hunger.
     
    This holiday season, the Food Bank will try to feed more than 20,000 local families who are having a difficult time putting enough food on the table. But they will not be able to do it without our support.
     
    Please help the Food Bank feed those who would otherwise go hungry this holiday season. Share what you can, no gift is too small. Click here to donate or send checks to the San Francisco Food Bank, 900 Pennsylvania Ave., San Francisco, CA 94107.

    For every $1 donated, the Food Bank can distribute $9 worth of food to our community. Ninety-seven percent of all resources donated are put into programs that help feed seniors, children and working families. My campaign donated $500 to help feed the hungry today. I hope you will join me in supporting the San Francisco Food Bank too. 

    There are a number of other ways you can help without giving money. The following items are especially needed: canned tuna, fish, meat, peanut butter, soups, stews and chili, canned fruits and vegetables, 100 percent fruit juices, beans, rice and pasta. You can drop off the nonperishable food in the green Food Bank barrels at your local supermarket.

    Thank you for your generosity and Happy Holidays!

      ]]>       http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2007/12/18/help-the-hungry-this-holiday-season/feed/       Coast Guard Asking For Help Finding Injured Wildlife, Tracking Spill http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2007/11/09/coast-guard-asking-for-help-finding-injured-wildlife-tracking-spill/ http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2007/11/09/coast-guard-asking-for-help-finding-injured-wildlife-tracking-spill/#comments Fri, 09 Nov 2007 18:08:17 +0000 Taking Action environment pollution Civic Pride http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2007/11/09/coast-guard-asking-for-help-finding-injured-wildlife-tracking-spill/ ActLocallySF Gavin Newsom San Francisco oil spillSan Francisco Chronicle

      The Coast Guard is asking for the public's help with the oil spill that has fouled San Francisco Bay and local beaches. No government agency has put out calls for volunteers, but that information will eventually be posted online at www.owcn.org. People interested in volunteering with the cleanup should not call any of the numbers, as the high level of calls has made it difficult to disseminate information, officials said today. Enviornmental group Baykeeper is collecting a list of interested volunteers via their Web site, www.baykeeper.org.

      ]]>       ActLocallySF Gavin Newsom San Francisco oil spillSan Francisco Chronicle


      The Coast Guard is asking for the public’s help with the oil spill that has fouled San Francisco Bay and local beaches.

      No government agency has put out calls for volunteers, but that information will eventually be posted online at www.owcn.org. People interested in volunteering with the cleanup should not call any of the numbers, as the high level of calls has made it difficult to disseminate information, officials said today.

      Enviornmental group Baykeeper is collecting a list of interested volunteers via their Web site, www.baykeeper.org.

      Residents can help authorities track the movement of the spill by calling the private cleanup company, O’Brien’s Group of Southern California at (985) 781-0804.

      Report oiled wildlife at (877) 823-6926.

      Owners of damaged property can submit a claim by calling (8 8) 850-8486.

        ]]>         http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2007/11/09/coast-guard-asking-for-help-finding-injured-wildlife-tracking-spill/feed/         Vote Absentee for San Francisco http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2007/10/25/vote-absentee-for-san-francisco/ http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2007/10/25/vote-absentee-for-san-francisco/#comments Thu, 25 Oct 2007 22:28:02 +0000 Taking Action homeless streets 311 panhandling health care community court election http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2007/10/25/vote-absentee-for-san-francisco/ ActLocallySF Gavin Newsom San Francisco City Hall A new state ruling means it could be weeks before all votes cast at the polls on Election Day are counted. That's why the best way to vote this year is to vote by mail. Make sure your vote is counted -- keep San Francisco moving forward -- vote absentee. You have until October 30th to request an absentee ballot. If you have an absentee ballot at home return it today. By voting you are saying that we need more innovative homeless solutions like Care Not Cash, which has moved 2,062 homeless people into permanent housing. That we should continue to reform city government with programs like the new 311 Call Center, which just received its one millionth call. And that making our streets safe, clean and pothole free is not just a promise but a priority.]]> ActLocallySF Gavin Newsom San Francisco City Hall A new state ruling means it could be weeks before all votes cast at the polls on Election Day are counted. That’s why the best way to vote this year is to vote by mail. Click here to sign up to be an absentee voter. Make sure your vote is counted — keep San Francisco moving forward — vote absentee.
         
        You have until October 30th to request an absentee ballot. If you have an absentee ballot at home return it today. Make sure your voice is heard on Nov. 6th.

        By voting you are saying that we need more innovative homeless solutions like Care Not Cash, which has moved 2,062 homeless people into permanent housing. That we should continue to reform city government with programs like the new 311 Call Center, which just received its one millionth call. And that making our streets safe, clean and pothole free is not just a promise but a priority.

        It takes less than a minute to request an absentee ballot. Please help us continue the work of reducing panhandling and homelessness by opening the new Community Justice Center, fully implementing the first universal health care plan in the country and closing the digital divide by providing free WiFi to all San Franciscans.
         
        With your support we can finish the work we have started together.
          ]]>           http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2007/10/25/vote-absentee-for-san-francisco/feed/           Vote for San Francisco http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2007/10/09/vote-for-san-francisco/ http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2007/10/09/vote-for-san-francisco/#comments Tue, 09 Oct 2007 23:45:11 +0000 Taking Action homeless streets police health care education quality of life http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2007/10/09/vote-for-san-francisco/ ActLocallySF Gavin Newsom San Francisco Election Day is fast approaching - with only 28 days left before the polls open citywide. But, the first votes can and will be cast today -- that's why we need your help this week. If you believe we need more police and better community policing strategies to make our city safer -- if you believe the homeless situation needs more innovative solutions like Care Not Cash and the Community Justice Center -- if you believe we need to continue making significant investments to repair our streets -- Please sign up to be an absentee voter today. We want to make sure that every person is heard and every vote counted on Nov. 6th. ]]> ActLocallySF Gavin Newsom San Francisco Election Day is fast approaching - with only 28 days left before the polls open citywide. But, the first votes can and will be cast today — that’s why we need your help this week. We have accomplished a lot during the last four years, from taking a stand on marriage equality to implementing the first universal health care plan in the country to providing pre-school and after-school programs for all children. But we have a lot more work to do.
           
          If you believe we need more police and better community policing strategies to make our city safer — if you believe the homeless situation needs more innovative solutions like Care Not Cash and the Community Justice Center — if you believe we need to continue making significant investments to repair our streets — Please sign up to be an absentee voter today. And then join us this Saturday as we hit the streets to talk with San Franciscans about the next four years.
           
          We want to make sure that every person is heard and every vote counted on Nov. 6th. We don’t want potential problems with polling machines or a low turnout to slow down our audacious agenda for San Francisco. Click here to sign up to be an absentee voter. We need your support today.
           
          Here are the details for Saturday:

          WHEN:  Saturday, October 13th
                          10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

          WHAT:  Newsom for Mayor Field Mobilization

          WHERE:  The Labor Council Hall
                            1188 Franklin St. at Geary Blvd. (click here for a map)

          RSVP:  (415) 351-0359 (ask for Aaron) or aaron.goldsmith@actlocallysf.org   

          Please come join other dedicated Newsom supporters this Saturday morning as we walk precinct to precinct talking to voters about the major issues facing San Francisco.

          We have a lot more work to do and together we can continue to change the world by taking a stand for San Francisco.

            ]]>             http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2007/10/09/vote-for-san-francisco/feed/             Send Congress a Message http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2007/10/04/send-congress-a-message/ http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2007/10/04/send-congress-a-message/#comments Thu, 04 Oct 2007 23:40:52 +0000 Taking Action safety business health care hospitals kids Civic Pride http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2007/10/04/send-congress-a-message/ San Franciscans are leading the way on health care -- and California and the nation are watching as we implement Healthy San Francisco. Now, it's time to tell our elected officials in Washington, D.C. to act boldly like San Francisco to resolve the health care crisis. Earlier this week President Bush denied health insurance to approximately 5.8 million children when he vetoed a bill that would have expanded the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). If we can get 2/3 of Congress to stand up to President Bush, we can override his veto. Take action to provide health insurance for millions of uninsured American kids and stand-up to the Bush administration. Contact your members of Congress today.]]> ActLocallySF Gavin Newsom San Francisco health care doctorsEarlier this week President Bush denied health insurance to approximately 5.8 million children when he vetoed a bill that would have expanded the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). In Sacramento the Governor continues to debate various health care proposals while millions of Californians remain uninsured. But, here in San Francisco, we are signing up residents for the first universal health care plan in the country. To date, 2,655 people have enrolled in Healthy San Francisco. By the end of June 2008, we anticipate serving approximately 46,000 uninsured residents.

            San Franciscans are leading the way on health care — and California and the nation are watching as we implement Healthy San Francisco. Now, it’s time to tell our elected officials in Washington, D.C. to act boldly like San Francisco to resolve the health care crisis. If we can get 2/3 of Congress to stand up to President Bush, we can override his veto. Take action to provide health insurance for millions of uninsured American kids and stand-up to the Bush administration. Contact your members of Congress today.

              ]]>               http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2007/10/04/send-congress-a-message/feed/               Support Universal Health Care http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2007/09/20/support-universal-health-care/ http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2007/09/20/support-universal-health-care/#comments Thu, 20 Sep 2007 17:45:36 +0000 Taking Action health care http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2007/09/20/support-universal-health-care/ As the Bush administration continues to ignore millions of uninsured Americans -- we are taking action. As our state government in Sacramento studies what to do -- we are implementing a bold plan. And the country is watching. Read what the New York Times has to say about our unprecedented attempt "to patch a broken federal system." Check out the Healthy San Francisco website. And if you believe in universal health care -- help us fully implement Healthy San Francisco by signing our petition. ]]> ActLocallySF Gavin Newsom San Francisco health careSan Francisco is now the first city in the United States implementing a universal health care plan. The program, Healthy San Francisco, opened in July with two clinics. We are now expanding the project to all 20 neighborhood health clinics. So far, 1,548 San Franciscans have enrolled for free or subsidized medical care and by the end of the year, we hope to cover an additional 17,000 residents - well on the way toward our ambitious goal of offering coverage to all 82,000 uninsured San Franciscans. 

              When fully implemented, Healthy San Francisco will be available to any resident 18-64 without health insurance, regardless of income or immigration status. 

              As the Bush administration continues to ignore millions of uninsured Americans — we are taking action. As our state government in Sacramento studies what to do — we are implementing a bold plan. And the country is watching. Read what the New York Times has to say about our unprecedented attempt "to patch a broken federal system." Check out the Healthy San Francisco website. And if you believe in universal health care — help us fully implement Healthy San Francisco by signing our petition. 

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              ]]>               http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2007/09/20/support-universal-health-care/feed/               Join Mayor Newsom, Encourage Youth Activism http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2007/07/31/join-mayor-newsom-encourage-youth-activism/ http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2007/07/31/join-mayor-newsom-encourage-youth-activism/#comments Tue, 31 Jul 2007 23:16:34 +0000 Taking Action youth voting youth policies Politics activism http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2007/07/31/join-mayor-newsom-encourage-youth-activism/ Mayor Gavin Newsom 18 in 08This Thursday evening, Mayor Newsom will join Mobilize.org to launch its Democracy 2.0 campaign and premier an exciting new documentary, “18 in ’08.” This film, created by an 18-year-old filmmaker, features candid interviews on voter turnout with young people across America. The Mayor will speak about the importance of youth involvement in politics and government, as well as the crucial role of technology in encouraging civic participation among young people. The event, hosted by Mobilize.org, will celebrate the launch of the Democracy 2.0 campaign—an effort to empower young people to vote and become active in their communities. Join Mayor Newsom this Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Dragon Bar (473 Broadway St.) to help launch Democracy 2.0 and find out about ways to get involved and Act Locally.]]> Mayor Gavin Newsom 18 in 08This Thursday evening, Mayor Newsom will join Mobilize.org to launch its Democracy 2.0 campaign and premier an exciting new documentary, “18 in ’08.” This film, created by an 18-year-old filmmaker, features candid interviews on voter turnout with young people across America. The Mayor will speak about the importance of youth involvement in politics and government, as well as the crucial role of technology in encouraging civic participation among young people. The event, hosted by Mobilize.org, will celebrate the launch of the Democracy 2.0 campaign—an effort to empower young people to vote and become active in their communities. Join Mayor Newsom this Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Dragon Bar (473 Broadway St.) to help launch Democracy 2.0 and find out about ways to get involved and Act Locally.

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              ]]>               http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2007/07/31/join-mayor-newsom-encourage-youth-activism/feed/               Join Speaker Pelosi, Sign Al Gore’s Live Earth Pledge http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2007/06/29/join-speaker-pelosi-sign-al-gores-live-earth-pledge/ http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2007/06/29/join-speaker-pelosi-sign-al-gores-live-earth-pledge/#comments Fri, 29 Jun 2007 20:53:56 +0000 Taking Action energy global warming pollution green recyling http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2007/06/29/join-speaker-pelosi-sign-al-gores-live-earth-pledge/ Today, Speaker Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and thousands of people around the world signed Al Gore’s Live Earth Pledge. The pledge calls on individuals to fight the global climate crisis at home and at work. The Live Earth Pledge was created in conjunction with the Live Earth concerts taking place in Johannesburg, London, New Jersey, Rio de Janeiro, Shanghai, Sydney and Tokyo on July 7, 2007. You can find out more about the concerts at www.liveearth.org. Do your part, sign the pledge today.]]> Live Earth ActLocallySF Gavin Newsom San FranciscoToday, Speaker Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and thousands of people around the world signed Al Gore’s Live Earth Pledge. The pledge calls on individuals to fight the global climate crisis at home and at work. 

              The Live Earth Pledge was created in conjunction with the Live Earth concerts taking place in Johannesburg, London, New Jersey, Rio de Janeiro, Shanghai, Sydney and Tokyo on July 7, 2007. You can find out more about the concerts at www.liveearth.org. 

              Do your part, sign the pledge today.

              PLEDGE:

              1. To demand that my country join an international treaty within the next 2 years that cuts global warming pollution by 90% in developed countries and by more than half worldwide in time for the next generation to inherit a healthy earth; 

              2. To take personal action to help solve the climate crisis by reducing my own CO2 pollution as much as I can and offsetting the rest to become “carbon neutral;” 

              3. To fight for a moratorium on the construction of any new generating facility that burns coal without the capacity to safely trap and store the CO2; 

              4. To work for a dramatic increase in the energy efficiency of my home, workplace, school, place of worship, and means of transportation; 

              5. To fight for laws and policies that expand the use of renewable energy sources and reduce dependence on oil and coal; 

              6. To plant new trees and to join with others in preserving and protecting forests; and, 

              7. To buy from businesses and support leaders who share my commitment to solving the climate crisis and building a sustainable, just, and prosperous world for the 21st century.

              Here in San Francisco, Mayor Newsom and the people of San Francisco have led the way in combating global warming. We lead the world in recycling. Solar power? Yes. Hybrid fuel vehicles. Of course.  

              Join us and sign the pledge.

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              ]]>               http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2007/06/29/join-speaker-pelosi-sign-al-gores-live-earth-pledge/feed/               The Concerts for a Climate in Crisis http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2007/06/27/the-concerts-for-a-climate-in-crisis/ http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2007/06/27/the-concerts-for-a-climate-in-crisis/#comments Wed, 27 Jun 2007 17:14:33 +0000 Taking Action global warming green http://actlocallysf.org/blog/takingaction/2007/06/27/the-concerts-for-a-climate-in-crisis/ "Thanks to the readers of ActLocallySF.org, Mayor Newsom and the citizens of San Francisco for all of the hard work you are doing to solve the climate crisis. On July 7th, Live Earth will mark the beginning of a three-year campaign that will mobilize people worldwide to take action to solve the climate crisis. Global warming can only be solved by an unprecedented and sustained global movement--but it has to start with you. We hope to jump-start that movement right here and right now.  I hope that you will join us on 7/7/07." -- Al Gore ]]> Al Gore ActLocallySF Gavin Newsom San FranciscoA Message from Al Gore to ActLocallySF.org members about the Global Climate Crisis:

              "Thanks to the readers of ActLocallySF.org, Mayor Newsom and the citizens of San Francisco for all of the hard work you are doing to solve the climate crisis.

              On July 7th, Live Earth will mark the beginning of a three-year campaign that will mobilize people worldwide to take action to solve the climate crisis. Global warming can only be solved by an unprecedented and sustained global movement–but it has to start with you. We hope to jump-start that movement right here and right now.  I hope that you will join us on 7/7/07." — Al Gore

              In between Oscar winning movies and Nobel prize nominations, Al Gore has undertaken yet another incredible effort to bring attention to the global climate crisis – Live Earth.

              Live Earth is a 24-hour, 7-continent concert series taking place on 7/7/07 that will bring together more than 100 music artists and 2 billion people to triggerActLocallySF Gavin Newsom San Francisco

              Live Earth will reach this worldwide audience through an unprecedented global media architecture covering all media platforms - TV, radio, Internet and wireless channels.

              Live Earth marks the beginning of a multi-year campaign led by the Alliance for Climate Protection, The Climate Group and other international organizations to drive individuals, corporations and governments to take action to solve global warming. Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore is the Chair of the Alliance and Partner of Live Earth.

              Live Earth was founded by Kevin Wall, the Worldwide Executive Producer of Live 8, an event that brought together one of the largest audiences in history to combat poverty. Wall formed a partnership with Al Gore and the Alliance for Climate Protection to ensure that Live Earth inspires behavioral changes long after 7/7/07.

              Live Earth will stage official concerts at Giants Stadium in New York; Wembley Stadium in London; Aussie Stadium in Sydney; Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro; Maropeng at the Cradle of Humankind in Johannesburg; Makuhari Messe in Tokyo; the Steps of the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai; and HSH Nordbank Arena in Hamburg.

              You can get more information on the event at www.liveearth.org. 

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