Focus the Nation Calendar of Events

Seriously, Don’t Drive Your Car

It seems as though our nation has finally reached the tipping point for cultural and political awareness of global warming pollution and sustainable living. A few politicians still have their heads buried in the sand, but even W (He-Who-Soon-Must-Not-Be-Named) is paying lip service to green technology.

However, this is just the beginning for sustainability crusaders. We have identified the problem and accepted its validity. Now we must find and enact solutions.

For many of us armchair sociologists, the process to reclaim a sustainable role for humanity on this planet is just as interesting as the actual solutions that are being formulated. Modern mass-media technology and an increasingly entrenched belief in democracy  have provided a fecund medium in which to educate and engage humans on this global issue. Focus the Nation, with its  open teach-ins, variegated perspectives and broad use of technology, is a prime example of the types of events that continue to shape the sustainability zeitgeist.

The City of Davis Community Sustainability and Climate Change program is another piece of the sustainability movement that needs your participation. The Climate Action Team
(CAT) is currently being appointed by a diverse group of community groups and  will be the public face for these efforts. (Disclaimer: I have been appointed  by the Open Space & Habitat Commission to
serve on the CAT.) The Davis Voice have more information about these efforts as they occur.

In the meantime, the recently appointed members of the CAT have been invited to attend The 2% Solution webcast (see info below) and will be meeting informally with the community. So far, appointments to the CAT include: Dirk Brazil (Yolo County), Stacie Frerichs (Sierra Club),  Mark Braly (Planning Commission), Sid England, and James Cramer.

Attached (Download cat_appointment.doc) find a document describing the Climate Action Team. It is an exciting step forward to create a cogent city policy that will reduce our community’s carbon
footprint.

Our excitement at the prospect of rapid cultural changes that promote sustainability, however, must be tempered with an appreciation of the importance of social justice. The poorest and most  disenfranchised humans on our planet are also the first  and  most serious victims of pollution and global climate change. Simply put, we must continue to better our planet by working with and for all of humanity.

Now, please excuse me as I turn over my soap-box, strap it to my bike and head off to do some actual work. Below you’ll find my picks for the upcoming Focus the Nation extravaganza (see the full schedule here).

Wednesday, 30 January 2008

The 2% Solution Focus the Nation Webcast & Local Discusion
4:30 – 8:00pm. Discussion begins at 6pm. Please join at ANY time.
Veteran’s Memorial Theatre, 203 East 14th Street, Davis

I’m especially stoked about two of these speakers. Hunter Lovins is a sustainability expert who co-founded the venerable Rocky Mountain Institute. She is one of those rare humans that combines
hard-scientific knowledge, entrepreneurial spirit, indefatigable enthusiasm and… she’s dripping with charisma. I had the honor of meeting her at The Commonwealth Club last year. Trust me, in this new age of hopeful enthusiasm (see Obama, Barack), Hunter Lovins is just the right person to be sounding the horn for sustainability.

Van Jones is also an inspired choice. Also a charismatic organizer and speaker, Mr.  Jones serves as our moral compass in this time of change. He is a long-time proponent of social justice in the environmental movement. I’ve also  met Mr. Jones and heard him speak at the United Nations Environment Programme’s World Environment Day 2005 and at the Craigslist Foundation’s Nonprofit Boot
Camp. You won’t be disappointed with this fantastic speaker.

After the webcast, meet the people who are serving locally to enact sustainable practices.
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Thursday, 31 January 2008

TEACH-IN: Local Government Strategies
10:30am -11:50am
ARC Ballroom, UC Davis

Join with Mitch Sears, City of Davis Sustainability Program Coordinator, West  Sacramento Mayor (and Assembly candidate) Christopher Cabaldon and others for a lively and informative discussion about the status of local efforts.

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Green Bag Lunch with Kim Stanley Robinson
12:00pm – 1:30pm
Freeborn Hall

Ok, so let’s go ahead and air this out: I have a huge heteromantic (non-sexual… did you get that? Just making sure) crush on author Kim Stanley Robinson. I first read Mr. Robinson as a 20 year old, wide-eyed and bushy tailed environmental neophyte. While studying at Biosphere2’s Earth  Semester, my mentor suggested that I read Red Mars to better understand the cultural aspect of environmental decisions. Anywho, he’s a fantastic author and in my opinion, our biggest  Dalebrity.  I’ve never met him in person, but have no fear, I will get a picture and a signed book.

Come and join what I’m sure will be a fascinating  conversation about American culture and climate change.

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World of Ideas Café Green Democracy
4:30pm – 7:00pm
Freeborn Hall

An interactive, team based approach to discussing  policymaker solutions. You’ve got a voice, now use it.

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Focus the Celebration
7:30pm – 10pm
Freeborn Hall

With these band names, it’s difficult to not be intrigued:  Chicken Tractor, Boca Do Rio, Sex Funk and Danger, and Quiet Sterling Riot (please, please, please do a cover of “Cum on Feel the Noize”… you’ll be instant  Dalebrities if you fulfill this one little wish). I have no idea what these bands play, but you should always support local music. If I get a music contributor signed on this week, that will be their first
assignment.

Send me pics, stories, and notes from these oh-so- right& relevant events: tips@davisvoice.com.