Points of View

Written by Gloria Wilson | 30 September 2010
Posted in iNFORMATION PRESS - Points of View

PROP 23

The renewable energy economy in California is under threat by two Texas oil companies, Tesoro and Valero. These out of state corporations put Proposition 23 on the November ballot and paid millions in support of the initiative. Prop. 23, deceptively called the Jobs Initiative, will suspend the Global Warming Solution Act of 2006 (AB32) and stifle a sustainable future for our state. This so called “common sense” and “temporary” solution to current economic problems is nothing but another attempt by dirty energy suppliers to try and increase business interests at the expense of the public interests.

The “temporary” set up means that AB32 would be suspended until California’s unemployment rate (currently at 12.3%) drops to 5.5% for four consecutive calendar quarters. Prop 23 advocates fail to inform voters that the unemployment rate has only met this mark in the parameters specified three times since 1980. Using the state of the economy, officials can claim to merely “suspend” AB32 while remaining vague about when or if it will ever be re-established.

A Huffington Post article written by Laura Bassett demonstrates some of the complexities of the issue. A Missouri nonprofit group, The Adam Smith Foundation was recently accused of abusing its tax status for having donated $498,000 to Prop. 23 without disclosing its donors. So why are so many out of state interests pushing for Prop. 23? As the Adam Smith Foundation President John Elliot said, “Anything to do with energy affects Missouri, No. 1 because we rely heavily on coal," (www.huffingtonpost.com). Every year, California coal plants release 67 million tons of green house gases (www.serriaclub.org). AB32 puts California on a road to sustainable solutions, which naturally concern dirty energy suppliers. California is a leading supplier of green and sustainable energy; getting 11.8% of energy from renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and hydroelectric in 2007 (www.ca.gov).

The United States can’t exist on oil infinitely. California is looking beyond the finite to long-term sustainable solutions and AB32 marked a huge step for environmentally conscious individuals across the nation.

Currently, CALPIRG students, a statewide bipartisan organization is forming groups of dedicated Cuesta and Calpoly students to get active on their No on Prop. 23 campaign. CALPIRG students are collecting pledges to vote no on 23 at colleges and universities across the state. The fear is for people to be misled by the ‘Jobs Initiative’ and go to the polls not realizing the anti-environmental implications of proposition 23.

If you support sustainable solutions, clean air, or just don’t want to see out of state corporations interfering with California’s affairs vote NO on Prop. 23!          

Written by Marisella Rodriguez | 01 July 2010
Posted in iNFORMATION PRESS - Points of View

Being an avid reader, I have the ability to escape my surroundings and emotions a few sentences into any story. Yet the best stories provide a distinct moment of clarity for each reader. This epiphany leaves the reader long after the book is done; it is a thought that can scratch at your brain or soothe your intellect.
In Matthew Dicks’ 2009 novel, Something Missing, professional thief Martin Railsback Jr. steals only what goes unnoticed from his “clients.” From laundry detergent to diamond earrings, Railsback spends years getting to personally know each client before stealing neglected items. With strict guidelines on conduct and daily lifestyle, Railsback grows to be an anti-social young man in order to preserve his career. Yet after a spontaneous situation leads him to emotionally contribute to clients’ lives for the better, he begins to acknowledge what is missing from his own life.
What draws me to this book is the idea that there are items in my home that would easily go unnoticed if taken. After much thought, I have come to the simple conclusion that I need to stop buying things I will never use. This understanding has no ties with being wasteful or a smart shopper, but the inability to enjoy the things I work hard to purchase.
Right around the time Railsback began to notice intangible things missing from his life, I did as well. Friends, family and laughter can sometimes fall to the wayside as daily responsibilities demand full attention. While I have yet to find a cure for this lifestyle, the best I can do to alleviate symptoms is maintain a balance. Much easier said than done, a balance of responsibilities and youthful actions can help fight all consuming adulthood.
Marisella Rodriguez is attempting to read one book a week throughout summer.